Sandy Koufax, a Hall of Fame pitcher, is known for his outstanding career on the mound. Now, fans have the opportunity to own a piece of his career, as a glove used by Koufax during his second season with the Brooklyn Dodgers is being auctioned off.
The glove, a “well-worn” Rawlings glove used by Koufax in the 1956 season, is being auctioned by Grey Flannel Auctions. In that season, Koufax appeared in 16 games and achieved an ERA of 4.91 with 30 strikeouts in 58.2 innings.
Notable details of the glove include Koufax’s No. 32 written on it, as well as his nickname “Koo Foo.” Additionally, experts at PSA/DNA have suggested that the dark palm is the result of pine tar, which was legal at the time but is now prohibited in Major League Baseball.
“Today’s game is highlighted by the umpires checking the pitcher’s hands and glove at the end of an inning, in an effort to uncover the use of a grip substance,” the description from Grey Flannel Auctions reads. “This was not the case during Koufax’s storied Hall of Fame career.”
The current bid for the glove is $48,721, and the bidding will remain open until Dec. 10.
Several years after the 1956 season, Koufax solidified his place as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. He went on to win four World Series, three Cy Young Awards, and two World Series MVP Awards.
Koufax concluded his career with 165 wins, a 2.76 ERA, and 2,396 strikeouts. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
