Ray Fosse's career was just maturing when Pete Rose derailed it. Make no mistake about it, Rose took no prisoners. He was old school to the fullest, even in an All-Star Game. In the 1970 Mid-Summer Classic, Rose rounded third and bowled over the A. L.'s catcher Fosse, separating his right shoulder. Although the backstop played for another decade, he was never the same. Naturally, Rose drew the rebuke of baseball commentators who believed the play was excessive.
This one-year style jersey, we believe, was worn by Fosse on that fateful day. Because it's a road jersey and one-year 3-D style, it logically leads that this is actually the jersey that Fosse was wearing in the most famous collision in All-Star Game history - July 14, 1970.
Five of the original seven buttons are present and intact, one has been replaced and the lowermost button is missing. The gray flannel jersey body is in fine condition, as is the "Chief Wahoo" patch on the left sleeve. All of the identifiers are applied in three-color, drop-shadow tackle twill and evidence splendid wear. Delicious puckering and moderate fraying on the identifiers all vouch for use. The front and back identifiers are original, but appear to have some zig-zag edge reinforcement. A washing instructions label and a "Set 1 #8P 1970" flag tag are sewn in tandem in the tail. There is an unrepaired tear on the verso near the "8" we believe from catcher's straps.
Uniquely, a garment of epic import in All-Star history.
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