This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2019
Offered is a Cleveland Indians road jersey dating to the outset of Bert Blyleven's tenure with the Cleveland Indians circa 1981. Rawlings size 42 tag sewn in collar along with a Set 1 1980 flag tag while "Indians", number 22, "Blyleven" and a team logo patch are also sewn to the grey knit pullover. Staining/discoloration also present throughout shell.
While jersey is tagged for 1980, no player or coach was issued number 22 for the Indians during that season, so it was likely carried over for the subsequent season, Blyleven's first with the club as the name/number appear to be original to the jersey. While references & available images indicate Bert wore number 28 during his 1981 season with the Indians, baseball-reference.com does list him under both number 22 & 28 for 1981, and he wore number 22 with the Pirates from 1978-80, after wearing number 28 with the Twins & Rangers from 1970-77 to start his career.
Combine this with Rick Manning wearing number 28 with the Indians from 1975-80 before switching to number 20 for the 1981 season & it is likely that Bert was issued number 22 for some period of time before being able to convince Rick to part with his preferred number 28. (31G0175)
(MEARS Auction LOA)