1986 S.F. Giants Willie Mays spring training jersey

[lon lewis]

I have been asked on a few occasions to comment on the following ebay item. # 300281988170 listed as a 1986 Giants Willie Mays spring training coaches jersey. For what it's worth, here's what I think. First of all it couldn't be from 1986 spring training as the Giants wore their 1985 jerseys during spring training games that year while wearing Wilson mfr'd mesh all sewn on tops for other activities. Second, Mays was a size 44 not a 42. Third, that's a phony set tag in the tail and the Wilson tag on all of his '86 jerseys was of the larger "prestige" variety. Fourth, the NOB isn't the normally seen Wilson vertical arc lettering and the tightly sewn plate that is attached to the jersey isn't the norm. (The same stitching can be seen on the "set tag".) Fifth, the numbers on the back are a crude attempt to re-create what would actually be on there if this were a legitimate jersey. Sixth, there is reference to the amount of "wear" on this jersey (actually laundering) in the GFC letter that accompanies this jersey and that's the problem as this jersey shows way too many launderings in the NOB and number area for a jersey that was worn in a portion of spring training. But let's look at the bright side as this jersey and its equally worthless letter from GFC can be yours for a B.I.N. of a measly ten grand. Much like the 1995 Rice jersey and the Oakland Oaks jersey that was mentioned on here a while back, this nonsense is getting out of hand. Thankfully, Dobbins name wasn't included in this one.
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[otismalibu]

First of all it couldn't be from 1986 spring training as the Giants wore their 1985 jerseys during spring training games that year while wearing Wilson mfr'd mesh all sewn on tops for other activities.
Second, Mays was a size 44 not a 42.
Third, that's a phony set tag in the tail and the Wilson tag on all of his '86 jerseys was of the larger "prestige" variety.
Fourth, the NOB isn't the normally seen Wilson vertical arc lettering and the tightly sewn plate that is attached to the jersey isn't the norm. (The same stitching can be seen on the "set tag".)
Fifth, the numbers on the back are a crude attempt to re-create what would actually be on there if this were a legitimate jersey.
Sixth, there is reference to the amount of "wear" on this jersey (actually laundering) in the GFC letter that accompanies this jersey and that's the problem as this jersey shows way too many launderings in the NOB and number area for a jersey that was worn in a portion of spring training.But other than that, it looks good, right? :)

[hblakewolf]

As per the Forum rules, an email was sent to Grey Flannel/Rich Russic this morning, with this thread attached. Although asked to elaborate on the issues that have surfaced, no reply has been received nor have they responded directly on this site.

Regarding issues that have been noted, and specifically the embroidered strip tag in the tail, it is completely incorrect for Wilson brand. The correct strip tag and Wilson tag should appear as:
17243

The link to the shirt in question (auction was terminated):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300281988170&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%3A80%2F%3F_from%3DR4 0%26_trksid%3Dm38.l1313%26_nkw%3D300281988170%26_s acat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1

I believe the seller of this shirt is a Forum reader who makes posts and possibly he can shed some additional information on this.

Howard Wolf
hblakewolf@comcast.net