Bryce Harper Debut Jersey - eBay

[kylehess10]

I just noticed this auction for Bryce Harper's 2011 Hagerstown Suns jersey.

I don't question the authenticity of this jersey, but I thought I'd let collectors know that Bryce did not wear this during his first game as a pro. When compared to a full-resolution close-up of a photo I took of Bryce at his debut game, there are noticeable differences where the piping runs down the jersey.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRYCE-HARPER...ht_3906wt_1344







Photo I used for reference:

[onlyalbert]

Just by looking at the jersey I kind of figured it was "game issued" at best.

[allstarsplus]

Great job Kyle! There's so many reasons to be concerned when you see a LOA like that with no other proof. I don't doubt the authenticity of the letter but is it a color copy?

Now to some of the little things I know. The Hagerstown Suns in their Pro Shop were selling these same jerseys for $240. Guess what, now they are all on sale for the remaining jerseys.

I've been offered quite a few Hagerstown Sun jerseys as game used. Caveat emptor! One non-member emailed me with another theory, maybe he wore more than 1 jersey. Kyle, can you check your photos to see if you think he finished the game with the same jersey?

[kylehess10]

Here's a pic from his last at-bat of the game, no doubt the same jersey from the beginning of the game:

[kylehess10]

I informed the seller about the differences and here's his response:


"Bryce wore a few jerseys in 2011. This was one of them. In 2011 in pro debut season."


"FYI. I have 100 percent feedback on eBay for thirteen years. Thank for your message. Made me change the wording a little. Bryce wore this during his 2011 pro debut season. He wore a few jerseys thru out the season. Never meant to say it was day one jersey. Thanks"

[allstarsplus]

I informed the seller about the differences and here's his response:


"Bryce wore a few jerseys in 2011. This was one of them. In 2011 in pro debut season."


"FYI. I have 100 percent feedback on eBay for thirteen years. Thank for your message. Made me change the wording a little. Bryce wore this during his 2011 pro debut season. He wore a few jerseys thru out the season. Never meant to say it was day one jersey. Thanks"

Great work! Huge difference. The jersey just plummeted in value IMO

[kylehess10]

Here's an enlarged close-up of a photo I found on Flickr from April 14th, which shows another jersey, which doesn't match to his debut jersey OR the one on eBay (the "E" doesn't overlap the piping compared to the eBay photo), so as long as the one on eBay is game worn, then that makes there a minimum of atleast 3 road jerseys issued to Bryce

The Suns were definitely thinking of the money if they were issuing so many road jerseys to a lower-class A player

[frikativ54]

Great job, Kyle. I think that your excellent work is a great service to the hobby. In addition to your obvious talent in photography, you have a bright future as an authenticator.

Merry Christmas!

-Frik

[kylehess10]

Great job, Kyle. I think that your excellent work is a great service to the hobby. In addition to your obvious talent in photography, you have a bright future as an authenticator.

Merry Christmas!

-Frik

Thank you! That would definitely be a fun job to have someday!

[kylehess10]

The seller just informed me that he was told when the jersey was purchased that there are 3 road jerseys that were worn by Harper during his tenure with Hagerstown.