Lot # 2202: Circa 1926 Urban Shocker New York Yankees Game-Used Warmup Jacket - From the Urban Shocker Collection

Rare New York Yankees team warmup jacket, circa 1928, worn by star pitcher Urban Shocker. This jacket, along with several other items offered in this auction, originates directly from Urban Shocker's estate and is accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from his great-grandson. The blue wool jacket, with button front, features leather sleeves and blue trim along the collar, cuffs, and waist. The "N.Y." logo appears in white felt on the left breast. Shocker's name, "U. J. Schocker," is chain-stitched in red on the interior right front tail. It is interesting to note that they misspelled his last name when preparing this garment. The manufacturer's label, which appears in the collar, is worn but remains intact. The jacket displays heavy wear commensurate with its age and former use, including numerous tears throughout (mostly the leather sleeves), and a number of small holes throughout. All 11 original buttons remain firmly attached (nine on the front; two on the pockets). Any and all Major League garments dating from the 1920s are exceedingly rare, especially outer garments such as jackets or sweaters. The Yankees purchased Shocker's minor-league contract from Ottawa of the Canada League for $750 in 1915. Shocker appeared in 12 games with the club in 1916, compiling a record of 4-3 with a 2.62 ERA. After spending a portion of the following season in the minors, Shocker was traded to the St. Louis Browns in 1918 in a deal that was supposed to bring Eddie Plank to the Yankees. Plank, instead, retired and the trade turned out to be one of the worst in Yankees history. Shocker blossomed into one of the League's best pitchers with St. Louis, winning 20 or more games each season from 1920 through 1923, including a league-high 27 wins in 1921. The Yankees, to their credit, realized the error of their ways and reacquired Shocker in 1925. Over the next three years, Shocker won 49 games for the "Bronx Bombers," including 18 in 1927. In 1928, Shocker appeared in one game before retiring. Unfortunately, later that year, he developed a bad case of pneumonia and eventually succumbed to the disease on September 9. He was only 37 years old. From 1920 through 1927, few pitchers could compare with Urban Shocker. Though he effectively began his career in an era that witnessed the introduction of the "live" ball, Shocker led all Major League pitchers in total victories during the five-year span 1920-1924. He finished his career with an impressive record of 187-117, a .615 lifetime winning percentage, and an ERA of 3.17. Despite the condition of the jacket, this is one of the most incredible New York Yankees game-used relics from the 1920s that we have ever had the privilege of offering!