No Small Derringer

[Dave Grob]

I love finding contextual items to accompany uniforms I have acquired. Such is the case with this scorecard insert from 17 August 1959 as well as the photographs provided. Last year I picked up Paul Derringer’s 1959 Cincinnati Redlegs Homecoming Reunion uniform (jersey, undershirt, pants, belt, and stirrups). In addition to being a very rare style to find of any player, it is the largest flannel I have ever seen or have any record of in a size 54. I have a 1971 Ted Kluszewski home (size 50) and have looked at a couple of Frank Howard flannels (sizes 50 and 52).

The belt for the Derringer uniform is actually two belts sewn together at about the mid-point. There is a wonderful article in the August 26th edition of the Sporting News (page 5) that details the events of the 17 August 1959 reunion game. One of the things mentioned in the article is that Paul Derringer was “decked out in a size 54 suit” and that “It’s the largest uniform that MacGregor has ever made.”

The concept of the “Reunion Game” was big hit with the Crosley faithful as some 20,807 fans filled the ball park for the Monday night event (held prior to the Reds Giants game). By way of comparison, only 10, 921 fans turned out the day before to take in a Sunday double header (albeit against the Phillies).
I would post pics of the uniform, but it is currently on display at the MEARS Museum and Conference Center.

Dave Grob
DaveGrob1@aol.com

[Leon]

Great story Dave. He was a big ole guy. Thanks for sharing.

[sayhey24]

Right next to another big ole guy -- The Schnozz.

Greg

[Dave Grob]

On 18 July 1958 (the year before), the Cincinnati Reds inducted Derringer, Johnny Vander Meer, Bucky Walters, Frank McCormick, and Ernie Lombardi as the inaugural class into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Derringer was the only one of the inductees who did not appear in uniform that night as it appears the Reds didn’t have a uniform that would have fit him. The others that night wore uniforms the Reds had on hand that did not reflect they numbers the necessarily wore back in the day.

Contemporary accounts list Derringer at 290 lbs in 1959.

Dave Grob
DaveGrob1@aol.com

[jerseygary]

Great to see that even at 100lbs over his playing weight Oom Paul could still do his trademark leg kick!

On another note it would have been nice to see what his record would have been had he had stayed with the Cardinals. He was a hell of a pitcher but was stuck with a terrible bunch or Reds teams until 1938. If he had the Medwick and those guys' bats behind him in 33-37 his stats would have been very impressive.