This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
One of the greatest dynasties in sports history, the Boston Celtic won an unprecedented 11 NBA Championships in 13 seasons (1957-1969) including eight straight from 1958-1966. The 1962-63 Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals, securing their fourth straight title. Offered here is a vintage official MacGregor X10L basketball signed and inscribed by five important members of that 1962-63 NBA Championship squad, including Hall of Famers Bill Russell, Bob Cousy and Tommy Heinsohn, plus Tom "Satch" Sanders and Clyde Lovellette.
We cannot emphasize enough how rare it is to find a 1960's Bill Russell signature on a vintage basketball from that era. They are practically extinct. Most of the early Russell autographs are found on programs and other material. He just wouldn't sign team balls in those days. All signatures are in uniform black vintage ink and personalized “To Tom” with an overall grade of 7-8/10 for strength and eye appeal. The basketball is fully inflated and has hardened from age. It exhibits noticeable wear and has a few flat spots and areas where the panels have slightly separated. All of these characteristics add to its vintage quality and authenticity being from a time when Russell almost always refused to sign autographs, notably calling them "a waste of time" (33:52) in his ESPN documentary.
Includes full LOA form JSA. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.