Those that can, do, those that can't, teach. That old saw rang true for Earl Weaver. A longtime minor leaguer, Weaver didn't accomplish much as a player, but he had a real knack for winning as a manager with his one and only MLB team, the Baltimore Orioles. During his time as the O's Skipper, Weaver earned a World Series championship in 1970, and an American League pennant in 1979.



From the pennant-wining season that gave rise to "Orioles Magic", comes this Weaver game-used 1979 Orioles button-front road jersey. A Wilson factory label inside the collar indicates the size "40". An added tag on the left-front tail reads "79 1", for season and uniform set number. Patches on the back are "Weaver" lettering, and the number "4". The uniform number patch is repeated on the front, below "Orioles" lettering. The best detail, and surest sign this jersey belonged to the chain-smoking Weaver, is a secret cigarette pocket custom tailored inside the left breast.



Typical of a manager's jersey, wear is light, with a few small stains on the front, a small fabric pull on the back, and moderate sweat staining inside the collar. Weaver has signed this gamer on the front with ("8") strength, below the number 4 patch, and he has included the inscriptions "HOF 96; 1480 W - 1060 L; 1970 WS Champs; 2X MGR OF YR; 97 EJECTIONS", stats which earned him his place in Cooperstown, and a lasting place in the hearts of his many fans. Phil Wood LOA. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA. Opening Bid $750.