(LOT 239)
1974 Gary Carter Game-Used Pre-Rookie Season Montreal Expos Autographed Jersey
ROOKIE KID JERSEY!!! Gary Carter was serving as a replacement catcher for the Caguas Criollos team in the Puerto Rican league when he got the call-up to Montreal in September of 1974. Though only catching for the prior three years, Carter would soon become the everyday receiver of the Montreal Expos, a position he would not relinquish for 12 seasons. During that September call-up, Gary hit .407 with 11 hits, including one home run while wearing this #57 powder-blue jersey. (He was assigned #8 the following year, his only other number.) This unbelievably rare rookie season road jersey was only worn for four games during that 1974 season, as The Kid was called up and debuted on September 16th and the Expos spent much of the month in Montreal save for a brief four-game series in Chicago. Carter went 4-for-11 with four RBIs, one stolen base and a .364 average in three games.

This 1974 Game-Used Away Jersey still holds the "Wilson - 42" manufacturer's tag with wash instructions and a "74 – Set 3" twill set designation patch on the right front tail. The red-white-and-blue Expos logo on the left chest has been signed "Gary Carter" in felt tip marker as a 6-7 strength due to light fading. (Signature has been verified by PSA/DNA.) The right chest features his #57 and on the left sleeve is a commemorative Olympics-themed patch honoring Montreal as the choice for the 1976 Olympic Games. (Jersey also likely issued to Larry Landreth for 1976 season.) This absolutely extraordinary rookie-season jersey is spectacular in every way. Though it shows little signs of wear, it was donned by one of the greatest catchers in Major League history and a 2003 Cooperstown inductee. Considering that Gary Carter was a late September call up for the Expos, and he only donned this jersey for a brief four-game span, we can't help but wonder if this was the jersey the Hall of Famer wore for his 1976 Topps issue, given the #57 fully visibly beneath his right arm. (Carter’s number change to “8” beginning in 1975.) Sports Investors Authentication LOA and PSA/DNA LOA included.

MIN BID $1,500
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