On October 4, 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the seventh game of the World Series. It would be the first and only World Series title seen by the Dodger faithful within the Brooklyn borrows. The memorable season penned by the Brooklyn Dodgers overshadowed the importance of the youthful potential of Sandy Koufax, the Dodgers left handed throwing bonus baby. A Brooklyn native and a college student, Sandy Koufax inked his first professional contract at the age of eighteen. Koufax would win two games for the 1955 Dodgers but his dominance within the game would begin during his years in Los Angeles.

The Dodgers moved to Los Angeles after the 1957 season. Koufax would help the Dodgers win the 1959 World Series as they played their home games at the Los Angeles Coliseum. As baseball moved through the expansion decade, Koufax dominated the National League by throwing four perfect games in the span of four seasons. The last of his no-hitters was a perfect game.

Koufax’s presence within the game of baseball also served as an influence within the social binds of America. Koufax, who is of the Jewish faith, elected not to pitch the first game of the 1965 World Series due to it falling on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for those of the Jewish belief. Despite his absence in game one, Koufax pitched a three hit shutout in game seven on just two days rest. His gutsy performance helped the Dodgers win the World Series. It would be the fourth and final World Series title won by Koufax.

In 1966, Koufax won 27 games and helped the Dodgers win the pennant. However, it would be the constant pain in his arm that would cause him to retire after the 1966 season at the age of 30. Five years later Koufax would be enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

This uniquely styled royal mesh fitted hat was worn by Sandy Koufax at the beginning of his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. The hat was constructed by Boston's Tim McAuliffe Cap Company, whose tag is stitched into the headband. The stylized Brooklyn B crosses the front two panels of the hat. The white threaded B is directly embroidered onto the mesh material. The under-visor is lined in green cloth. Koufax’s retired number 32 is etched in black ink atop the green cloth. A royal covered metal button rests at the top of the crown. This rare, historical piece is currently being auctioned off by Robert Edwards Auctions.

Images: Robert Edwards Auctions
Text: J.Wheeler