Joe Bach – 7 Mules of Notre Dame Estate Memorabilia Collection – 4 Horsemen

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/19/2016

Joe Bach (D 1966) was one of Notre Dame's famed "seven mules" and later the head coach for the NFL's Pittsburgh Pirates (1935-36) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1952-53). At Notre Dame, he was a defensive lineman on the 1924 National Title team (the first Irish team to win a championship), and had a pivotal role in Notre Dame's first Rose Bowl trip. He became the Pirates coach in 1935 directing the young franchise to their best record yet at 4 wins and 8 losses followed by the 1936 campaign in which he coached the Pirates to their first ever non-losing season at 6 wins and 6 losses. He retired following 1936 to go back into college football. In 1952, he once again became the head coach for the Steelers and installed the T-formation for the team, which had been the last franchise to operate the single wing. He continued as head coach through the 1954 season. He produced a 5 - 7 result during his first and last season with the team, and in 1953 posted a .500 record with a 6 and 6 season.

Several years ago, we were fortunate enough to obtain several personally owned items from Joe’s estate. Included in this lot are the remains of the collection with several nice pieces that would make a tremendous dealer break. Included are:

1925 Notre Dame yearbook (some pages have been pulled that were autographed), but it includes several pages on the football team (the ND football team won the 1924 National Championship).
Signed photo of College Football HOF coach – Frank Leahy
Photos with the Four Horsemen
Signed photo of Marty Gilman, one of the pioneers of modern football practice gear - football sleds, blocking and tackling sleds, pop up dummies, and the hand shield.
Tons of newspaper articles (many from his years at Notre Dame) with the 4 Horsemen.
Several original pictures from Joe’s time at Notre Dame, St. Bonaventure, New York Yankees football team (AAFC), Detroit Lions, Military coaching stint during WW II, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Whoever ends up with this lot should be able to turn a nice profit!