In a thrilling twist of fate, a vintage 1953 Chicago Cubs Dugout Jacket worn by baseball legend Ernie Banks was recently unearthed at a local Goodwill store. The lucky thrifter, Jack Ricketts, stumbled upon the historical gem, now estimated to be worth between $15,000 and $25,000.

Ricketts discovered the jacket among discarded items at the Goodwill bins after seeing someone throw the jacket back into the bins inside out. Immediately he knew he struck gold, and was able to verify that the jacket was an original dugout jacket that belonged to none other than Ernie Banks.

Known as “Mr. Cub,” Ernie Banks was the first African American player on the Chicago Cubs, earning a revered spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The vintage jacket, despite signs of wear, captures the essence of baseball’s golden era.

Experts swiftly authenticated the find, solidifying its historical value. The jacket is now poised to attract collectors and museums eager to preserve this tangible link to Ernie Banks and the Cubs’ rich history.

The discovery has sparked intrigue about the jacket’s journey, adding an extra layer of fascination to this unexpected and extraordinary find. As the news spreads, the 1953 Ernie Banks Cubs Dugout Jacket stands as a testament to the enduring allure of baseball memorabilia.