Carlton 1979 Tour Of Japan Jersey?

[hblakewolf]

Re: Carlton 1979 Tour Of Japan Jersey?

Howard I too have seen what I think is this jersey before. without photos of the front of the jersey and of the tagging, I can't be 100% sure but I'll go out on a limb and say that this is possibly the jersey that originated from Robert Kirk. I think you remember him. if this is the same jersey (or even if it's not) all of your points valid. I'd be interested to know if the maroon jerseys you own are of Rawlings mfr and if the strip tag is chainstitched or embroidered?

Lon-
Good to hear from you after all of these years.

It is my understanding that Kirk had either this specific shirt or one exactly the same.

I've attached a few photos of my rare 1979 maroon Tim McCarver. Notice how the name is in block and also sewn on a plate. As I mentioned earlier, I've seen quite a few of these 1979 maroons and have NEVER seen one with vertical arch lettering or sewn directly on the shirt. What's also interesting is the fact that the shirt is being sold as Carlton's Tour of Japan shirt and shows "moderate use". Why would Carlton or MLB choose the maroon jersey when it was only worn for one game? Likewise, don't you think he would have worn his regular home white or road blue version? Regarding the use, how could it show ANY use when he never made the trip to Japan? It should be brand spanking new showing NO USE.

Howard Wolf
hblakewolf@patmedia.net

[lon lewis]

Re: Carlton 1979 Tour Of Japan Jersey?

Howard I too have seen what I think is this jersey before. without photos of the front of the jersey and of the tagging, I can't be 100% sure but I'll go out on a limb and say that this is possibly the jersey that originated from Robert Kirk. I think you remember him. if this is the same jersey (or even if it's not) all of your points valid. I'd be interested to know if the maroon jerseys you own are of Rawlings mfr and if the strip tag is chainstitched or embroidered?

[hblakewolf]

Forum Readers-
I have been asked by several Forum readers to comment on a jersey currently offered by Hunt Auctions.

The jersey in question is a "1979 Steve Carlton Tour of Japan jersey". It is similar to the maroon Rawlings zipper front jerseys the Phillies wore for one game in 1979. The marron jerseys worn by the team are a thick material, zipper front with white numbers and letters. The name on back should be large block (not vertical arch) letters sewn on a maroon nameplate.

The jersey being offered by Hunt's is similar to the team worn maroon jerseys, however, the name on back is in vertical arch and is sewn directly on the jersey, not a plate. Likewise, I own 3 Carlton jerseys and have sold quite a few and have never seen one of his from this time frame in size 44. The Hunt's jersey is a 44. I have 2, 1979 maroon jerseys (Luzinski and McCarver), and both are sized the same as their regular Wilson brand game jerseys).

This particular jersey was offered to me several years ago by a collector. At that time, I informed the collector that not only could I not find any evidnece of this being issued to Carlton (who did not make the trip to Asia), the jersey was completely different than those worn by the Phillies in 1979. Since then, several dealers and collectors have been offered this jersey and asked my opinion. Dealers such as Ball Park Hereos (Kim Stigall) passed on the jersey, based on the fact that no evidence can be produced to support that this was issued to Carlton and also that it does not match known maroon 1979 Phillies jerseys. The other collectors/dealers also passed.

I welcome anyone to provide a photo or some type of documentation/evidence that would allow a LOA to be written indicating this was a game issued jersey for Steve Carlton to wear during the Tour of Japan in 1979.

I have contacted Hunt's to dicusss this, however, received no response.

FYI
Howard Wolf
hblakewolf@patmedia.net

Lot 131

Description: 1979 Steve Carlton Phila. Phillies Tour of Japan jersey. Maroon knit shirt as issued to Carlton for his selection to a U.S. All-Star team that traveled to Japan for an exhibition series. Jersey retains original "32" and "P" on the front with "Carlton" and "32" on the reverse. 1979 MLB Tour of Japan patch is affixed to the left sleeve. Tail front has "44 79 1" chain stitched strip tag along with a Rawlings mfg. tag having "Set 1 1979" flag tag. While Carlton was selected to the team, he did not play in the series and as such, usage wear is minimal. Signed on the front by Carlton. Very rare and attractive Tour shirt from a HOF pitcher. Includes LOA's from Global/David Bushing, Lou Lampson, James Spence Authentication (signature), and Hunt Auctions, Inc: EX-MT Estimated Price: ($1,500.00-$2,500.00)