This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/4/2023
Billy Pierce 1944 "All American" Esquire Game Worn Baseball Jacket. In 1944, at the age of 17, Pierce was chosen as Detroit’s representative in the inaugural 1944 All American Boys Game, sponsored by Esquire magazine and played at the Polo Grounds in New York. The two teams (East vs West) were managed by Connie Mack and Carl Hubbell. Also among the nearly 18,000 in attendance were Babe Ruth, Joe McCarthy, and former New York Mayor Jimmy Walker. In 1944, as a junior in high school, Pierce had pitched six shutouts and earned the nickname ”Mr Zero,” and was the starting and winning pitcher for the East in this East-West All-Star Game. The West team included catcher and future Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn who was hitless in two at bats against Pierce. For his effort Pierce was voted the game’s Outstanding Player. This attractive jacket is lettered “All American” on back and “Esquire” in script on front above an embroidered patch of the Esky Man, Esquire’s longtime mascot. The inside collar is tagged by the manufacturer “Wilson,’ size “38,” and near the bottom tail a rectangular felt patch sewn in with the name “Bill Pierce” embroidered on it. Pierce went on to enjoy a very successful major league career. Pierce initially joining the Detroit Tigers before playing most of his career with the Chicago White Sox. He was the American League Sporting News Pitcher of the Year in 1956 and 1957 and pitched four one-hitters and seven two-hitters in his career. Billy Pierce’s number is retired by the Chicago White Sox and there was a statue unveiled in his honor at US Cellular Field in 2007. It is worth noting that the following year, Babe Ruth was tapped to Manage the East in the 1945 All American Boy’s Baseball Game and that his 1945 Esquire All American jacket sold at auction for nearly $40,000. Here is an opportunity to acquire this rare, similar looking jacket from the star player of the 1944 contest who went on to enjoy a stellar major league career. Comes with a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.