by Chuck Eckels
The Roanoke Valley Rebels joined the EHL in 1968 as the Salem Rebels. Their dureen jerseys had “Salem” written diagonally on the home whites and “Rebels” written diagonally on the road blues. Many of these early jerseys were made by Stall and Dean. During the 1970 season the home whites were switched to the Stars and Bars crest. During the 71 season the team split time between Salem and Roanoke until the new arena was completed in Roanoke. I believe the jersey shown below was worn during the 71-72 season. I’m looking for more evidence to confirm that but I have no doubt it was game worn. Why?
I saw this listed on eBay multiple times along with a number of authentics and a couple of game worms by the seller. The seller couldn’t give it away. The general consensus was that the Rebels never wore the Stars and Bars on the road blue shirts only the home whites. The former GM who is an avid collector admitted as much to me. As I examined the photos in greater detail I noticed the Cosby tag in the neck. Would Cosby & Co. make a minor league authentic during the early 70’s ? After the civil rights era of the 60’s I didn’t think Cosby would be so myopic to try and market the Stars and Bars. The Stars and Bars might be big in Roanoke but not in other parts of the country. I also didn’t think they would try to nationally market such a regional minor league shirt. So what is this shirt? I decided to take a chance. I made an offer to the seller and he accepted. I was certainly amped up when the jersey arrived.
I looked at the jersey and there was NNOB. There was no fight strap. It is all sewn on. However there was tremendous wash wear and mild pilling inside the jersey. There was also a repair on the right chest about an inch long. It is an absolute beauty. I quickly took photos and fired off an email to Cosby & Co. at MSG. Michael Cosby replied that they did in fact make a team set for the Rebels in the early 70’s with the Stars and Bars crest on the blue shirts and he remembers dealing with the Rebels Jack Dame. That email sealed the deal for me. Uncle Milt was right, do your homework . I appreciate owning this rare game worn shirt. It was also fun to figure this puzzle out. It would be nice to have a photo of these blue shirts in a game. I guess I have more homework.