Mel Bashore
Autograph Collection
Players Deceased in 2014
The autographs displayed on this page are items in my collection of football players who died in 2014. Also included are recent acquisitions of items obtained in trade in 2014 of players who died previously.
A partial segment of each image (whether it be an autograph, photograph, or other document) is only visible here. To see the full picture, click on the image. A pop-up window will display the full picture and any accompanying information. Click on the small arrow (bottom right, below the image) to scroll through multiple images in a slide show for that player.
Abbey autographed this 3x5 card for me in October 2007. Read the interview that I did with him that year in the Oral Interviews.
Abbey was listed as an end in this game against the Rams in L. A.
Abbey autographed this 3x5 card for me in October 2007. Read the interview that I did with him that year in the Oral Interviews.
Joe Abbey (1925-2014)
End
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Texas/North Texas
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Chicago Bears 1948
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New York Bulldogs 1949
The Bears had an offensive end and a defensive end and then a guy that could play both ways . . . and that’s what I did. We had Ken Kavanaugh who was the offensive end from LSU and H. Allen Smith was the defensive end from Ole Miss and I was a substitute for them. I substituted for Kavanaugh on offense and H. Allen on defense.
Joe Abbey
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Aigler autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Aigler autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
Ralph W. Aigler (1885-1964)
Big Ten representative, Michigan, 1917-55
Berry autographed this 3x5 card for me on Oct. 5, 1990.
Berry autographed and wrote me a note on this 1949 Alan Maver cartoon.
Berry rushes against the Texas Longhorns. Jack Halfpenny (right) moves in for the tackle. Nov. 1946
Berry autographed this 3x5 card for me on Oct. 5, 1990.
Lindy Berry (1927-2014)
Quarterback
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TCU
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Edmonton Oilers (CFL) 1950-51
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Great Lakes Naval Air Station
All-American 1949
Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy (CFL) 1950
We knew we [TCU] weren't a great team, but we figured we could stay on the field with anybody in the country. . . . I had an offer from the San Francisco 49ers. I ended up playing in Edmonton Canada and Great Lakes Naval Station. I coached one year at Great Lakes.
Lindy Berry
Boedeker autographed this 3x5 card for me in May 1998. On a football questionnaire that he filled out for me, he wrote that Bruiser Kinard was the roughest, hardest-hitting player that he faced.
Boedeker autographed this 3x5 card for me in May 1998. On a football questionnaire that he filled out for me, he wrote that Bruiser Kinard was the roughest, hardest-hitting player that he faced.
Bill Boedeker (1924-2014)
Halfback/Defensive Back
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DePaul
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Chicago Rockets 1946
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Cleveland Browns 1947-49
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Green Bay Packers 1950
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Philadelphia Eagles 1950
Bruckner autographed this 3x5 card for me in November 1991.
Some random thoughts: . . . . While I was at Great Lakes spent my nights driving up to Kenosha, Wis. just across (30 mins.) drive Ill-Wisc Border. Played under fictious name for Kenosha which was in old American Association. Played practice games against Pro teams. Tried Chicago Cardinals & lost to Cleveland Rams. All American Paul Chrisman joined us late in season. Guess who are coach & part time player was? Yes, Johnny Blood. What a character. . . .
Bruckner autographed this 3x5 card for me in November 1991.
Les Bruckner (1918-2014)
Fullback/Linebacker
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Michigan State
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Kenosha Cardinals 1941
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Fort Pierce Naval Amphibious Training Base Amphibs 1944
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Chicago Cardinals 1945
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San Francisco Clippers (PCFL) 1946
I made $375 for two games [with the Cardinals], was cut because of it as guys come out of service, too high priced was I.
Les Bruckner
Cheatham autographed this 3x5 card for me in January 1994.
Ernie signed his name on the questionnaire that I sent him in 1994. He wrote that the toughest player that he played against was Ernie Stautner.
Cheatham autographed this 3x5 card for me in January 1994.
Ernie Cheatham (1929-2014)
Tackle
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Loyola
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Pittsburgh Steelers 1954
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Baltimore Colts 1954
Dirty Ernie Cheatham they called him.
Art Donovan
In October 1994 Connolly generously sent me this autographed 8x10 photo with the questionnaire which I had asked him to fill out. What a surprise!
In October 1994 Connolly generously sent me this autographed 8x10 photo with the questionnaire which I had asked him to fill out. What a surprise!
Ted "Rollo" Connolly (1931-2014)
Guard
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Santa Clara/Tulsa
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San Francisco 49ers 1954, 1956-62
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Cleveland Browns 1963
Donan autographed this 3x5 card, a very rare activity for him, in February 1993.
This Tom Paprocki cartoon signed by Donan appeared in newspapers in November 1950.
Donan autographed this 3x5 card, a very rare activity for him, in February 1993.
Hollie Donan (1928-2014)
Tackle
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Princeton 1949-51
All-American 1950
College Football Hall of Fame 1984
Dow signed this 3x5 card for me in October 1994. He wrote me that Marion Motley was the hardest hitting player he played against and Bob Reinhard was the roughest he faced.
Dow signed this 3x5 card for me in October 1994. He wrote me that Marion Motley was the hardest hitting player he played against and Bob Reinhard was the roughest he faced.
Harley Dow (1925-2014)
Tackle
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San Jose State
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San Francisco 49ers 1950
Enke autographed this 3x5 card for me and answered a football questionnaire in November 1992.
Enke autographed this 3x5 card for me and answered a football questionnaire in November 1992.
Fred Enke (1924-2014)
Quarterback/Halfback
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Arizona
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Norman Navy Zoomers 1944
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Detroit Lions 1948-51
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Philadelphia Eagles 1952
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Baltimore Colts 1953-54
We were getting murdered by the Eagles in Philly, when Shula and I decided we’d had enough of it and put ourselves in on offense. “Pay attention, Peas,” I told Enke, “here’s where Forty-four’s [Rechichar] going to be wide open.” We drew the damn plays up on the damn ground in the damn dirt. Enke threw me three passes in all, for a hundred and fifty-one yards. Shula was my decoy, you understand.
Bert Rechicar
In 1947 I led the U.S. in total offense yardage, beating out Charlie Conerly.
Fred Enke
Ken Farragut (1928-2014)
Center
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Mississippi
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Philadelphia Eagles 1951-54
Finlay autographed this 3x5 card for me in about 2008.
Finlay autographed this 3x5 card for me in about 2008.
Jack Finlay (1921-2014)
Offensive Guard/Linebacker
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UCLA
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Del Monte Pre-flight Navyators 1943
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Los Angeles Rams 1947-51
Hal Herring (1924-2014)
Center/Linebacker
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Auburn
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Buffalo Bills 1949
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Cleveland Browns 1950-52
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Holcomb autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Holcomb autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
Stu Holcomb (1910-1977)
Halfback, Ohio State, 1929-31
Head Football Coach
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Findlay 1932-35
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Muskingum 1936-40
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Washington & Jefferson 1941
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Miami (Ohio) 1942-43
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Purdue 1947-55
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Ingwersen autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Ingwersen autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
Burt Ingwersen (1898-1969)
Tackle
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University of Illinois 1917-19
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Decatur Staleys 1920
Head Football Coach
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University of Iowa 1924-31
He signed this autograph for me in August 1994. He also wrote me that Bob St. Clair was the hardest-hitting player he faced. St. Clair was the "only man that ever put me on my back. Only time it ever happened."
He signed this autograph for me in August 1994. He also wrote me that Bob St. Clair was the hardest-hitting player he faced. St. Clair was the "only man that ever put me on my back. Only time it ever happened."
"Big John" Kreamcheck (1926-2014)
Guard
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William & Mary
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Chicago Bears 1953-55
He had hair coming out of his nose, wild, bushy hair coming down over his face, he always needed a shave. Once when we came into Wrigley Field we saw him outside the stadium warming his hands over a garbage can. Weeb said, "Why, he doesn't look like anything more than a damn derelict. I don't think he looks tough at all." George Preas, our left guard, said, "Oh yeah, then you go and play against him."
Art Donovan
Ladygo autographed this 3x5 card and filled out a questionnaire for me in December 1994.
Ladygo autographed this 3x5 card and filled out a questionnaire for me in December 1994.
Pete Ladygo (1925-2014)
Offensive Guard
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Maryland
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Pittsburgh Steelers 1952,1954
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Ottawa Roughriders (CFL) 1955
Lauricella autographed this 3x5 card for me sometime prior to the mid-1990s.
Coach Neyland with Lauricella
Lauricella autographed this 3x5 card for me sometime prior to the mid-1990s.
Hank Lauricella (1930-2014)
Halfback
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Tennessee
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Dallas Texans 1952
All-American 1951
College Football Hall of Fame 1981
I had been a single-wing tailback all through college. I wasn't a great T-formation strategist. I'd only known the basic T. If you were a quarterback, you were all pass; a running back and you were all run. You never got a chance to do both.
Hank Lauricella
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page and this McCormick cut signature from that same album. On the reverse side are autographs from two people including Ted B. Payseur, a three-sport letterman at Drake who was a good amateur golfer, and past athletic director at Northwestern.
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page and this McCormick cut signature from that same album. On the reverse side are autographs from two people including Ted B. Payseur, a three-sport letterman at Drake who was a good amateur golfer, and past athletic director at Northwestern.
Frank McCormick (1894-1976)
Fullback/Tailback
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University of South Dakota 1912-16
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Akron Pros 1920-21
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Cincinnati Celts 1921
Athletic Director
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University of Minnesota 1933-50
In December 1994, Mikula printed answers to a football questionnaire I sent him. He declined signing his autograph.
Mikula was a blocking back on William and Mary.
In December 1994, Mikula printed answers to a football questionnaire I sent him. He declined signing his autograph.
Tom Mikula (1926-2014)
Linebacker/Blocking Back
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William & Mary
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Brooklyn Dodgers 1948
Bob Mischak (1932-2014)
Offensive Guard
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Army
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New York Giants 1958
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New York Titans 1960-62
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Oakland Raiders 1963-65
All-Pro 1962
Morley filled out a questionnaire for me in Dec. 1995. He declined to sign a 3x5 card and I only have this printed signature.
Morley filled out a questionnaire for me in Dec. 1995. He declined to sign a 3x5 card and I only have this printed signature.
Sam Morley (1932-2014)
End
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Stanford
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Washington Redskins 1954
All-American 1953
Morrall autographed this 3x5 card for me in March 1989, one of my early requests for a football autograph. "It's very important for the quarterback to relax and not show that his stomach is flip-flopping. On the day of the game you don't want to go into the locker room john and throw up. It's all right for linemen and running backs to do that kind of thing, but some of the team's confidence might be a bit shaken if they heard you getting sick in there." Earl Morrall
Morrall signed his name twice on my request letter of which this is one.
This is the trading card I bought in a pack when I was about 12 years old.
Morrall autographed this 3x5 card for me in March 1989, one of my early requests for a football autograph. "It's very important for the quarterback to relax and not show that his stomach is flip-flopping. On the day of the game you don't want to go into the locker room john and throw up. It's all right for linemen and running backs to do that kind of thing, but some of the team's confidence might be a bit shaken if they heard you getting sick in there." Earl Morrall
Earl "Mr. Eyebrows" Morrall (1934-2014)
Quarterback
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Michigan State
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San Francisco 49ers 1956
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Pittsburgh Steelers 1957-58
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Detroit Lions 1958-64
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New York Giants 1965-67
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Baltimore Colts 1968-71
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Miami Dolphins 1972-76
All-American 1955
#1Passing 1968
Jim Thorpe Trophy 1968
All Pro 1968
AFL Player of the Year 1972
Earl was a real gamer, a journeyman quarterback who'd been around the block a few times and survived, sometimes on nothing more than guts.
Jack Youngblood
I obtained this 3x5 card in a trade.
I obtained this 3x5 card in a trade.
Perry Moss (1926-2014)
Quarterback
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Tulsa/Illinois
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Green Bay Packers 1948
Coach
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Florida State 1959
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Montreal Alouettes (CFL) 1960-62
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Marshall University 1968
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San Antonio Wings (WFL) 1975
There are two words that describe Chuck Noll . . . knowledgeable and aloof. Rocky Bleier
Chuck knows the game as few men ever have. Jim Brown
This is the only football card that Noll appeared on during his playing days. He is #65 on second row. I got this card when I was just a kid; probably bought it in a pack of cards at Wolfe's Market in Claremont, California. The taste of the hard bubble gum is seared in my memory.
There are two words that describe Chuck Noll . . . knowledgeable and aloof. Rocky Bleier
Chuck "The Pope" Noll (1932-2014)
Guard
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Dayton
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Cleveland Browns 1953-59
Coach
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Pittsburgh Steelers 1969-91
Pro Football Hall of Fame 1993
Chuck was tough, a tough man. If you were a weak person, if you were easily intimidated, he'd dominate you. He would steamroller you. . . . He was not a good person with people. He would just cut away at someone, hit a nerve, it didn't seem to matter. Me and Franco kind of lashed out at him a few time because he was so cold to his players. I heard from a source later that was the way Chuck wanted us to think of him. I don't know. I haven't figured out how that was supposed to motivate us. Maybe it did.
Terry Bradshaw
Nilsen autographed this 3x5 card and penned me a signed 1-page letter (see attached) in July 1990.
Nilsen recollects playing against a tough lineman from Green Bay in 1947. Although he couldn't recall his name, it may have been Ed Neal (or possibly Tiny Croft).
Nilsen autographed this 3x5 card and penned me a signed 1-page letter (see attached) in July 1990.
Reed Nilsen (1921-2014)
Center
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Brigham Young
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Paterson Panthers (AFL) 1947
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Detroit Lions 1947
O'Connell autographed this 3x5 card for me in November 1994.
This is one of two copies of these 1951 cartoons that O'Connell autographed for me. One is available for trade.
O'Connell autographed this 3x5 card for me in November 1994.
Tommy O'Connell (1930-2014)
Quarterback
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Illinois
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Chicago Bears 1953
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Cleveland Browns 1956-57
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Buffalo Bills 1960-61
At about the midway point of our unfavorite year [1956], a tough, cocky little Irishman wandered into League Park. He’d played at the University of Illinois, and had been cut by the Bears for being too small and too slow. But Tommy O’Connell had a few things going for him. He didn’t have the hives, he didn’t stutter and he wasn’t scared shitless of Paul Brown. His leadership qualities were All-Pro. He put some backbone back in a dead-ass Cleveland football team. Thanks to the little Irishman, we were able to finish a miserable season in an upbeat note.
Don Paul
Rupert Pate (1917-2014)
Offensive Guard
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Wake Forest
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Chicago Cardinals 1940
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New York Americans (AFL) 1941
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Providence Steamroller (American Association) 1941
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Philadelphia Eagles 1941-42
I purchased this 3x5 card on Oct. 6, 2014 from Main Street Fine Books, Galena, Illinois. The proprietor, Bill Butts, acquired it from the estate of Richard Laade, my autograph collecting mentor. Pritko signed it for Rich on Jan. 17, 1975.
I purchased this 3x5 card on Oct. 6, 2014 from Main Street Fine Books, Galena, Illinois. The proprietor, Bill Butts, acquired it from the estate of Richard Laade, my autograph collecting mentor. Pritko signed it for Rich on Jan. 17, 1975.
Steve Pritko (1920- )
Offensive End/Defensive End
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Villanova
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New York Giants 1943
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Cleveland Rams 1944-45
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Los Angeles Rams 1946-47
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Boston Yanks 1948
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New York Bulldogs 1949
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Green Bay Packers 1949-50
I wanted to go to Notre Dame but they never offered me a scholarship. See as a kid in Pennsylvania, everybody, every football player thats half way decent wants to go to Notre Dame and I was one of them but they never scouted me or offered me a scholarship, so I went to Villanova.
Steve Pritko
Jimmy "Rabbit" Saxton (1940-2014)
Halfback
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Texas
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Dallas Texans 1962
All American 1961
College Football Hall of Fame 1996
I obtained this cut signature in trade. There is also another different cut signature of Scott affixed to the reverse side of this 3x5 card.
I obtained this cut signature in trade. There is also another different cut signature of Scott affixed to the reverse side of this 3x5 card.
Prince Scott (1915-1993)
End
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Texas Tech
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Third Air Force Gremlins 1944-45
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Miami Seahawks 1946
I obtained this 8x10 signed photo in trade just prior to Seau committing suicide.
I obtained this 8x10 signed photo in trade just prior to Seau committing suicide.
Junior "Tazmanian Devil" Seau (1969-2012)
Linebacker
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USC
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San Diego Chargers 1990-2002
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Miami Dolphins 2003-5
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New England Patriots 2006-9
All Pro 1991-96, 1998, 2000
AFC Player of the Year 1994
Sprinkle signed this 3x5 autograph for me in about 1989. "A lot was written about our feuds as rivals, but Ed was a fine player who played to win." Charley Trippi
Sprinkle wrote me on a 3x5 card: "Since I played defense I will tell you the toughest runners I faced were Marion Motley and Steve Van Buren."
Sprinkle autographed this 8x10 glossy, personalizing it with "To Mel, Best Wishes always." "He was small for a defensive end, but he was the toughest son of a gun I ever met." Joe Fortunato
Sprinkle signed this 3x5 autograph for me in about 1989. "A lot was written about our feuds as rivals, but Ed was a fine player who played to win." Charley Trippi
Ed Sprinkle (1924-2014)
End
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Hardin-Simmons
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Chicago Bears 1944-55
A lot said I played dirty. That’s just not true. Mean maybe, but not dirty. Once in a while there might be an isolated case of a guy pulling a dirty stunt, but a guy wouldn’t have lasted very long in the league if he played dirty regularly. The others would have taken care of him. We were meaner, I think, in the 1940s and fifties. There were fewer positions, and we fought harder to keep them. Some of us could be characterized, I guess, as a little overaggressive maybe. I know I was as aggressive as any football player who walked on the field. If I had the opportunity to hit someone, I hit him, and I hit him just as hard as I could.
Ed Sprinkle
Steiner signed his name on this questionnaire for me in Sep. 1998.
Steiner signed his name on this questionnaire for me in Sep. 1998.
Rebel Roy Steiner (1927-2014)
Defensive Back
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Alabama
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Green Bay Packers 1950-51
I was named after my uncle. He didn't like the name, so he went by R.L. I've always gone by Rebel. I've liked the name. When O.J. Simpson was on Monday night football, this defensive back for Green Bay intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown. Frank Gifford said, “He just broke Rebel Steiner's long- standing record for the longest intercepted pass returned for a touchdown.” O.J. Simpson said, “What's a Rebel Steiner?” He evidently didn't like the name. . . . I held the record at Green Bay for the longest return of an intercepted pass for a TD for 25 or 26 years. Johnny Lujack threw the pass for Chicago Bears. The return was for 93 yards. Rebel Steiner
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Stuhldreher autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
This is my old card that I bought in 1955 when I was just nine years old. I still have the entire set and they are in pristine condition. I remember buying packs of these cards at Wolfe's Market.
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Stuhldreher autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Voigts autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Voigts autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
Harry Stuhldreher (1901-1965)
Quarterback
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Notre Dame 1922-24
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Waterbury Blues 1925-26
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Brooklyn Horsemen/Lions (AFL) 1926
Head Football Coach
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Villanova 1925-35
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Wisconsin 1936-48
College Football Hall of Fame 1958
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Member of Notre Dame's legendary "Four Horsemen" backfield
Bob Voigts (1916-2000)
Tackle, Northwestern, 1936-38
Head Football Coach
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Northwestern 1947-54
Weaver autographed this 3x5 card for me in July 1993. On a questionnaire that I sent him he wrote that John Prchlik (Detroit Lions) was the hardest hitting player that he played against.
Weaver autographed this 3x5 card for me in July 1993. On a questionnaire that I sent him he wrote that John Prchlik (Detroit Lions) was the hardest hitting player that he played against.
John "Big John" Weaver (1926-2014)
Guard
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Miami
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New York Bulldogs 1949
S. J. Laverne Whitman (1926-2000)
Halfback/Defensive Back
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Tulsa
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Chicago Cardinals 1951-52
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Williamson autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Williamson autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
Ivy Williamson (1911-1969)
End, Michigan, 1930-32
Head Football Coach
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Lafayette 1947-48
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Wisconsin 1949-55
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Wilson autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
I traded a rare Inwood Smith 3x5 autograph (he was an Ohio State All-American in the mid-1930s) to a collector in Jan. 2014 for several autographs on an old autograph album page (including this Wilson autograph) and another cut signature from this same album.
Kenneth L. "Tug" Wilson (1896-1979)
Olympic Games: Discuss (10th place)/Javelin, 1920
Athletic Director
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Drake 1922-25
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Northwestern 1925-45
Commissioner, Big Ten Conference 1945-61
President, U. S. Olympic Committee, 1953-65
Woodson autographed this 3x5 card for me in April 1994.
I bought this card when I was thirteen years old in 1959 in a pack. It is still in superb condition.
Woodson autographed this 3x5 card for me in April 1994.
Abe "Gum" Woodson (1934-2014)
Defensive Back
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University of Illinois
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San Francisco 49ers 1958-64
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St. Louis Cardinals 1965-66
#1 Kickoff returner 1959-62,1963
#1 Punt returner 1960
All Pro 1960