1967 Smoky Burgess Game Worn Chicago White Sox Jersey....

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1967 Smoky Burgess Game Worn Chicago White Sox Jersey. Forrest Harrill Burgess, aka "Smoky" (perhaps because he was born near the Smoky Mountains), did not resemble a weekend warrior, let a alone a Major League ballplayer. In fact, he was once described in Sports Illustrated as "a walking laundry bag." But as is so often the case, appearance often diverges from reality.

Over the course of nineteen Big League seasons, Smoky registered a career batting average of .295 (with a single season high of .368), nine All-Star berths, and the Major League record for career pinch hits (145).

Offered here is Smoky's gamer from his last season in the big time. One of the most attractive baseball uniforms ever created and one of the most relished of all of the 1960's flannel styles, this 1967 ChiSox road powder blue flannel sports a seven-button front with "Chicago White Sox" diagonally scripted across the chest with "2" offset below on the left, all sewn-on in blue/white tackle twill and white embroidery. "2" is also featured on the verso, a 1968 Illinois sesquicentennial patch sits on the left sleeve, and blue/white piping adorns the collar. Tags include "MacGregor 44" in the collar and "MacGregor Set 2 1967" plus the washing label on the interior button path.

After the 1967 campaign, the jersey was patched for 1968. When Burgess retired, his name was removed from the back (the outline of which is still clearly visible). The rest of the jersey is original, including the "2"'s which have been restitched.

It should also be noted that Burgess recorded his last career pinch hit (number 145 and a record) on September 22, 1967 at Cleveland, probably in this uniform. LOA from Heritage Auctions.