Best-In-Class
1966 Sandy Koufax Autographed & Photo-Matched Game Worn Road Jersey, SGC Superior. ...
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Description
1966 Sandy Koufax Autographed & Photo-Matched Game Worn Road Jersey, SGC Superior
Best-In-Class Expert Analysis/Summary:
When it comes to jerseys of all kinds and from all eras, the time they were worn has become increasingly important in the hobby. From rookie examples to peak performances to World Championship campaigns, placing a jersey on the back of an athlete during a special moment or period of their careers can help separate one example from another, even when all its other attributes are equal. This one trait can operate as the ultimate deciding factor for some collectors.
Unlike so many other legends who stormed out of the gate as a star from the start or finished their careers as a shell of what they once were, Sandy Koufax was an anomaly. Even though the legendary lefty made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955, Koufax didn't really find his groove as a pitcher until after the team had moved to Los Angeles and into the 1960s. Once he honed his craft on the mound, the run Koufax went on was the epitome of dominance. In fact, and in a fashion we are likely to never witness again in sports, his final two seasons in 1965 and 1966 were arguably his best. At the mere age of 30, Koufax decided to suddenly walk away due to constant pain in his elbow caused by arthritis.
In 1966, the year this jersey was issued to Koufax and photo-matched to, the Dodgers icon finished with 27 wins, a 1.73 ERA, 41 starts, and 27 complete games. All of those marks either tied or established new career highs for Koufax. He also tallied 317 strikeouts and took home his third and final Cy Young award, finishing second in the NL MVP race. Despite falling to the Baltimore Orioles, Koufax also helped lead the Dodgers to the World Series for the third time in four years. As one can clearly see, Koufax was still at the height of his pitching powers with no signs of slowing down. It is part of the story that makes Koufax so unique and, in turn, a jersey from his final season so desirable.
The jersey itself, which is all-original and has been preserved in remarkable condition, exhibits vibrant blue and red colors laid against the light gray fabric underneath, providing undeniable eye appeal upon display. As a bonus, this elite Koufax gamer has been signed by the Hall of Famer inside the collar area. Due to its combination of exceptional overall attributes and connection to such a historic season, this stellar relic received our Best-In-Class assessment.