This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/7/2017
Offered is a Wilson "The Duke" Official NFL Pete Rozelle football with a Thorp's Sporting Goods New York stamp which has been signed in black marker by Hall of Fame Baltimore Colts lineman Art Donovan. Ball is accompanied by a signed letter from the original owner stating that he caught the ball while sitting behind the goalposts at Memorial Stadium during a 1961 game against the Los Angeles Rams when Baltimore kicked a 4th quarter field goal to win the game. The letter goes on to state this was the final game before Donovan retired, though review of the Colts 1961 schedule & results seems to indicate the details of the letter most closely align with the first game of the season, a 27-24 victory over the LA Rams on Septmeber 17 at Memorial Stadium which featured a game winning 4th quarter field goal kicked by Baltimore's Steve Myhra. The final game Donovan played before retiring was December 16, 1961 against the San Francisco 49ers at Kezar Stadium. Full JSA letter will also attend. (02D0038)
(MEARS Auction LOA)