1980s Cleveland Indians uniform help

[TNP777]

So I just came into possession of what was advertised as an “Authenticated Baseball and original Cleveland uniform used by Brett Butler”.

Once again I'd like to get some insight from those members that are FAR more experienced than I. Do the attached pictures pass the smell test? What has me a bit worried is that I thought there was usually some sort of tag that accompanied the jersey manufacturer that made it player-specific, like 84-1, 85-1, etc. I don't see evidence of that anywhere.

Pants and jersey are both heavy duty 55% cotton/45% nylon.

Obviously I would love for this to be the real deal. What say you?

Thanks in advance.

Tag from the pants
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2365.jpg

Tags from the jersey
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2369.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2366.jpg

Pants pics
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2367.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2368.jpg

Jersey pics
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2388.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2389.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2372.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2373.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2374.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2370.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2379.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2381.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2385.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2380.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w290/TNP777/Brett%20Butler/Butler%20Indians%20uniform/IMG_2386.jpg

[TNP777]

The more I search through this forum and Google images, the more nervous I am about the lack of a year/set identifier on the Rawlings tag. If this wasn't team-issued, where would it have come from? Were these kinds of uniforms available in a team store or area sporting goods stores? Would the pants have been available in either of those situations?

[Phil316]

I cannot speak for the pants but the tag on the jersey screams retail. Usually the rawlings tag is sewn all the way around if it's a gamer.

[Phil316]

Also you are correct usually there is a little flag tag that would read for example "1989 Set 1".

I would be asking for my money back on this one unless it was not advertised as game used. Sorry to bring the bad news.

[TNP777]

Thanks for the feedback. The lack of what you call a "flag tag" was pretty much my top concern. And yes, it was definitely advertised as an “original Cleveland uniform used by Brett Butler”.

Shucks. Buyer protection will be taking care of me on this one, I suppose.

[Phil316]

I have seen legit gamers without set tags. What was a give away though was the rawlings tag not sewn all the way around. I would contact the seller first before opening a case. A lot of times things can be worked out without opening a case. Also make sure when you send it back to get a tracking number.

[sox83cubs84]

I cannot speak for the pants but the tag on the jersey screams retail. Usually the rawlings tag is sewn all the way around if it's a gamer.

That's for starters....the NOB font is not consistent with known mid-late 1980s Tribe gamers as well.

Dave Miedema

[TNTtoys]

The jersey is 100% a retail jersey --

The size tag in the neckline is only found on retail jerseys, and the Rawlings tag on the bottom of the jersey is sewn on only the 2 sides, which is how they did retail jerseys of this era.

[both-teams-played-hard]

I believe this is a salesman's sample. Retail baseball pants are unheard of...

[TNTtoys]

I believe this is a salesman's sample. Retail baseball pants are unheard of...

Rawlings used to sell these as well. I had a couple in my collection before I chose to purge.

[TNP777]

The seller ended up being really easy to deal with. The lady that contacted me back was very apologetic and offered to either accept the uniform back or give me a significant refund to keep it. It is nice looking, so I decided to keep it and the autographed ball that was part of the lot. The refund was completed last night.

Thanks to all of you who responded and gave sound advice and feedback. Every time I have come here, you guys have stepped up to the plate and put my mind at ease. I greatly appreciate it.

[Phil316]

The seller ended up being really easy to deal with. The lady that contacted me back was very apologetic and offered to either accept the uniform back or give me a significant refund to keep it. It is nice looking, so I decided to keep it and the autographed ball that was part of the lot. The refund was completed last night.

Thanks to all of you who responded and gave sound advice and feedback. Every time I have come here, you guys have stepped up to the plate and put my mind at ease. I greatly appreciate it.

That is a good ending for sure. The majority of sellers are willing to work things out directly so in most cases there is no need to open a ebay dispute. I am glad everything worked out for you.