Spike Owen Montreal Expos Autographed Game Used Cleats

Collectibles : Autographs : Sports : Baseball : Game Used Equipment : Memorabilia

 

We recently purchased the private collection of baseball and hockey memorabilia from the Chaplin of the Montreal Canadiens and the now defunct Montreal Expos. The entire collection consists of over five hundred signed balls, batting helmets, hockey sticks, photos and game used equipment which will be listed in part over the next several months in our shop on Ruby Lane.

One of the many items that I found of particular interest is this pair of Spike Owen's Montreal Expos (1988 - 1992) autographed Nike game used cleats worn by Owen during one of his four seasons with the Expos. Each of the cleats are signed by Spike Owen on the Nike logo on the boot part of the cleat with a black sharpie. Furthermore Owen signed the tongue flaps of the boots with a silver pen next to the Nike trademark label. I have attached an autographed photograph of Spike Owen taken from the 1992 Expos Year Book showing Owen wearing a pair of the exact same Nike cleats which he autographed for the Expos Chaplin which we are offering for sale.

It is very seldom that one come across such a magnificent piece of baseball memorabilia such as these Nike cleats showing great game use and in such excellent condition. Signed by one of the finest gentlemen in baseball these cleats are sure to make a welcomed addition to any baseball collection

These cleats comes complete with a certificate of authenticity attesting to the creditability of Spike Owen's signature and is fully guaranteed by Master Editions Antiques & Collectibles.

Spike Dee Owen (born April 19, 1961 in Cleburne, Texas) is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for the Seattle Mariners (1983-86), Boston Red Sox (1986-88), Montreal Expos (1989-92), New York Yankees (1993) and California Angels (1994-95). He made his Major League debut on June 25th, 1983.

In a 13-season career, Owen compiled a .246 batting average with 46 home runs and 439 RBI in 1544 games.

Owen attended The University of Texas at Austin and was the All-Tournament Team shortstop in the 1982 College World Series. Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 1st round (6th pick) of the 1982 amateur draft. On June 25, 1983 Owen went 1 for 4 against the Toronto Blue Jays in his major league debut in with the Mariners. His first hit came off of P Jim Gott. On July 13, 1983, Owen hit his first big league HR against Red Sox P Doug Bird at Fenway Park.

A switch-hitter, he was a much better from the right side. He was fairly slow for a middle infielder, especially one known for defense. Nevertheless, he was an intelligent and aggressive runner. At shortstop, Owen had sure hands, a quick release, and he knew what to do with the ball.

In 1986, he was named team captain of the Mariners. On August 19 Owen and CF Dave Henderson were traded to the Boston Red Sox for Rey Quinones and cash. In his third game with the Red Sox, he tied a major league record with six runs scored in a game. In the 1986 American League Championship Series, Owen hit .429 as the Red Sox defeated the California Angels 4 games to 3. In the 1986 World Series he hit .300, as the Red Sox lost to the New York Mets 4 games to 3.

On December 8, 1988, Owen was traded by the Red Sox to the Montreal Expos for P John Dopson and SS Luis Rivera.

In 1990, Owen set a National League record with 63 consecutive errorless games at shortstop. Despite his .234 average, he showed some decent power, working in 24 doubles, five triples and five home runs among his 106 hits. The secret to his success was his patience at the plate. Owen drew 70 walks (12 intentional), giving him a respectable .333 on base percentage --the walks are an important element for an eight-place hitter in the NL since they bring the pitcher to the plate and allow the offense to start the next inning at the top of the order.

Owen's most productive season came in 1992, when he posted career highs in average (.269), home runs (7), stolen bases (7) and slugging percentage (.381). In addition, he sported a healthy .348 on base percentage and performed well in the clutch, batting .319 in 91 at-bats with runners in scoring position. Owen also led the NL in fielding percentage twice. A hard-nosed competitor, he quickly established himself as a leader in the Expos clubhouse and helped rookie Delino DeShields to his transition to second base. After the 1992 season, Owen was pushed out of Montreal by the emergence of Wil Cordero.

On December 4, 1992 Owen signed a three-year contract with the New York Yankees. Owen had the idea that he would anchor the Yankee infield and provide leadership, but in 1993 he led a horde of middle infielders in one only category: salary. At the end of the season, Owen was traded to the California Angels for a minor league player.

In 1994, Owen hit a career high .310 in 82 games for the Angels, basically as an infield backup and eventually as a DH.

In 1996, Owen joined the Texas Rangers' Triple A affiliate, the Oklahoma City 89ers. In April, Owen announced his retirement.

Item ID: ME-2890