1930's "Bullet Joe" Rogan Game Worn Jacket

Auction: June 2009 Catalogue

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June 2009 Catalogue
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1930's "Bullet Joe" Rogan Game Worn Jacket

Wilber “Bullet Joe” Rogan was to the Negro Leagues what Babe Ruth was to the majors, a self-styled double-threat who could pitch and hit with -- and well above -- the best of them. His approach to pitching was smart and eclectic, with a famous no-windup style, and a collection of pitches that included, beyond the basics, the spitball, forkball, slider and palmball. Rogan’s winning percentage of .715 is recognized as the best ever in the Negro Leagues. He is consistently grouped with Smokey Joe Williams and Satchel Paige as the greatest pitchers of the Leagues, and certainly one of the best all-around players in that arena as well. His years in the 1920s with the Kansas City Monarchs were standout, as he would twice hit above .400, consistently be among (if not on top of) the Negro National League’s home run leaders, win the first Negro League World Series in ’24, and as a pitcher lead the NNL in wins from ’22 to ’25, to name only a few of his accomplishments. This stunner of a gray wool jacket is all original and was worn in the 1930s, when the Hall of Famer took on the duties as manager of the Monarchs. Its immaculate exterior boasts a glorious prominent chenille baseball patch on the left breast with “Bullet Rogan” in red. Banded cuffs, collar and trim are red and gray. Each of the coat’s snap buttons carries a vintage engraved illustration with the jacket’s manufacturer, “Butwin,” printed on it; some are slightly tarnished. All in all, this jacket is in great condition, and a magnificent vestige from baseball’s Negro Leagues.