Albersheim's 2014 Summer Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/24/2014
Frank Vernon Ramsey, Jr., HOF, is a former professional basketball player and coach. A 6-3 guard, he played his entire nine-year (1954–1964) NBA career with the Boston Celtics and played a major role in the early part of their dynasty, winning seven championships. Basketball publications describe Frank Ramsey as a confident, cerebral player who enjoyed pressure-filled situations and always excelled in the clutch. That description appropriately fit a player who, as a talented sixth man, could have started for many NBA teams but was an integral part of the Celtics' dynasty in the 1960s. As a collegian, Ramsey starred at the University of Kentucky under Hall of Fame coach Adolph Rupp where he was known as the "Kentucky Colonel," and was a three-time All-Southeastern Conference selection. Ramsey led UK to a 32-2 record in 1951 and a perfect 25-0 season in 1954. As a pro, Ramsey averaged 13.4 points a game, popularized the sixth man role and ignited a Celtics team that featured Hall of Famers Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman, and Tom Heinsohn. He also coached the ABA's Kentucky Colonels in the 1970-71 season.
Walter A. Brown (d 1964) turned Boston into a basketball mecca. As president of the Boston Garden, he organized the first college basketball doubleheader in Beantown. In 1946 he helped establish the Basketball Association of America, and in 1949 helped form the NBA. But Brown's biggest accomplishment was the Boston Celtics. Brown founded the Celtics in 1946 and served as co-owner and president. His string of seven NBA championships (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964) in eight years showed his shrewd business sense and ability to form a team. Brown was responsible for Chuck Cooper becoming the first black player drafted in the NBA, and originated the NBA All-Star Game - Boston hosted the first in 1951. Described as "down-to-earth, honest, and imaginative," he was beloved by his players. When he passed away, the NBA honored Brown by naming the championship trophy after him. He was also an important figure in the development of ice hockey in the United States. Brown died one year before his enshrinement into the Basketball HOF and is an incredibly tough autograph to find on anything!
This is Frank Ramsey’s Celtic’s contract dated Aug 4, 1960 and signed on Aug 17, 1960 by Ramsey and Brown that paid HOF’er – Ramsey $17,000 for the season. It measures 8.5” x 14” and was signed with a blue ballpoint pen and blue steel-tip fountain. Also signed by Basketball HOF’er – Maurice Podoloff (D. 1985) as NBA president.
This is an incredible piece of Basketball history and would be the cornerstone of any Celtics of Basketball HOF collection!
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim and JSA letter.