Braves warmup jacket

[steve B]

Some time ago I posted about a braves warmup jacket I'd bought at a local auction. I finally got around to taking pictures.

It went unnoticed during the preview, I think it was hanging near the back door. If it was, I assumed it was just someones jacket.
When it came up it was announced as being Ernie Lombardis, and coming from a family that was friends with him. But of course, no paperwork or anything. It sold for very little, little enough that if it's just any players jacket, or even just a team jacket I'm happy.

Condition is pretty bad, dirty from use, and the leather parts are brittle and falling apart. No legible tags anywhere, probably worn off. The construction is very high quality, and it's reversible with sewn on logos inside and out. Plus both sides have their own pockets. Inside was white leather with gray sleeves.

The logo matches the late 30's-early 40's Braves logo. And Lombardi did play for them one season during the time the logo was in use, and the jacket is really large. I'm just short of 6ft, and the sleeves are much too long. If I was wearing it it would reach a good 6-8 inches below my waist.

Anyone have pics of a 1940-44 Braves player in a warmup jacket? I looked online but couldn't find any.

Steve B

[leftygrove10]

Very neat... The Hall of Fame might be able to help you. Perhaps they even have a picture of Lombardi wearing a jacket like this (or this very jacket!)....

[scooter729]

That would be a great score, Steve!

Lombardi was listed at 6'3" and 230 pounds, so the extra-long sleeves seem like they would make a lot of sense, if it really belonged to him...

[steve B]

Without a letter or something I'd call that a very big if.

If the warmups were loose fitting about half the team could have fit reasonably well.

If they were a more snug fit there's still a couple other possibilities, like Frank McElyea - Listed at 6'6" 221 lbs.

But at the price I paid I'd be happy whoever wore it.