This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2019
1971 Ernie Banks Chicago Cubs Game Worn Pants – Final Season as a Player and Last Home Game at Wrigley Field (MEARS LOA)
Neighbors of our consignor, Byron Loomans, were riding their tractors while working the fields, listening to WGN on their AM radio when the Cubs announced the players selected in the 1973 draft. “Byron Loomans” was broadcast as one of the names. Immediately the townsfolk began to congratulate the aspiring ball player. Barely married for two weeks, Bryan and his newly wed wife Cindy packed up their belongs in the new car that was purchased with his signing bonus and the couple drove to Florida to report to the Key West Cubs. All of their worldly possessions were packed in the car, including Cindy’s sewing machine, and the pair began the adventure of their young lifetimes.
Byron would be busy playing ball, and Cindy looked for part time work. Posted at the ball park was a notice “Seamstress Wanted”. Having brought the sewing machine and having a couple years of home economics under her belt, Cindy applied for the job and was hired.
Her employer was the Key West Cubs, and her job was do mend the uniforms, which were hand me downs from the 1971 Chicago Cubs parent team. Since it was 1973, the uniforms had a full season of additional wear, and many were in need of darning. Rips and holes were to be patched with a donor. A donor was one that was to be cut in pieces, thus sacrificing itself for the betterment of the surviving group. With a scissor in hand, Cindy was inches away from making her first cut into the donor pants.
As a fan of the game, Byron noticed something in the waistband of the pants that caught his attention. A quick inspection verified the number 14, which Loomans immediately recognized as the key identifier of Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks. Originally sewn into the waistbands of these flannel gems was “14 (uniform number), 71 (1971), 34 (inseam), 25 (length). Saved from the knife were Ernie Banks’s game worn Chicago Cubs home pants from 1971, his final season in the major leagues. The Cubs finished their season on the road, but on September 26th, 1971, Banks played his final home game at Wrigley Field, going 1-3. It is quite likely he wore these pants during that game, although we could find no photos to support that theory.
Pants remain in excellent plus condition. Ernie Banks kept in touch with Byron and send annual Christmas cards. One is included with this lot. Copies of Byron Looman’s introduction letter to the Cubs, picture of Loomans wearing his Key West Cubs cap, and yearbook photo are posted in this lot description. Signed LOA from Bryan & Cindy Loomans included with the lot. MEARS LOA, Troy R. Kinunen.
(31G0246)
(MEARS Auction LOA)