This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2022
For the 1955 season, Ohio State finished under the leadership of Woody Hayes with a 7-2 record, beating Michigan on November 19th, 1955 by a score of 17-0. This shirt is consistent with what Howard “Hopalong Cassidy” would have worn during his final season, which was capped off by winning the Heisman Trophy.
Ohio State red shirt with three white sleeve stripes shows tremendous use. This was Cassidy’s primary shirt and most likely only shirt of the season judging by the extreme heavy use. #40 is all original, with the front 0 being torn in a manner consistent with game wear. A six button crotch piece complete the shirt.
Shirt is a Champion size 42 and shows heavy overall game wear. The numeral 0 remains firmly attached to the shirt, but the fabric surrounding it has been torn from the shirt, and it is our best guestimate it was a result of the game, although we could not independently verify that fact. It is still loosely attached to the shirt.
With respect to provenance, it was presented to us with the following information,
“Howard Cassidy told the original owner he wore it the last game of the season against Michigan in 1955.” The shirt had been on display for many decades and this was how the shirt was always described by the original recipient. “
With respect to the physicality of the game, it was reported in the Iowa City Press Citizen (26, November, 1955)
“Ohio State football players called today’s game against Michigan the dirtiest, meanest game of the year. “
The star player noted as having a big gash on his forehead. Howard Cassidy stated in the OSU locker room” “That’s the dirtiest bunch of players we’ve ever faced. “
Hop has seen a lot of rough games in his four years at Ohio State, but the finale was vicious. “They were real mean in the last game”, Cassady reflected.
The eye witness account by Cassady verifies the rough, dirty play, and supports the tear on the shirt that was most certainly a result of a Michigan player.
Fresh to the hobby shirt of the great Howard Hopalong Cassady worn during his final game versus Michigan and his Heisman Trophy winning season.
(61K0562)