This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2014
For those that desire the finest in life, this is the ultimate Green Bay Packer's Championship Football for you! Official ball, super strong near mint signatures, and its completeness of roster makes this the finest example encountered by MEARS Auctions. This is the best!
Following the 1958 season, the Green Bay Packers were the laughingstock of football. Teams threatened to send misbehaving players to Green Bay which was dubbed the Siberia of the NFL.
The Packers brass got together and hired a longtime assistant, Vince Lombardi who paid immediate dividends. During his first press conference, Lombardi uttered these words which would be the impetus for The Glory Years - "I've never been associated with a loser and don't intend to now." In 1959 the Packers improved from 1-10-1 to 7-5 under the watchful eye of first year coach Lombardi. In '60 the Pack fell just short in the championship contest at Franklin Field against Philadelphia.
The Packers returned to their glorious roots when they won their first title since 1944 in a 37-0 whitewashing of the Giants in '61.
This tan leather football showcases the autographs of 42 members of Lombardi's first championship team. While mid '60s Packer team signed footballs are available, although not readily, early championship footballs are at a premium. This ball is linked to '61 because it includes the signatures of Elijah Pitts and Emlen Tunnell. The two were only teammates for that one season. Each of the signatures glistens off the tan exterior. Easily, the finest nown team-signed football from Lombardi's first championship with the Packers. This ball has never been offered before and was signed and stored in a closet its entire existence.
Those who signed include: Norb Hecker, Lombardi, Dave Hanner, Ken Iman, Tom Moore, Bart Starr, Bill Forester, Jerry Kramer, Herb Adderley, Willie Davis, Lee Folkins (only year with Packers '61), Jesse Whittenton, Gary Knaflec, Norm Masters, Ray Nitschke, Red Cochran, John Roach, Willie Wood, Fuzzy Thurston, John Symank, Ron Kostelnik, Jim Ringo, Boyd Dowler, Jim Taylor, Bill Austin, Bob Skoronski, Hank Gremminger, Tom Bettis, Ron Kramer, Ben Davidson, Lew Carpenter, Pitts, Max McGee, Phil Bengston, Forrest Gregg, Dan Currie, Paul Hornung, Henry Jordan and a few more.
We believe the ball holds air, but we do not want to pump up the pigskin and compromise any of the autographs. (71Y0480)
(JSA Auction Letter)