LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 Dec Sports: The Naismith Collection #706  / 

19007

James Naismith First Game Manuscript PSA/DNA

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop / Sports - Autographs (Original) Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
James Naismith First Game Manuscript PSA/DNA
<B>James Naismith Handwritten Manuscript Detailing First Basketball Game.</B></I> Basketball's equivalent of the "Book of Genesis" is presented here, as the game's inventor provides a detailed account of the day the game was born. He begins, "The First Game: When Mr. Stubbins brot (sic) up the peach baskets to the gym I secured them on the inside of the railing of the gallery. This was about 10 feet from the floor, one at each end of the gymnasium. I then put the 13 rules on the bulletin board just behind the instructors platform, secured a soccer ball and awaited the arrival of the class..." He goes on to discuss his students' reaction to the proposed game ("...the class did not show much enthusiasm..."), and his decision to begin the game with a jump ball ("...it would eliminate roughness and give each side an equal chance..."). Other points discussed include the placement of the goal's entry on a horizontal rather than vertical plane, and the need for referees to interpret the rules. Virtually every detail of the game's birth is addressed.<BR><BR> Certainly these eight handwritten pages represent one of the most important sporting documents in existence. Four pages are penned in brown fountain pen ink, with the balance rendered in equally strong (9/10) pencil. Minor edge wear on a few pages does not cause any concern. Unsigned. <I>LOA from PSA/DNA. Estimate upon request.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Small Flat (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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