Seeing the number 3 on the back of a vintage pinstriped Yankees flannel will raise goosebumps on the arm of any fan of our national pastime and more so for collectors of the game’s historical artifacts. Only eight men in history donned Yankees jerseys bearing the now iconic number before it was retired in 1948 in honor of the first man to wear it and for which it has become synonymous. When Babe Ruth parted ways with the Yankees after the 1934 season, Canadian-born George Selkirk was tasked with playing in perhaps the most sizable shadow ever cast.  Not only did Selkirk take over Ruth's position in right field, but he was issued the Babe's former uniform number, as well. While Selkirk was certainly no Ruth (nobody was or ever will be), he was better than adequate as he manned the Bronx outfield for nine seasons. A .290 career hitter with 108 round-trippers, Selkirk eclipsed 100 RBI for both the 1936 and 1939 World Championship squads.

Presented here is George Selkirk's 1942 New York Yankees home jersey. The original Hale America HEALTH patch on the left sleeve of this pinstriped flannel gamer dates this jersey to the 1942 season, Selkirk's final year in the big leagues. The jersey shows attractive game wear and has an all-original appearance. An embroidered "G. Selkirk" swatch is sewn into the collar below the Spalding manufacturer's tag indicating size "44". According to SGC, both the "NY" crest over the left breast and all-important number "3" on back in navy blue felt have been professionally restored. Further analysis concludes that the HEALTH patch, while original, may have also been reapplied. This is all based on differences in the degree of wear between the body fabric and sewn-on features. Moderate to heavy wear to the flannel material is evident with a modern repair administered to a small fabric hole present near the right front collar area. A small un-repaired tear is present on the left breast, and four additional holes appear throughout, but nothing that detract from its overall aesthetics. Yankee jerseys from this period are exceedingly rare, with the offered specimen carrying additional appeal for its player representation and the hallowed digit it carries.

SGC uniform authenticator Dave Grob has assesses the usage as “heavy” and has assigned the jersey an overall grade of Very Good (VG) -- the third highest rating achievable on their 6-point scale -- based on the two aforementioned restorations. A copy of Grob’s detailed analysis is included. LOA from SGC/Dave Grob (VG).