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Authentic Vintage 1998 Northwestern Wildcats Team Issued Baseball Jersey #9
Up for sale is an incredibly rare, authentic piece of vintage collegiate baseball history. This is a team-issued Northwestern Wildcats baseball jersey manufactured by Speedline Athletic Wear for their elite "Pro Pak" on-field line.
This is not a modern commercial replica—it is a player-spec jersey manufactured in the USA right before the start of the 1998 NCAA season.
## 🔍 Item Specifications & Details
* Team: Northwestern Wildcats (NCAA Division I, Big Ten Conference)
* Sport: Baseball
* Jersey Number: #9
* Player Association: Matt Thompson (Infielder/Outfielder, played for NU 1997–2000)
* Manufacturer: Speedline Athletic Wear (Tampa, Florida, USA)
* Product Line: Pro Pak (Authentic player on-field specifications)
* Country of Origin: Made in USA 🇺🇸
* Fabric: 100% Heavyweight Performance Polyester
* Colorway/Pattern: Classic Light Gray with dark pinstripes and Purple accents
* Graphics: Arching "Northwestern" chest lettering and numbers are all dual-layer purple-on-white tackle twill, meticulously sewn directly onto the jersey.
## 📐 Verified Flat-Lay Measurements
* Pit to Pit (Chest Width): 25 inches
* Front Length (Shoulder to Front Hem): 33 inches
* Back Length (Shoulder to Back Hem): 36 inches
* Manufacturer Tagged Size: 46 (Fits and drapes similarly to a modern Men's XL / Loose Large)
## ✨ Elite Authentic Player Features
* 100% Verified Production Timestamp: Features the internal factory wash tag stamped with the exact production date: 2-2-98, along with Speedline's custom factory batch order number 3-9906.
* Velcro Waistband Anchor: Includes the original, authentic player-spec modification—a heavy-duty Velcro hook-and-loop patch stitched right next to the lower side hem slit. This was designed to lock the jersey directly onto the matching uniform pants to keep it securely tucked during play.
* Drop-Tail Scoop Hem: An elongated back hem specifically patterned to prevent the jersey from riding up when throwing, sliding, or swinging.
## 👍 Condition Report
Very Good Used Condition (VGUC). This vintage jersey has been exceptionally well-preserved over the last 25+ years.
* Fabric: Crisp, strong, and highly durable weave with excellent structural integrity. No major stains, holes, rips, or tears.
* Stitching: All tackle-twill letters, front/back numbers, and brand tags are completely secure with no major peeling, fraying, or loose threads.
* Please note: This is a genuine vintage garment that may show minor signs of handling consistent with light team use or storage.
This is a phenomenal, investment-grade piece of memorabilia perfect for Northwestern University alumni, Wildcats baseball fans, and vintage jersey collectors alike. Ships quickly and securely from a smoke-free home! Feel free to reach out with any questions.
