1987-88 Larry Bird Boston Celtics Playoff Game Worn & Signed Jersey

The Boston Celtics made the postseason in each of Larry Bird’s 13 seasons, and his presence on the club helped lead them to the Eastern Conference Finals or beyond in all but one season between his rookie year in 1980 and ’88. Bird-led Celtics teams won NBA titles in 1981, ’84, and ’86, and when Bird fell into a groove, his teammates could tell. “I’ve seen that look in his eye, like, ‘Get the hell out my way, boys, because I’m going to go to work,’” teammate Kevin McHale said after the Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1988. “I tell you, it was good to see that look in Larry’s eye. That look today was like, ‘I want the ball,’ and when he gets the look like that—Katie, bar the door.” Throughout his career, Bird posted ten postseason triple-doubles—the fifth-most in NBA history—and became the tenth player to score 40+ points in at least five postseason games as an accomplished playoff performer. According to Sports Investors Authentication, LLC, the Boston Celtics wore a different style of jersey in the 1988 postseason, wearing mesh jerseys instead of the knit jerseys they had used throughout the regular season. That means the signed Bird jersey available in this month’s Premier Auction came from one of Boston’s three postseason series in 1988 (wins against the Knicks and Hawks before losing to Pistons). This jersey features a James Spence-authenticated autograph under the second “3” in “33” on the back, and many collectors will likely find themselves with a Larry Bird-esque look in their eyes as they work to track down the highest bid in the extended bidding. Sports Investors Authentication, LLC, Letter of Authenticity This letter will serve as the opinion of Sports Investors Authentication, LLC, regarding the item in review. Description: Presented is a home Boston Celtics jersey issued to and used by Larry Bird in the 1988 NBA playoffs. During the 1987-1988 season, the Boston Celtics had a knit jersey. However, the Celtics modified their jersey to mesh during the 1988 NBA playoffs. Jersey is a white mesh pullover made by MacGregor Sand-Knit. All lettering and numbers are sewn on in green tackle twill. With respect to front of jersey: “CELTICS” radially arched displayed across the front. Centered on the front and back is the player’s number “33.” With respect to the reverse side of jersey under the collar, “BIRD” is radially arched. Collar and shoulders trimmed in sewn-in three-color knit green-white-green trim. Official NBA logo direct-embroidered onto the left shoulder. Bird has signed the back of the jersey below the number in black marker (Sports Investors Authentication has no opinion on the signature). Wear & Repairs: Jersey shows evidence of laundering and shows little-to-light wear. Jersey shows puckering of the twill letters and numbers to what you would expect for a jersey that’s been worn a couple times. The NBA logo’s coloring shows to be really faded, most likely not from game play or repeat washing. There are a few loose threads throughout. Jersey is original with no alterations. Labeling: Manufacture Sand-Knit size 46 tag is present on the front left tail of the jersey, which would be expected on a game-used jersey of Bird’s. Directly above this tag is another stating “DESIGNED & TAILORED EXCLUSIVELY FOR BOSTON CELTICS” To the left of the manufacturer tag, player special tailoring “2 LB” and “87” is sewn onto two separate pieces of white fabric and then sewn directly onto the jersey, which is consistent for Bird in this stage of his career. Conclusion: The jersey in review is properly tagged, lettered, and numbered. It is consistent with known exemplars, exhibits little-to-light use, and appears to have no alterations of any kind. Therefore, it is the considered opinion of Sports Investors Authentication that this jersey is genuine and was used by Larry Bird in the 1988 NBA playoffs. James Spence Authentication Letter of Authenticity This document shall serve as a letter of authenticity for the aforementioned item, which James Spence Authentication, LLC, has thoroughly examined. The signature(s) is/are consistent considering a wide range of specific qualities including slant, flow, pen pressure, letter size and formation and other characteristics typical of our extensive database of known exemplars we have examined throughout our hobby and professional careers. It is our considered opinion that the signature item is/are genuine. Your item has been assigned a unique certification number (250522), which is uploaded into restricted database and can be confirmed on our website www.SpencelLOA.com at any time. This letter must appear on our proprietary water-marked paper and bear the signatures of both James Spence and a notary public. We appreciate your consideration of entrusting James Source Authentication’s judgment and look forward to examining additional collectibles for you in the near future. 1987-88 Larry Bird Boston Celtics Playoff Game Worn & Signed Jersey