Bruce Hale was a great player and coach in the pioneer days of pro basketball. His daughter Pam eventually married Rick Barry!
Back in the early 1950's Hale put his name behind these BASKETBALL'S BEST publications. Think of these as basketball's version of the BASEBALL REGISTER. Every player, coach and executive in the league is profiled and pictured, so this is an absolute feast for the eyes and wealth of information on the early years of the NBA.
Presented here are the 1951-52 and 1952-53 season issues.
But wait, have we told you that some determined and relentless youngster got these signed at the time? Not just a few signatures, but HUNDREDS of players, coaches and executives have signed. No, we are not exaggerating. Not in the slightest. Most have signed their individual profile sections. Plus there are dozens of autographs in the inside front and back covers.
The 1951-52 magazine autograph counts are as follows:
Inside front cover pages = (55) signatures
Inside back cover pages = (19) signatures
Player & Coach profile pages = (71) signatures
The 1952-53 magazine autograph counts are as follows:
Inside front cover pages = (15) signatures (none on back inside cover)
Player & Coach profile pages = (86) signatures
If you are a basketball historian and/or vintage basketball autograph collector, suffice it to say your mind will be blown. There are too many Hall of Famers and other key players to list, including tough autographs like Carl Braun, Chuck Cooper & Joe Fulks. From Paul Arizin to Bob Cousy to George Mikan to Dolph Schayes to Max Zaslofsky, they are all here. Plus coaches, executives, referees and broadcasters from Red Auerbach to Clair Bee to Sid Borgia to Marty Glickman to Curt Gowdy to Joe Lapchick to Johnny Most. An absolute autograph smorgasborg. The signatures are in vintage ballpoint and 90%+ rate 7-10/10.
Note that the two magazines are in tender but overall fair to good condition. The cover of the '52-53 issue is no longer attached. There are countless examples to break these down and create many valuable "cuts." Our inclination is that the winning bidder will keep them intact, but a good problem to have! Accompanied by a Beckett LOA for the autographs.