Thoughts on this Blyleven Jersey - 1980 Pirates

[mrozie21]

I've had this for years and believe that it's original as I have seen some other Pirates jerseys with the "ex 80" tag. The nameplate is not original.

[Jim65]

Re: Thoughts on this Blyleven Jersey - 1980 Pirates

1980 was Blyleven's 3rd year on the Pirates and he was an established star, why would he be issued a jersey tagged as an extra?

[sox83cubs84]

Re: Thoughts on this Blyleven Jersey - 1980 Pirates

This one's an almost impossible call to make 100% without seeing it firsthand. Going for it being worn by Blyleven are the size, and, if truly restored, the NOB. Hartel Sports picked up hundreds of Pirates gamers a couple of decades ago, and most they received had been recycled in the minors, so Hartel restored the NOB plates, although his ID accuracy was not 100%. In 1981 spring training, Odell Jones wore 22, and while the same height as Blyleven, was about 30 pounds lighter. Until somone can analyze the back for what NOB plate outlines can be discerned, it could have been worn by Blyleven, Jones or both.

Also, while the Extra status could have been from 1980, it tends to turn up more on gamers from the following year's spring training or regular season.

Dave Miedema

[mrozie21]

Re: Thoughts on this Blyleven Jersey - 1980 Pirates

The original stitching on the back is shorter than the replacement nameplate but probably not small enough for Odell Jones. I saw that Jones wore a size 42 in 1979.

The original nameplate is 13 1/2" long and the replacement is 16". I have a nameplate for Dale Berra from these white jerseys and it's 12 1/4" long. Also a Robinson nameplate from a Wilson yellow jersey that's 13 1/2 " long.

[Tay1038]

Re: Thoughts on this Blyleven Jersey - 1980 Pirates

The size is accurate for Blyleven. I own a 1986 pullover knit that is sourced from Bert and it is a size 44. Bert personally told me that he would not give any memorabilia away unless he signed and personalized it. That is a good sign the Pirates uniform is personalized. I cannot comment on the year tag tho. Hope this helps