Help with a Yankees #55 Jersey - Matsui?

[TFig27]

Just picked up this Yankees jersey. Looking for some information and thoughts on it.

The MLB and Steiner paperwork lists it as a 2010 Game Issued Jersey. A couple issues with that. The MLB logo is red/blue and not blue/grey. Also, the tagging is Russell and not Majestic.

According to the Majestic tagging I believe it was issued 2001-2003.

In 2001 and 2002, Ramiro Mendoza wore #55.

From 2003 - 2009, Hideki Matsui wore #55.

The Yankees wore patches in 2003. So, if it was issued in 01-02, then it is likely Mendoza's.

If it was issued then, but not worn until 04 or after, then it could belong to Matsui.

On to the the sizing. It is a size 50 with 4 inches extra length, which seems like a lot. I found another Matsui jersey that was a size 50 but no extra length. Does anyone know if he ever received extra length jerseys?

Any idea on Ramiro Mendoza jersey size?

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks
Tom

[dnrapp]

The MLB paperwork says it was auth in Nov of 2010 as team issued. It does not say it is an 2010 jersey.

[TFig27]

Found a Mendoza jersey from 2000 that is a size 46

[dnrapp]

Also if it helps Matsui's Oakland jerseys are size 50

[Lokee]

In 2005 Matsui wore a size 52.

[Lokee]

Weird just found he wore a size 52 home and 50 road in 2005, both come with Steiner paperwork.

[sox83cubs84]

The jersey would date no later than 2004, as that is the last season that Russell supplied uniforms to the Yankees.

Dave Miedema