http://cgi.ebay.com/LARRY-BOWA-GAME-USED-JERSEY-SEATTLE-MARINERS_W0QQitemZ8713826523QQcategoryZ60597QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hello fellow forum members! I have a few questions about this Mariners Larry Bowa jersey that I hope you can answer. This jersey would have been worn by Bowa during his single-season stay in Seattle (2000) as the M's third base coach. Would size 46 be appropriate for Bowa at that point in his career? I know he wore a size 44 as a Phillies coach in 1991, but does anyone know what size he wore as the Phillies' manager from 2001 through 2004? I'd appreciate any info that's out there.

On to a more generic question: are there any "red flags" that I should be aware of regarding this jersey? The "1" on the back looks too narrow, but the jersey might not have been lying flat when photographed. Again, I'm glad to listen to anyone's input if they spot something amiss.

Thanks in advance for your help! (gee, I wish this jersey came with a GENUINE 100% AUTHORITATIVE COA so I wouldn't need to do my homework...)

Jimbo

Jimbo,

The jersey looks good to me based on my initial review. I'll compare it to my Mariners 2000 Rickey Henderson and AROD jerseys when I get home. But it looks good so far. I'm not sure there would be much use in faking a Bowa 3rd base coach jersey, but stranger things have happened and it doesn't hurt to be cautious.

Reid

If you would like to receive my list of game used baseball and basketball items, please email me at rgf2@hotmail.com.

Jimbo,

As a person who almost exclusivly collects Seattle Mariners items, this jersey upon pictoral inspection looks good. The placing of the numbers, nameplate and size tags is appropriate for the time frame. I do not and have not owned any Bowa jerseys but the size appears to be about right. In 2000 he was listed at 5-10 170 lbs. I think that wouldn't be out of the question to wear a 46 as it'd give a little extra room or a snug fit, it just depends on his build.

The one thing that I did notice as you did was the size of the number 1, it should be the exact same thickness of the 0. If the size is in fact different I'd stay away from it. it still may be legit but I have yet to see or come across a legit Mariners jersey with different size numbers. I think it just might be the way it was photographed though, it does seem to look smaller in thickness.

I have in fact seem some very qustionable and downright fakes for 2000 Mariners jerseys, so they are out there. There seems to be more 2000 jerseys out there than any other year for Mariners jerseys. I am aware that CSI(California Sports Inv.) made a big bulk buy after 2000 for that years sets. That may have led to the amount of 2000's seen on the market but I think that somehow some blank team issued jerseys made it into the market. I am in no way saying that CSI ever bought any blanks so do not assume I'm associating them with the bad ones on the market. Just be aware of any 2000's you see and check them closely.

Jeremy,

You are correct - California Sports Investments bought out the team stock from the Mariners 2000 season. I have a complete set (which I hand-selected as the best) of Rickey Henderson's jerseys from that year (black alternate, grey road, and white home). They all show outstanding wear, unlike the extras or lightly worn jerseys that got out (as you mentioned).

Jimbo, I just sent you a reply ... I compared the Bowa jersey to my Henderson and AROD 2000 Mariners jerseys and everything seems to match. I have to think that jersey is good.

Reid

If you would like to receive my list of game used baseball and basketball items, please email me at rgf2@hotmail.com.

Thanks a bunch for your invaluable input regarding the Bowa jersey. The seller proved extremely cooperative by providing extra photos and details (origin, how purchased, etc) & all of the information checked out a-OK. Double thanks to Reid for going the extra mile and comparing the auction photos to examples in his personal collection - I only hope that I have the opportunity to return the favor sometime in the future.

I won the jersey and it arrived just a couple of days ago - the very same day Bowa hired on as the Yankees new third base coach (cue the Twilight Zone music). The jersey looks sweet and is a great addition to my collection (accumulation).

It's great to know that the game used community has folks such as yourselves. Thanks again!!

Jim

Jimbo,

I'm glad to have helped - enjoy the Bowa jersey ... one of my all-time favorite players. He was a pleasure to talk with in person, too.

Reid

If you would like to receive my list of game used baseball and basketball items, please email me at rgf2@hotmail.com.

Great info! The seller has stated that the "1" and the vertical portions of the "0" are the same width - and he has promised to send me a better photo (we'll see). Thanks for the education!

Jimbo

Thanks a bunch for your invaluable input regarding the Bowa jersey. The seller proved extremely cooperative by providing extra photos and details (origin, how purchased, etc) & all of the information checked out a-OK. Double thanks to Reid for going the extra mile and comparing the auction photos to examples in his personal collection - I only hope that I have the opportunity to return the favor sometime in the future.

I won the jersey and it arrived just a couple of days ago - the very same day Bowa hired on as the Yankees new third base coach (cue the Twilight Zone music). The jersey looks sweet and is a great addition to my collection (accumulation).

It's great to know that the game used community has folks such as yourselves. Thanks again!!

Jim