Just added a game used Gary Allenson jersey to the catchers gear collection (check the Allenson page for more) and it provides a super example of what a game used jersey used to look like before the advent of MLB authentication and the more frequent collection and sale of jerseys. Now I am not knocking the availability of modern jerseys, the ability of collectors to get access to jerseys has grown the hobby and brought to the public some fantastic gear. But it is great to see some of these old classics.
And a jersey used by a Catcher is unique due to the nature of the game use. Unlike any other field player, because the catcher wears a chest protector you will often seen very heavy use patterns where the chest protector would rub against the fabric or the stitched on numbers. Further, because players during this period typically had two jerseys (no road and home alternates, Fourth of July specials or St. Patrick's Day jerseys) the wear is only that much more pronounced.
This Allenson jersey has all the classic characteristics of a catcher's jersey. Frayed piping and numbers on the back so worn that there are strings falling out all over. A super addition to the collection.
