Sports Illustrated?

[ocjack]

Thanks topps. They were even more memorable because I was able to meet them at the same time.

[Jewish-collector]

Question -

Are the unsigned ones with pretty big names (McAdoo, Knight, Moncrief, etc,...) from the 70's, and 80's really worth anything, in average condition with mailing labels ?

Thx.

[commishbob]

march27_0031.jpg

My long story, reposted from my blog...

In July of 1971 Ali and Jimmy Ellis were preparing to fight in the Astrodome here in Houston. For a buck or two you could get in to watch sparring sessions in the Arena next to the Dome.

I went to a couple and would watch Ali clown with the small audience set up on three sides of a ring set against one wall. He liked to flip up the hem of his rubberized sweatshirt and watch the ringsiders duck the sweat that flew out. He put on a real 'Ali' show, talking about Ellis, hollering at the boxing writers, showing off his 'Ali Shuffle', etc.

I had taken along this cover just on the off chance that what happened after his session would happen. After Ali finished and not long after Ellis entered the ring I heard the metal crash doors behind me open and close a few times. I turned and saw Ali peeking in from the corridor. I went out there and he was alone, it was just me and one of the most famous figures on the planet. I mumbled a few words and asked him to sign the cover and he took my 'Flair' pen (the 70's version of a sharpie) and signed across the crown as you can see.

I thanked him and went back into the Arena seating area. As I got to the row of metal chairs I was sitting in I was jolted from behind and before I could react Ali dove into a chair pulling me down by my shoulders into the seat next to him. And there I sat. Next to Muhammad Ali, with Dick Young of the New York Daily News (among my favorite writers) now standing on the other side of me, kibitzing with him.

Ali taunted Ellis for a bit, ducking behind my back as if hiding from Ellis. After awhile Angelo Dundee's people (Dundee was Ellis' trainer for that fight!) had had enough and began yelling at Ali from the ring.

That was almost [fifty] years ago but I remember it vividly. I have a lot of nice cards and lots of other cool memorabilia but I'd give all that away before I'd give up this SI cover. Looking back I wish I had kept it in glass or something. I had it in a cheap frame in dorm rooms and the apartments I lived in for years. You can probably tell it's a bit frayed along the edges. The blue 'Flair' ink has turned purplish (but it hasn't spread or faded, thank goodness) And I wish I had not covered my mailing label with the smaller photo. But nevertheless this piece holds a great memory.

[ocjack]

Commishbob, great autograph but even greater story and I'm sure a treasured experience.

[commishbob]

Originally Posted by ocjack

Commishbob, great autograph but even greater story and I'm sure a treasured experience.

Thanks, it was something I didn't really appreciate then as much as I have over the years. I can't tell ya what I had for breakfast today but I really remember that afternoon.

[Topps206]

I went to Indianapolis yesterday for the Indiana Boxing Hall of Fame. Michael Spinks and Buster Douglas were both there.

Michael Spinks arrived early to his signing, which was scheduled for 11:15. He was was a very nice man. I took a picture with him. I asked him how Leon is doing, he said much better. I also asked him what he would've done differently if he could have the Tyson fight again. He said he would've moved around the ring more.

The signatures were $20 each. I didn't know. So, initially, he only signed one cover for me because of that.

Meanwhile, Buster Douglas was late. It was as if people completely abandoned social distancing while there yesterday. I wore a hat, sunglasses, mask and gloves to try and protect myself, since I only went for the autographs.

I was standing by the door by the signing table, and sometimes went outside, holding the door open, to keep six feet. People were shaking hands and had their masks on their ears, but not being covered. Not to mention, the room over was very small, with many tables and people packed in. That's probably my one complaint about the event is they didn't take enough precautions, in my opinion.

Anyway, I'm wondering where Buster is and I have to use the restroom, and I look over in the lobby. Buster is sitting down chatting with somebody. So, I pass him his $20, and I lay my SI down. He puts it on his lap and signs it. I asked him if he could believe it's been 30 years.

I have $15 left. So, I ask Michael Spinks if he would do another cover for $15. He agreed to do so. This one was a thing of beauty.

I didn't get my cover signed with him beating Larry Holmes, but honestly, that magazine isn't in as good of a condition as the others are. I waited months for this, and three out of four isn't bad at all.

I believe this now puts me at 43 signed covers. It's obviously a long way to go, but also a lot of progress since I had about eight signed through the years, but only decided to go for this since July 2019. I love getting these by mail. I love getting them in person even more.

[HNM1959]

Very cool thread...I only have one Autographed S.I. John Wooden on Sportsman of the Year cover. Not sure what year it was. I’ll dig it out and post a picture.