Circa 1945 Ernie Lombardi New York Giants Home Jersey w/ Pants And Stirrups

Ernie Lombardi's 17-year Hall of Fame career saw him lead the National League in batting twice - a rarity for a catcher, especially one considered to be among the slowest baserunners in baseball history. An immensely powerful hitter, he used an unusual interlocking batting grip, wrapping the little finger of his right hand over the index finger of his left hand like a golfer. His career included stints with Brooklyn, Cincinnati, Boston (NL), and concluded after five seasons with the New York Giants. This jersey dates from the tail end of Lombardi's illustrious career. These NY Giants blue and red style uniforms were only used for a seven-year period from 1940 to 1946. Coinciding with the war years, and an ensuing conservationist movement, makes jerseys from this period difficult to find. Lombardi's white zipper-front jersey includes all original letters and numbers ("8") in blue felt with red trim. In the collar is the "Gold Smith" label (size 48) and original chain stitched "Lombardi" nameplate. The jersey is in superb original condition, exhibiting excellent game use. Accompanyig the jersey are matching pants and stirrups. The pants have the name "Russo" (James Russo) stitched in the waistband. This ensemble has been consigned directly to this sale by a gentleman who obtained it as a youth in 1945 in the town of Meeker, Oklahoma. The small town of Meeker decided to start an American Legion youth baseball team there in 1945. In need of uniforms, they appealed to Carl Hubbell, the most famous resident of the town. Hubbell persuaded the Giants to send a dozen uniforms to Meeker. Our consignor, a member of that team, was the lucky recipient of these garments. A charming photo taken in 1945 accompanies, showing our consignor draped in this uniform. The photo shows an American Legion patch on the left sleeve of the jersey which has since been removed. There are no other alterations visible on any of the items.