Lot # 1628: 1987 Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers Signed Professional Model Introductory Jersey with Phil Wood LOA

The belief is, that this Nolan Ryan signed Texas Rangers jersey was worn by Ryan during his Rangers introduction press conference. As noted in the accompanying LOA, this jersey is properly tagged for the Rangers 1987 season, with a "Set 1 1987" tag attached to the Rawlings size 46 factory label on the front-left tail. Also attached to the factory label, is a "34 1" tag, indicating the player and uniform set numbers. From the looks of it, this pristine jersey did not see any game action, as the presentation is like-new.

Pitcher Dale Mohorcic wore number 34 with the Rangers from 1986 until 1988, when he was traded to the Yankees mid-season. The conference to introduce Ryan as a Ranger was held on December 7, 1988, and the belief is the Rangers filled a photo opportunity need by having Ryan don this jersey for the cameras. Another belief is that Ryan applied a bold signature to the back number 4 patch for presentation of the jersey to a club sponsor, or possibly an executive.

Ryan is spelled out in letter patches on the back nameplate. A barely perceptible outline of another longer name is noted, which was more than likely Mohorcic. Spanning the front breast, are the Rangers team name and number 34 patches, and a Rawlings logo is located on the right sleeve. Take your best cut at this Nolan Ryan offering.

Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.

Phil Wood LOA.