These pieces date to Jim Bouton’s early career with the New York Yankees. After breaking into the rotation in 1962 Bouton blossomed in 1963 winning 21 games and making the All-Star Game. Bouton lost a complete game nail biter to Don Drysdale in the 1963 World Series but bounded back in 1964 by winning 18 games plus two in the World Series. As the ace of the Yankees staff the team overworked his arm and by 1966 his once blazing fastball has lost much of its speed. This well-used glove and cleats pairing was used by Bouton during those years he was the Yankees great right-handed hope.

The Spaulding 42-203 Rocky Colivito model glove shows tremendous game use; its pocket is deeply stained and the lacing has been replaced and repaired in many areas. There is a clubhouse repair on the side of the index finger and the leather edge trim has cracked from use. The Spalding label is still present but frayed. The glove has many personal marks on it including “JB” and “1963” in marker on the outside base of the thumb and “BOUTON” in black paint on the outside of the little finger. The glove is accompanied by Bouton’s cleats worn during the early part of his Yankees career. Like the glove Bouton’s leather Spalding cleats show tremendous game use. The toe of the right cleat has been worn through and repaired with a replacement patch also worn through from use. The black laces are frayed and mis-matched. The metal spikes are dull from use and some turf still clings to the bottom leather. A great set of equipment used by Jim Bouton during the time he was thought to be the Yankees next great pitching ace.

LOA from Jim Bouton.