The image alone of this most important jersey is enough to bring a smile to the face, and a tear to the eye, of long-time New York Mets fans. After donning Mets pinstripes in the waning days of his playing career, the respected Gil Hodges turned his attention to the managing realm, where he helped boost the unlikely Amazin's to a stunning 1969 World Championship. Not only was this jersey worn for the 1969 Championship season, it was worn on September 24, 1969, when the Mets clinched the NL East title at 9:07 pm; this is the exact jersey that Hodges sported for that historic game and is photo-matched to Getty Image number 97212299 as well as to the June 4, 1969, game by Getty Image number 532609450, and July 8, 1969, game by Getty Image number 89191309. We even found a photo of Hodges donning this very jersey on March 17, 1970, during Spring Training. This off-white, cream-colored home jersey has all-original numbers (14 on front and back) and all-original "Mets" across the front. The strip tag in the collar is partially torn from repeated washing but still retains the sewn-in size (46) and there are Spalding size 46 tags on the front tail along with washing instructions and "Set 1 1969" flag tag. The Mets skyline patch is located on the left sleeve (the patch was relocated from right to left sleeve for the 1969 World Series) and there is a faint outline from the 1969 Baseball 100-Year Anniversary patch on the right sleeve (this patch was relocated to the right sleeve for the 1969 World Series and then removed for Spring Training of 1970). Fine use is evident yet there are no holes, rips or tears, the only minuscule flaw being the torn strip tag in the collar. Hodges took over the Mets' helm in 1968, stunned the baseball world with the '69 championship, and tragically passed from a heart attack in Spring Training of the 1972 season. This jersey stands as an Amazin' piece in Mets - and baseball - history. Note: There is very likely this was also worn in the 1969 World Series as well. This, for the following reasons: The patch was moved over for the World Series TV broadcasts, so it was ready to go. Games 3, 4 & 5 were played at Shea in home duds. It was not worn in game 5 based on our photo matching analysis. He was only issued two home jerseys that year and a third set was not produced for the World Series. He regularly alternated the sets for washing after the game. Therefore, it is pretty much a given that he wore this in either Game 3 or 4. Unfortunately, we simply have not been able to find photos from these Games 3-4 that show this jersey up close and personal and the video of the games is not of sufficient quality and he is wearing his jacket in most. Further research would take this to another level.