June 20th, 1999 saw the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons face off against the Columbus Clippers in a turn-back-the-clock game. The Scranton 'Miners' walloped the Columbus Redbirds 7-1. The Red Barons were portraying the 1953 Scranton club, a Washington Senators affiliate in the Eastern League that was the last professional baseball team to call the city home before the 36-year drought was ended in 1989. Columbus was representing a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate from the old American Association.
Having just graduated from high school days earlier, I was flush with cash (for those days), and in a position to acquire this jersey in a silent auction. While some friends went in on a #66 Sean Fesh uniform, I wanted clear title to one, but was generally limited to players who I'd win the auction on with the minimum bid of $100. This auction was for the entire uniform and included game pants and a cap. More on that later.Joel Bennett was a right-handed pitcher who enjoyed enough success in 1998 and 1999 to see time with the Orioles and Phillies respectively.
The jersey is in pretty good shape since Mr. Bennett did not take the hill that day. There are what appear to be tobacco stains near the top button. The pants that came with the jersey certainly did not belong to Joel. Upon acquisition, there was a significant accumulation of dirt on one hip from sliding. There are no number or players tags in the pants however. The hat was brand new and was likely not one issued to the players.While I cannot find a boxscore for the game, the old Sean Fesh Fan Club archives state that Wendell Magee and Darren Burton hit homeruns as Rodney Bolton and Ryan Nye turned in outstanding pitching performances.
Details:- Manufacturer - Maple
- Size - 48
- Date Acquired - 6/20/99
- Authentic Game Worn - 65% Acrylic/35% Wool, Embroidered Script/Numbers, No Patches/Name On Back
- Season(s) Worn - 1999 (replicating 1953)
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