1979 World Series Ticket Stubs - Three Rivers Stadium

This is a collection of four original ticket stubs from the 1979 World Series, held at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, where the Pittsburgh Pirates faced the American League Champion Baltimore Orioles. The set includes stubs for Game 3, two stubs for Game 4, and one stub for Game 5. Physically, the tickets are vertical rectangles printed on cardstock with a red, white, and blue color scheme, featuring the iconic '76th World Series' logo in the center. Each stub displays key logistical data including Gate (C or D), Section (662 or 606), Row E, and specific seat numbers. They are marked with a total price of $10.00, which reflects the general admission reserved seating on the sixth level. A small illustrations of a Pirate mascot is visible near the bottom. In terms of condition, these are 'stubs' rather than 'full tickets,' meaning they were torn upon stadium entry. There is visible surface wear, slight creasing on some edges, and minor foxing/discoloration consistent with their age (dating from October 1979). The printing remains legible and vibrant, displaying the signature of Commissioner Bowie K. Kuhn. These items are highly significant as the 1979 series saw the 'We Are Family' Pirates win the championship, making these specific remnants from games 3 through 5 essential pieces of baseball history.

I have completed a visual assessment of this four-stub collection from the 1979 World Series. These tickets represent the pivotal 'We Are Family' championship run. Specifically, the set includes Game 3, two Game 4 stubs, and Game 5. From my examination, the printing, cardstock grain, and typography align with known authentic examples issued by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and Commissioner Bowie Kuhn’s office. The condition is consistent with 'used' stadium artifacts: I note moderate surface wear, softening of the corners, and minor age-related oxidation (foxing) on the white cardstock. These factors are common for items held in pockets during games and stored in non-archival environments for four decades. The market for 1979 World Series memorabilia remains robust due to the historical popularity of the 'Stargell’s Stars' roster. While 'full' tickets command a premium, a contiguous multi-game set of stubs provides a compelling narrative for collectors. Recent comparables for individual stubs in this condition range from $100 to $160 each, depending on the specific game outcome. Game 5, being a Pittsburgh victory that extended the series, often carries slightly higher demand. Note: This appraisal is based strictly on high-resolution image analysis. Authenticators must be wary of high-quality modern reprints. To certify these items, I would require a physical inspection to verify paper weight and ink absorption into the fiber. Full authentication would involve testing the paper's reaction to UV light (checking for contemporary brighteners that wouldn't exist in 1979) and investigating any available chain of custody or provenance from the original attendee.