![]() |
1951-52 Philadelphia Warriors ball? Help
10 Attachment(s)
I went to an estate sale at the home of Sid Hertzberg, who played for the Knicks and the Celtics and also played under Red Auerbach. I bought this ball on a whim, having no idea what it was. After some research, it appears to be a signed ball from the 1951-52 Philadelphia Warriors. I've identified Eddie Gottlieb (coach and HOF'er), Paul Arizin (HOF'er and a Top 50 player), Joe Fulks (HOF'er), Andy Phillip (HOF'er), Ed Mikan, Vern Gardner, Mel Payton, Walt Budko, George Senesky and perhaps Neil Johnston (HOF) below the damaged part. Obviously the condition isn't the best. It's dried out on part of the ball and flaking in spots. Most of the signatures are in places that aren't too bad, except for that bottom one. Any idea of value? And full disclosure, I am looking to sell. I'm not really a basketball collector, except for a few Jerry West items (from my home state of West Virginia!).
Attachment 360520 Attachment 360519 Attachment 360521 Attachment 360522 Attachment 360523 Attachment 360524 Attachment 360525 Attachment 360526 Attachment 360527 Attachment 360528 |
Pretty cool. I hope you get some input.
|
Joe Fulks is a fairly pricey signature as far as basketball HOFers come. I have to believe just having him on the ball makes it worth several hundred dollars minimum. I see Paul Arizin. He's an easy one to come by, but the signature looks like his, which gives the ball some legitimacy. Looks like a great find. Very envious.
|
The signature above Gottlieb looks like Hall of Famer Harry Litwack. He played for Gottlieb on the SPHA team (South Philadelphia Hebrew Association) from 1930-36. He was an assistant coach of the Warriors from 1948-51. He became head coach of Temple in 1952 and remained there until 1973. He was one of the nicer old time Hall of Famers who would hang out with the collectors at the Basketball Hall of Fame every year.
Andy Phillip is also very interesting. A great college player with the "Whiz Kids" of the University of Illinois. NBA champion on the Celtics first championship. He was a lieutenant in the Marines and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Member of the inaugural class of the Basketball Hall of Fame. I would not disagree with Sam about the value. The condition probably detracts a few hundred dollars from it. |
It would be somewhat desirable due to the Jewish players & coach on that team, but the condition of the signatures will knock the value down somewhat. I would say the value would be about $300 - $400.
|
FYI, Neil Johnston was also a minor league pitcher in the Phillies organization.
|
Thank you, everyone, for the assistance. I say it every time I ask for help. I'm blown away by the vast knowledge on this board.
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:25 PM. |