Unveiling a Local Legend: The 1960 Green Bay Dodgers Jersey
The Acclaimed Collector and His Diverse Interests
Chris Nerat, widely recognized within the sports memorabilia community for his extensive collection of Green Bay Packers artifacts, possesses an equally keen eye for unusual items that illuminate the rich history of Green Bay. Beyond his primary focus, Nerat has curated a fascinating assortment, including a ticket stub from Elvis Presley's 1977 concert in Green Bay, a vintage University of Wisconsin-Green Bay basketball jersey, and the original "W-E-S-T" letters from the marquee of the former West Theatre.
A Fortuitous Discovery: The Green Bay Dodgers Jersey on eBay
During his routine search for Packers memorabilia on eBay, Nerat's attention was captivated by a 1960 Green Bay Dodgers baseball jersey. This item represented the local minor league affiliate of the esteemed Los Angeles Dodgers. For Nerat, acquiring this jersey was an immediate imperative, driven by a profound appreciation for its historical value.
The Acquisition and Its True Worth
Nerat successfully secured the jersey for $1,077.08, significantly less than his maximum bid of $4,000. He expressed that the primary motivation behind this acquisition was the historical narrative embedded within the piece, rather than its potential for financial gain. Unlike many of his Packers collectibles, this jersey's value to Nerat lies in its unique contribution to Green Bay's past. He currently has no intention of selling it, proudly displaying it alongside his UWGB jersey.
Sharing History with the Community
As a consignment director for Heritage Auctions and a board member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, Nerat intends to share this historical artifact with a wider audience. He envisions the jersey being showcased at institutions like the Neville Museum, allowing thousands to appreciate its significance, rather than just a select few in his personal collection. He anticipates that his collection will eventually be sold, though he believes that moment is still a decade or two away.
Authenticating a Piece of the Past
Nerat, drawing upon his extensive experience in the collectibles market, recognized the jersey's professional craftsmanship, indicating its use by a professional team. To further validate its authenticity, he consulted Lou Lampson, a veteran expert in game-worn jersey authentication. Lampson's meticulous examination revealed clear stitching marks beneath the Dodgers lettering, indicating that the jersey had previously borne the name "Bluejays." A Bluejays team patch on the left shoulder and historical photographs from the 1960 season further corroborated this finding, confirming the jersey's genuine nature.
From Bluejays to Dodgers: A Team's Transformation
Before adopting the Dodgers moniker in 1960, the Green Bay team was known as the Bluejays for two decades, named after their first manager, Otto Bluege. The transition to the Dodgers name was partly influenced by local fans who associated the Bluejays with the team's earlier Class D status. Between 1958 and 1960, the team featured notable players like Frank Howard, a future four-time All-Star and the 1960 National League Rookie of the Year, who established roots in Green Bay.
The End of an Era and Lingering Legacy
The Dodgers withdrew from the Illinois-Iowa-Indiana League after the 1960 season, despite winning a championship the previous year. This decision was partly due to poor attendance at home games in Joannes Park. The franchise relocated its Class B team to Salem, Oregon, taking manager Stan Wasiak with it. Although professional baseball departed, the sport continued in Green Bay in 1961 with a team in the Fox River Valley Amateur Baseball League, which even included Green Bay Bobcats hockey legend Paul Coppo as a pitcher. The team initially played as the Dodgers but reverted to the Bluejays name by the end of May. Nerat's acquisition of the 1960 Green Bay Dodgers jersey is particularly significant, as such items are exceptionally rare. He expressed his amazement at the connection between Green Bay, a small town often associated with the Packers' underdog story, and the grand legacy of a major league team like the Los Angeles Dodgers.
