|
In the 1930s and 1940s, Clair Bee (d 1983) was synonymous with the game of basketball. A New York icon, Bee helped to make college basketball in the Big Apple a major event. Coaching eighteen seasons at Long Island University, Bee led LIU to NIT championships in 1939 and 1941. Under Bee, LIU became a national power, winning 43 consecutive games, including undefeated seasons in 1935-36 and 1938-39. Postseason, LIU played annual tournaments with homegrown talent. And, when the home team competed at Madison Square Garden, the fans went wild. Called the game's greatest defensive strategist by his contemporaries, Bee developed the 1-3-1 zone defense and was very influential in the implementation of the 3-second rule. Bee was a frequent contributor to a variety of sporting publications and authored the critically acclaimed Chip Hilton's Sports Stories for Young People. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1968.
Offered is this January 2, 1954 Baltimore Bullets vs. Boston Celtics basketball program that is unscored, all pages intact, no rips, tears, tight binding, some handling and wear.
The Celtics beat up Baltimore that night by a score of 92-77. Bob Cousy led the way with 22, Sharman 17, Macauley with 16; whereas Ray Felix had 23 points for the Bullets in their losing effort.
Signed on the cover by head coach and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Clair Bee (in pencil).
BAS COA card included for the autograph.
Item: 12671
|