Auction Item Details
Lot 186
LOADING IMAGES
Lot Number: 186
Description: Brooklyn Dodgers professional model hat attributed to Jackie Robinson c.1951. The offered hat comes from former Dodgers farmhand Fred Woelfle who was signed into Branch Rickey's organization by George Sisler in 1951. Though he would never join the team in a game at the Major League level, he did play in their Minor League system and would, for a time, assist in pre-game rituals at Ebbets Field. In a notorized letter Woelfle notes that in1951 he assisted the team in batting practice acting primarily as a catcher. For these efforts, naturally, he required a uniform which was furnished by the team. One day while dressing he realized he had not been given a hat and asked for one from the trainer who "went to a basket full of dirty uniforms and, after asking me my size, threw me a hat and said here use this one, Robinson won't mind." Hat is done in Dodgers blue with white embroidered "B" team logo on front. Interior leather band is stamped with the MacGregor Goldsmith manufacturers logo (1946-52 labeling period) and the size, "7 1/8." Written on the inside white lining in faint black marker is Robinson's storied number, "42." Nice usage wear is evident throughout with some cracking/chipping to leather band which remains near fully intact with well defined markings. The brim has hardened and has is cracked in two places (mentioned for accuracy with no effect on condition or display value). Well cared for, it appears to be in roughly the same shape as when utilized almost (65) years ago. Includes (2) page notorized statement signed by Fred Woelfle detailing history and an LOA from Hunt Auctions: EXEstimated Price Range: ($20,000-$30,000)
Sold for Price: Login or Register