Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

[colrise]

I have a question that maybe some of the Astro experts can help with. I see there are Goodman, Rawlings, & Russell makers the team used. I was wondering about the lettering position on the front. I own several rainbow shoulder Russell's in both white and cream. I also have a couple of TBTC 99 throwbacks made by Rawlings. The lettering on the front of the original Russells and TBTC 99 throwback Rawlings have pretty much the same position. It appears that the original Goodmans & Rawlings are off center with the AT and STROS on the other side of the buttons. Are these supposed to be off center and why? Am I looking at them wrong? May seem like a dumb question, but I was just wondering.

[colrise]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

Here are some pics to show

Goodmans

Russell

[sox83cubs84]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

The off-center location, to my knowledge, is normal pre-1992. The old pullovers from Sand-Knit and Goodman (1975-86) also used the off-center ASTROS, with the AS to the left (when viewing) of the point in the collar (they were pullovers) and TROS to the right of the point.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

Here's a Getty photo from 9/91 of Andujar Cedeno, with the AS/TROS split.




I can't tell from the photo if the uniform is a Rawlings or a Goodman.

Dave Miedema

[colrise]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

Just saw a Biggio jersey on ebay that is off center and is made by Russell in 1991. I didn't know they wore this brand in 1991. I thought it was Rawlings.

[sox83cubs84]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

Just saw a Biggio jersey on ebay that is off center and is made by Russell in 1991. I didn't know they wore this brand in 1991. I thought it was Rawlings.

In 1991, the new Russell contract for uniforms was announced well before season's end. As a result, Russell made "test" jerseys given to a handful of players on a tryout basis. This is the third I've seen...I also am aware of a Pirates Bobby Bonilla and a Twins Jack Morris.

Dave Miedema

[colrise]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

In 1991, the new Russell contract for uniforms was announced well before season's end. As a result, Russell made "test" jerseys given to a handful of players on a tryout basis. This is the third I've seen...I also am aware of a Pirates Bobby Bonilla and a Twins Jack Morris.

Dave Miedema

So, would that make this jersey rare and worth the risk for purchase?

[frikativ54]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

For comparison's sake, here is my photomatched 1991 Bagwell rookie-year jersey. Made by Rawlings.

[sox83cubs84]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

So, would that make this jersey rare and worth the risk for purchase?

I'm not sure just how much use the test jerseys got. If the Astros COA indicates it to be game used, and it's a real LOA, I'd give it a shot.

Dave Miedema

[frikativ54]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

I'm not sure just how much use the test jerseys got. If the Astros COA indicates it to be game used, and it's a real LOA, I'd give it a shot.

Dave Miedema

Shawn, the seller, is a GUU member. IMO, he is the best in the business, and I would buy his items without reservations. Of course, always do your homework. But if the team letter came from Shawn, then it's not a fake.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-Craig-B...item4d0dcbc9c7.

[BamaHater]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

I 2nd the seller and the jersey. It came from Astros Authentics and is totally legit. All high end Astros jerseys come with a LOA and are 100% legit. Mike stands by the jerseys he sells at Astros Authentics.

[frikativ54]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

I 2nd the seller and the jersey. It came from Astros Authentics and is totally legit. All high end Astros jerseys come with a LOA and are 100% legit. Mike stands by the jerseys he sells at Astros Authentics.

To the OP, there was an issue last year with a dealer, Chris Boyd, scanning and forging Astros' LOAs. In addition, a cursory search of GUU reveals that Mr. Boyd has been caught doctoring items. If you see items sourced from Chris, eBay id game-used-bat, then I would exercise extreme caution when purchasing. Even if they do have what appears to be an Astros' letter.

Here's the thread from last year on the LOAs:

http://www.gameuseduniverse.com/vb_f...astros+letters.

Just something to keep in mind.

[BamaHater]

Re: Help w/ Astros Rainbow Button Fronts

I forgot about the Chris Boyd incidents. BTW I always see him around the Astros Authentics booth whenever I go to games. He still is buying up stuff from the Astros.