Walter Johnson's Historic Senators Jersey Heads to Heritage Auctions

A Washington Senators jersey worn by the legendary Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson is set to be auctioned this spring by Heritage Auctions. This piece, dating from Johnson's tenure with the Senators between 1919 and 1922, represents a rare slice of baseball history, with only one other known example, which resides in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

A unique piece of baseball memorabilia, a jersey worn by Walter Johnson, one of the sport's most revered pitchers, is going under the hammer. This grey flannel jersey emerged from the personal collection of Johnson's fellow Senators pitcher, Eric "Swat" Erickson, after being stored in Erickson's farmhouse for decades. Johnson's legacy, marked by over 3,500 strikeouts and 110 shutouts during his 21-year career, adds immense value to this item. The jersey's provenance and condition, including its original Spalding label and untouched fabric showing signs of age, underscore its authenticity and rarity. After fetching $352,000 in a 2006 auction, experts now believe it could command upwards of $3 million, highlighting the enduring allure and historical significance of genuine sports artifacts.