Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction September 2023
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2023
Once dubbed the wildest, meanest, most unpredictable player in hockey who was jailed dozens of times during his playing career by his own account, Bill "Goldie" Goldthorp would serve as the inspiration for the inspiration for “Ogie” Ogilthorpe in the movie "Slap Shot". Playing in a total of 33 WHA games throughout his career, Goldthorpe would suit up in 195 games throughout various minor leagues, amassing a total of 1134 PIMS over that time, averaging out to nearly 6 per game. Offered here, we present this WHA Baltimore Blades jersey worn by Goldie during the 1974-75 season, the team's only year of existence. Originally a charter member of the WHA, the Los Angeles Aces, then Sharks, moved to Detroit for the 1974-75 season as the Michigan Stags, with the club again relocating mid-season to become the Baltimore Blades. With the AHL Baltimore Clippers stepping aside to make room for the WHA club, the Clippers would sell all their jerseys and equipment to the Blades who when they folded, reacquired nearly all their old gear and recommissioned it for AHL use in 1975-76 though this jersey has survived as it was when it was last worn by Goldthorpe nearly five (5) decades ago. An all mesh garment made by Rawlings, a heavy worn/torn brand tag displaying a size "46" designation is sewn inside the collar while the front of the jersey is decorated with a Blades team crest that has been applied over top of the previous Clippers logo that still resides underneath. Accented with Goldthorpe's number "9" over the sleeves and verso in heat screened black vinyl numerals, "Goldthorpe" is spelt out in single layer black twill letters across the affixed white twill nameplate. Additionally, evidence of letters that were removed from the jersey can be seen across the orange portion at the top of the back with research showing that number "9" was worn in both 1973-74 and 1974-75 by Dave Gilmour before the club stepped aside and allowed the Blades to move in. A battle tested and heavily worn example that exhibits excellent game-use, dark stick marks are seen over the front, reverse and right sleeve while numerous team repairs and coloured paint transfers are observed over the entirety of the sleeves and body on both sides. Sporting board burns over the sleeve and reverse numbers as well as the reverse hem, the interior of the jersey displays a customized skate lace/garter style fight strap and heavy pilling at both elbows. An LOA will accompany the piece.
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