The Five Most Expensive San Francisco Giants Jerseys Ever Sold
The San Francisco Giants originated in New York as the New York Gothams in 1883, and then 3 years later changed their name to the New York Giants, and then in 1958 the team moved out to San Francisco. Fun Fact: the team was the first major league organization that was based in New York City. Another fun fact: the Giants got their team name by the manager being inspired by his squad in the wake of an extra-innings victory the team once had. As of 2021, the Giants have played in the World Series a total of 20 times, which is a National League record, and they’ve won 8 World Series championships and they’ve won the National League Pennant a total of 23 different times. They’ve won the National League West division a total of 9 different times since they moved out to San Francisco. The history of the franchise is littered with legendary players such as Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Mel Ott, Juan Marichal, Willie McCovey, and countless others. Because of their impact on the game can be measured in numerous ways such as revenue, endorsements, and memorabilia. Recently we’ve discovered that some of these Giants jerseys have been sold for extremely high amounts. Today we will take a look at the five most expensive Giants jerseys ever sold to date:
5. Willie McCovey Signed Jersey – $274
Willie McCovey was a left-handed power threat with the bat every time he stepped foot into the batters box. Fun Fact: “McCovey Cove” in Oracle Park was named after Willie McCovey for his ability to hit deep home runs into the San Francisco Bay. His best season in a Giants uniform came in 1969, where he hit a towering 45 home runs, drove in a total of 126 runs, was able to draw a total of 121 walks, had an immaculate batting average of .320, he was awarded with the National Leagues Most Valuable Player Award, and he represented the Giants on the National League All-Star team as a member of the National League team. McCovey is 21st all-time in Major League Baseball history in home runs as he hit 469 out of 521 home runs while playing for the Giants. His jersey was sold as part of the Heritage Auctions as part of the 2014 August 24th Sunday Internet Sports Collectibles Auction, as the jersey was sold for $274.
4. 1998 Barry Bonds Game Worn Jersey – $9,621
1998 was another excellent season for Barry Bonds, as he represented the Giants in the All-Star game as a member of the National League team, he hit 37 home runs, he drove in a total of 122 runs, and had a very efficient batting average of .303. Barry Bonds won the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award 5 different times during his time playing in a Giants uniform, he set the single-season home run record in 2001, hitting a towering 73 home runs in one singular season which is absolutely mind-blowing, in 2004 Bonds set the single-seasons walks record with a total of 232 walks, and in 2007 Bonds passed Hank Aaron for the most home runs in Major League Baseball history, as he finished at 762 total career home runs. His jersey was sold as part of the Heritage Auctions as part of the 2004 September (HSC) Signature Auction, as the jersey was sold for $9,261 and was sold on September 11th, 2004.
3. 1967 Juan Marichal Game Worn Jersey – $13,145
Juan Marichal is the author of one of the most famous wind-ups in Major League Baseball history. In 1967, Juan had 14 wins and 10 loses, he struck out a total of 166 batters, he posted an ERA of 2.76, and he pitched a total of 202.1 innings. Marichal’s best season with the Giants came in 1969 where we led the major leagues in ERA with an ERA of 2.10, he finished with a record of 21-11, he struck out a total of 205 batters, and he pitched a total of 27 complete games. Juan was one of the first superstars the Giants had when they made the move out to San Francisco, as during his time with the Giants he appeared in 10 All-Star games. His jersey was sold as part of the Heritage Auctions as part of the Vintage Sports Collectibles Signature Auction that was held in Dallas, as the jersey sold for $13,145 and was sold on May 3rd, 2013.
2. Willie Mays Game Worn Jersey – $220,000
Willie Mays, also known as the “Say Hey Kid”, was arguably the greatest player to ever put on a Giants uniform in the franchises history, as the minute he stepped onto the field, he was an absolute fan favorite, and was just an all-around special talent. Fun Fact: Mays missed the entire 1953 season to serve in the United States military in Korea, but made it back in time to play the next season where he would go onto win his very first National League Most Valuable Player Award. The “Say Hey Kid” would go onto win the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award twice, he won 12 different Gold Glove Awards, and he helped the Giants win the 1954 World Series as they defeated the Cleveland Indians. His jersey was sold for $220,000 as part of the Gray Flannel Auctions.
1. 1938 Mel Ott Game Worn Jersey – $ 334,600
Mel Ott spent his entire 22 year major league career in a Giants uniform, as he was an instant fan favorite back in New York whenever he stepped onto the diamond. In 1938, Ott led the league in home runs hitting a total of 36, he also led the league in total runs scored with 116, he led the league in on-base percentage with a percentage of .442, and he led the league in OPS+ with a total of 178. Ott also represented in the Giants in the All-Star Game in 1938 as he was a member of the National League team. Ott is third all-time in franchise history in home runs as hit 511 career home runs, and made the All-Star team 12 different times throughout his career. His jersey was sold as part of the Heritage Auctions as part of the Sports Collectibles Platinum Night Auction that was held in New York, as the jersey was sold for $334,600 and was sold on February 21st, 2015.
