Pittsburgh Pirates home jersey worn by shortstop Mario Mendoza in 1976. The white knit jersey is lettered "Pirates" across the front and features the number "11" on the front and reverse. All letters and numerals are applied in black on gold tackle twill. Located on the interior right front tail are a "Rawlings" label and two adjacent flag tags reading, respectively, "1976" and "Set 1." A National League Centennial patch appears on the left sleeve. The jersey is all original and displays heavy wear, including light scattered staining on the front and reverse, and fraying to the stitching on the reverse numerals. Mendoza was a light-hitting shortstop who is best known today as the inspiration for one of baseball's most familiar terms.  Mendoza's struggles at the plate were such that he frequently failed to hit above .200 for a season. In nine seasons he never hit above .245 and on five occasions his average was below .200. Because of that, an average of .200 became known as "The Mendoza Line." In 1976 Mendoza failed to cross that line, finishing the year with a .185 average, 0 home runs, and 12 RBI. For his career, he did manage to stay above the line, as he retired in 1982 with a career average of .215.