Opening Day 2022 Auction

#42 New York Yankees jersey I played 16 seasons in pro baseball. At the start of my 7th season, in the middle of February in ’77, the Texas Rangers informed me that I was traded with Brian Doyle to the New York Yankees for Sandy Alomar, Sr. I got a call from Yankee general manager, Gabe Paul who invited me to attend the Yankees major league camp in Ft. Lauderdale. The Yankees had won the AL pennant in ’76 but lost the World Series to the Cincinnati Reds 4 games to none. Reggie Jackson had just signed the biggest contract in MLB history. I was excited to think that Billy Martin would give me a shot at the starting job at shortstop or at least a job as a backup infielder. I went to camp and was thrilled to meet Thurman, Reggie, etc., and take ground balls hit to me by Yogi and Elston. When I arrived at the Yankee clubhouse for my first day, Pete Sheehy, longtime Yankee clubhouse attendant, walked up to my locker holding a jersey in his hands. He said the following to me— "Pryor, they didn’t tell me that you would be in camp until a few days ago. I had already loaded up the equipment trucks at Yankee Stadium and didn’t have an available jersey for you. Every number is being used except for #42. Last night, I found a 1973 issue of a #37 jersey that was worn by Jim Magnusen. I removed his #37 off of this jersey and hand-stitched #42 on the back. I hope that this one will be OK for you.” I wore #42 in spring training for the next 4 weeks. When the Yankees optioned me out to AAA Syracuse during the last week of camp, I threw my #42 jersey in my travel bag and have had it ever since. Obviously, I had no idea that #42 would eventually be retired by MLB (Jackie Robinsons #) after Mariano Rivera retired. #42 is shown in the outfield in every MLB stadium. I hope that the #42 Yankee jersey (and Jim Masons pants!!) find a great home with a Yankee fan who respects the history of Yankee baseball. Knowing that the legendary Pete Sheehy touched this jersey and hand-stitched #42 on the back makes it a rare find for any Yankee fan. Ironically, during my '77 season in Syracuse I got a call from Marvin Miller, union boss for the MLBPAA. He informed me that I could file for free agency after the season. When the Yankees found out that they traded for me not knowing that I could opt out for free agency, they flew me to NY and offered me a 2 year MLB contract. I would also be called up to the big club. I turned down the offer and Steinbrenner called me a dumbass. I signed with the White Sox the following November. Order my book and read about other great events in my career in my book, “The Day The Yankees Made Me Shave”, found at www.gregorypryor.com. Greg Pryor NY Yankees (2/77-11/77)