John Franco AIS jersey gamer or game issued??Experts help

[dcrules01]

I bought this on ebay.The guy didnt know what he had because it was only 29.99 shipped.I grabbed it when he sent me a scan of the AIS tag.Its autographed not to thrilled about that but what are ya gonna do.It has stains but otherwise in ver good condition.Did Franco wear a size 46 in 97 or the begining of 98??? Or is this just a game issued that was customized into a Franco..Here are pics expert advice needed..Thanks

[indyred]

what is the story of AIS? I see they make occasional jerseys for throwback games....how long have they been around?

[dcrules01]

I know they did the Mets jerseys in 97-98- and I believe 99...And they do alot of the nego League jerseys for teams in mlb.I just picked up this from allstarsplus and am trying to find a picture Its Todd Zeile he wore it during the 2004 season when the Mets played the Royals in a game honoring the Nego Leagues.

[TNTtoys]

what is the story of AIS? I see they make occasional jerseys for throwback games....how long have they been around?

I don't know the full story of AIS, but I do know about their relationship with the New York Mets in recent years...

In 1995, AIS became the exclusive manufacturer of NY Mets uniforms. They did every Mets home & away jersey for the next 3 years (1995-1997). In 1998, Russell did one jersey style, where AIS did the rest -- hence the beginning of the "phase-out." In 1999, AIS only did 2 of the 5; the other 3 were done by Russell and Rawlings. By 2000, Rawlings became the official manufacturer of all Mets jerseys.

For a little while, AIS were "it"... but it looks like the contracts went elsewhere by the end of the decade. Interesting that they did those NY Cubans jerseys... surprised that they were chosen over more obvious choices... but I suppose they need to take what they can get.

[suave1477]

Here is information on AIS

In the beginning, we were called American International Soccer: A.I.S. was a successful manufacturer of institutional sporting goods based in Huntington Beach, CA. In 1986, Joe Montana of 49ers fame bought the company, moved it to Torrance, CA, and within a year, the $12.7 million operation went into bankruptcy... However, throughout the proceedings, the phone kept on ringing as people were trying to place orders.
The owner of sporting goods stores, Allan Ruegsegger stepped in, and transformed the company from a soccer specialist to a custom manufacturer for professional level teams. The company was renamed "Adventures in Sports", and the company now creates custom apparel for over 100 teams, and through its affiliate Sportsrobe, provide authentic sports uniforms to the movie industry.
AIS specializes in the production of truly professional quality custom sports apparel. In our manufacturing center in Vernon, CA, we are able to produce the look and the feel of professional gear for every level of team sports. We offer the highest quality apparel available with the industry, at affordable prices, and we back this with a lifetime guarantee on all workmanship and construction on

[indyred]

Good info, interesting that Montana buys it and then it went quickly into bankruptcy.....

[dcrules01]

Wow nice read thanks for the info Suave still no answer on if my Franco is a gamer or game issued???

[indyred]

Found a past auction for a Franco. He used a size 52 in 99.
http://www.americanmemorabilia.com/A...ction_ID=26276

[cbb5]

That is a bogus jersey. If you look, it has an AIS logo on the sleeve. The Mets never had any type of sleeve logo (manufacturer) from 1995 to 1999 on AIS jerseys. Not to mention that the tail tag should be in the rear of the jersey. I show an auction of a 1998 home pinstripe in a size 46. Here is a picture:

[metsbats]

Found a past auction for a Franco. He used a size 52 in 99.
http://www.americanmemorabilia.com/A...ction_ID=26276

This jersy in the above auction was questioned last year on this forum.

John Franco NEVER wore a size 52 ever.

David