November 2016 Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/19/2016
From the SABR website on Hal Smith, “Andy Warhol once suggested that “In the future everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” Hal Smith was no exception, even though he had only about 13 minutes of fame, or even less.
Smith could have been the hero of the 1960 World Series were it not for several events that occurred shortly after his heroics in Game Seven. The catcher had entered the game in the top half of the eighth inning after Smoky Burgess had been removed for a pinch-runner in the seventh. Smith donned the hero’s mantle – for Pittsburgh Pirates fans, at least – when he hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth that gave the Pirates the lead over the New York Yankees, 9-7.”
Smith was a journeyman Major League ballplayer from 1955-64who appeared as a catcher, third baseman, and first baseman. He played for the Baltimore Orioles, KC Athletics, Pirates, Houston Colt .45s, and the Cincinnati Reds.
Offered is Smith’s home inaugural year flannel jersey from 1956 with the Kansas City Athletics, a style that was only worn for six seasons. The beautiful cream color is complemented by the red and blue ""Athletics"" on the front and Smith's #9 on the back, along with the magnificently embroidered ""elephant"" patch on the left sleeve. The entire shirt is trimmed with a black braid. On the front tail has the Wilson size (42) tag, along with the year ""1956"" on a strip tag. Appears to be in all original condition.
As a bonus, the jersey is accompanied by Hal Smith’s 1957 Topps baseball card. It should be noted though that on the card, he’s wearing a road uniform.
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim.