Lot # 1339: 1969 Duke Snider Signed Game-Used San Diego Padres Inaugural Season Spring Training Jersey - Wood LOA

A scarce, important first edition surfaces with this "Duke" Snider signed game-used 1969 San Diego Padres inaugural season spring training jersey. Five years removed from his playing days, Snider was tapped for double duty by the fledgling Padres franchise, serving as KOGO television and radio play-by-play announcer, and also as a guest instructor during spring training. Seen on the back of this tan flannel jersey is Snider's number 4 patch. Padres lettering patches span the breast, and a Wilson size 44 factory label is affixed to the left-front tail. Embroidered below the label is the date 1969. Snider has signed and personalized on the right-front tail with his bold signature. Multiple splotches of foreign matter are noted on the left sleeve, which is unadorned by patches, as is the right sleeve. Otherwise, this handsome jersey reports in excellent condition. The accompanying LOA from Phil Wood states the absence of the patches on the sleeves clearly identifies this lightly worn garment as a spring training example. Wood also states "Their inaugural spring training gear is especially difficult to find, with most of it long ago absorbed into private collections. I haven't seen one available for quite some time, and that this example, worn by a Hall of Fame player, is particularly desirable."

Phil Wood LOA from game use.

Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA for the signature.

Link to a black and white photograph of Snider wearing a Padres uniform:

https://www.alamy.com/san-diego-padres-coach-duke-snider-in-1969-ap-photoharold-filan-image525447481.html