1975-76 "Pistol Pete" Maravich Game Worn New Orleans Jazz Jersey with Photo Match....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on May 15, 2015 for:

$38,240.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

1975-76 "Pistol Pete" Maravich Game Worn New Orleans Jazz Jersey with Photo Match. Heritage Auctions has been proud and honored to present several Maravich gamers in our history: an LSU collegiate gamer that commanded just short of $90,000 in 2009, an Atlanta Hawks rookie model that drew a winning bid of more than $50,000 in 2008. But this is the first time we've had the opportunity to present the most memorable Maravich style of them all, the look that evokes the ghost of this master showman of the hardcourt better than any other.

The flashy young shooting guard was already a hero in the Crescent City years before he first wore a Jazz jersey, having served as the greatest basketball star in the history of Louisiana State University. It was pure serendipity that the team entered the league at the same time that Maravich made the transition from the NCAA to the NBA, and the Jazz' first major move was to trade for the rights to the beloved native son. As he sported the presented shirt, Maravich was unquestionably the face of the franchise.

The presented home white mesh New Orleans Jazz jersey recalls the joyful, free-wheeling game of the mid-1970's, offering up the unforgettable, quotation-marked "Pistol" on rear in place of the standard (and long-since mandated) player surname. It is applied in sweat-infused purple tackle twill above a screened number "7," while the front is likewise screened to report the team nickname above the lucky digit. Lower left front tail holds proper tagging format, the dual "Sand-Knit" labels referencing Jazz exclusivity and "Size 42" respectively. Moderate game wear is evident.

Our consignor has supplied a high resolution portrait photograph of Pistol Pete that allows for a definitive photo match through the unique pattern of mesh holes. It is also noteworthy that the 1975-76 season was the first in which Maravich wore the number "7" that was ultimately retired by the franchise in his honor. The superstitious superstar made the switch in response to what he believed to be the urging of the universe: "The number 7 keeps popping up in my life," he explained. "My address in Florida is 700, Apt. 707. I have a ring with seven diamonds, and everywhere I go the number keeps following me. Maybe it's an omen." The management of the Jazz, having invested considerably in promoting number "44," was greatly displeased but ultimately relented this year, establishing the offered garment as even more historically important. The number did indeed prove to be lucky, as this would be a breakout season, with Maravich making his first All-NBA team. LOA from Heritage Auctions. LOA from Basketball Hall of Fame.

<br> <br>

More information about Pete "Pistol Pete" Maravich Sports Player.