Offered for your consideration is a high grade professional quality Newark Baseball uniform. We were unable to match this style to either the Newark Bears or the Newark Eagles of the Negro Leagues. As such, we won’t offer or represent it to be either of those, although additional research may prove otherwise. With all that being said, this is what we can tell you about the uniform.
The uniform shows many similar characteristics to those worn by the Newark Bears as seen in “Baseball In Newark” by Robert L. Cvornyek. In this book, you will find styles with pinstripes, various collar and placket trim, as well as sleeve finish. You will also see that the Bears did feature NEWARK across the front of home jerseys. The absence of a uniform number on the back as well as the presence of a sun collar suggests this is very likely a pre-1930s offering. The manufacturers’ label, in both the jersey and the pants has washed out. The general shape and size of the label does not suggest it was produced by one of the major manufacturers of the day.
In looking at the texture and weave of the flannel fabric, it is assessed as being a high quality 8oz product and one that would likely be associated with use and wear at a higher level than say amateur or industrial league. The sizing (jersey 40/pants 34) make it consistent with an adult offering. The lettering of NEWARK across the chest is considered to be original to the jersey. The jersey is in EX to EX + condition with only small or minor moth holes or fabric tears. The largest and only significant one being in the left underarm area (approximately ¾ of an inch in length). The pants show a bit more use and wear, but the color and fade is consistent with the jersey and are considered in GD condition because of team repairs and some small fabric tears and holes.
While we had high hopes of finding a solid style match to either the Bears or Eagles, this has not happened. With the jersey in your hands and your collection for an extended period of time, you might be able to make this the steal of the auction.
NOTE: This item is NOT graded and does not come with a typical MEARS worksheet and LOO.