Brett Butler practice jersey (1995 Mets) - feedback appreciated

[TNP777]

Hello all. I was pointed to this site by members of Collectors Universe (PSA) and FreedomCardBoard. I'm active on both sites and well-known as a Brett Butler collector. Recently I came into possession of what was advertised as an "authentic batting jersey...vintage jersey, not recently manufactured throwback".

Butler played with the Mets in '95, so I know what year it's from. My question - is this something that might have been available in the team store, or is there a chance it was only available to players? Whichever it is, I'm very pleased to have it. It'd be a bonus if it was something that might have been used.

This info was given me by a former Majestic employee:

Based on what they made through 1993 while I was still there, I would say yes. The Diamond Collection BP jerseys were style number 6000 * there IS a 6000 tag on the inside left of the jersey (as you're wearing it), the number plus the size (in letter form) were printed on a neck label along with a woven Majestic label *there is NOT a neck label of any kind. They did have locker tags just like the one you have, but did not have a little number size tag with it. The only jerseys that had the number tag added were the Team Order jerseys that were made for spring training and BP jerseys issued to the teams.

Another thought, while I was there, there was no jerseys made with numbers/names of players for retail purposes. That all came after I left but not sure of exactly when.

Again, all of that was through 1993. I do have a friend that travels each spring and actually measures players for the on field jerseys now and has been doing it for years. He did not move into that position though until well after your jersey was made.

IMO, that is a team ordered jersey, for either BP or spring training.

Mets experts (or jersey experts): based on the info above and the pictures below, what are your opinions? Thanks in advance.

Geordie

[sox83cubs84]

Looks reasonable to me. The proper interior tag then was, indeed, 6000...it didn't change to 0006 until 1997-98.

Dave Miedema

[TNP777]

Dave, thanks for the reply. Based on feedback from other sources, I'm pretty convinced I've got a team-issued BP jersey. I'm very pleased!

Here's a Dodgers BP jersey I picked up two years ago. It came with the back number already autographed. Soon after I picked it up, I was able to meet Butler when he brought his Reno Aces into Fresno to play the Grizzles. It was my first time meeting him - I was happy to get a few seconds of his time so he could autograph the front and add his 'trademark' happy face.







I've picked up a couple of his bats over the years as well. This one is from his Indians days. I got it autographed the second time I met him (last season). When he saw it, he recognized right away that it was from early in his career. He asked if he could borrow it for a minute, took it over to his some of his players, and as others gathered around, he showed them ball marks and wear. When he brought it back, he was nice enough to add his favorite Bible verse.

My other bat is from his Mets days - I've got it in storage right now, and didn't take pictures of it before I put it there. It was already autographed when I obtained it.

[trsent]

Isn't Brett just the nicest guy? Him and his mother used to come into my store in Vernon Hills, IL a few times a year. Just a really nice, humble guy who it was always a pleasure to speak with.

[TNP777]

yes, I've heard from anyone that's ever met him that he's a really good dude. I would have a very hard time collecting someone that was a jerk.

I picked up this Indians era gamer today. I'll try to get it autographed at the end of July. Since the other Indians bat I have is inscribed with his favorite Bible verse, I need to think of something else to ask him to put on it.

[sox83cubs84]

The only time I ever saw Brett Butler get mad at fans was for good reason.

Late 1980s, Wrigley Field, BP by visitors dugout. Butler is being interviewed some 15 feet in front of the autograph seekers at the wall. Two young brats, apparently with no manners and oblivious to what Butler was doing, began repeated screaming at Butler to come sign autographs. This wasn't just politely requesting...these kids were being extremely loud and persistent. Finally, after 2-3 minutes of this non-stop yelling, Butler turned towards the kids and yelled "SHUT UP!!". I don't recall if the kids ended up getting autographs (he did sign after the interview) but I do recall that the kids suddenly became models of silence after being yelled at.

Dave Miedema