One of the brightest, most dynamic jersey styles of all time, the Houston Astros "Rainbow" had its heyday in the 1970s and early 1980s. According to the concluding statement of the accompanying Lou Lampson LOA, the offered jersey "with high probability, appears to be a late '70s Astros Rainbow carryover, issued to Nolan Ryan for use in spring training in 1980". Lampson's letter adds, "During spring training of 1980, Ryan was wearing a rainbow with blue/orange V-neck collar, obviously a 1979 carryover. There are outline remnants of a previous nameplate on the jersey, and a new plate with "Ryan" is affixed." Lampson also notes that "the jersey was worn by Gordy (Gordie) Pladson in 1979, and perhaps even by pitcher Rick Williams in 1978", and "Starting in 1980, Pladson was issued #33, to accommodate Ryan's choice of #34". Arriving in late-1979 as a free agent, the "Ryan Express" posted an 11-10 record in his 1980 Astros debut season. This vibrant gamer shows light authentic wear, with some staining on the front, and presents magnificently. Opening Bid $400.