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Cliff Carlson (D. 1964) was a colorful and charismatic bench coach that opposing fans loved to hate. Shrewd and cunning, Carlson knew how to win and how to extract the most out of his talent. His antics on the sideline would often infuriate fans, opposing coaches, and players. The kind of coach who could occasionally pull off the upset, his teams were disciplined and nothing would make him alter his style. Although his own fans loved him, playing against his team was no fun. In 1922, Carlson designed the Figure 8 offense as coach at the University of Pittsburgh. This classic play, an innovative series of offensive patterns, weaves, and ball control, was based on movement and determination, and was widely copied. In 1928, Pittsburgh went a perfect 21-0 and won the national championship. Carlson's Panthers would win another title in 1930. Carlson also doubled as a physician.
Career Highlights: Created the Figure 8 offense (1922), Helms National Championship with Pittsburgh (1928, 1930), first coach to take an Eastern team out West (1931), and advocate of intersectional collegiate play. Carlson was inducted into the Basketball HOF in 1959 and passed away in 1964.
Offered is a signed postal cover from Bellefont, PA signed in steel tipped pen. Carlson attended high school at the Bellefonte Academy in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball before becoming an All-American at Pitt. RARE autograph!
Item: 9138
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