This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2019
Tom Terrific was at the very height of his pitching powers when he wore this Mets cap. In 1972 Seaver won 21 games with a stingy 2.92 ERA. He followed that up with 19 wins in 1973 and the NL with 251 strike outs and a microscopic 2.08 ERA. Seaver’s Cy Young winning year inspired his teammates as Mets did the unthinkable and took the pennant after being in last place as late as July 26th. The cap can be dated to this pivotal period in Seaver’s career as it comes from the New York Yankees former batboy Bill Hongach. The Yankees batboy wound up with the cap when the Mets and Yanks met up for the annual mid-season Mayor’s Trophy exhibition game.
Overall the cap looks every bit like it was worn by one of the game’s greatest pitchers. The Mets’ intertwined “NY” is embroidered on the crown in still-bright orange thread. The brim shows toning from age and staining from dirt and perspiration. The crown shows some toning but has no rips and the button is intact. The green underside of the brim has ripped down the middle where the cardboard stiffener has broken, and a small tear is visible. The tan leather sweatband is intact as is the KM label and size “7 3/8” stamping. Seaver’s famed number “41” has been handwritten on the under brim in black marker.
Includes copy of LOA from former Yankees bat boy Bill Hongach (photo with Seaver attached).