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1926 James Naismith Signed Kansas University Dedication Display (PSA)
For most sports, the origin of that particular pastime is shrouded in mystery and ambiguity, as the sport's beginnings are difficult to trace, since informal, unorganized games gradually morphed over time and place, such as with baseball and football. Yet, the origin of basketball is eminently clear. It was the invention of one man, the remarkable James Naismith - an amazing individual who was a teacher, a Christian Chaplain, a medical doctor, and coach and athletic director. Naismith invented basketball in 1891 while he was a physical education instructor at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. The school's president had tasked Naismith to develop a safe, indoor game to keep athletes occupied during the winter months. Naismith used two peach baskets and a soccer ball, composed 13 rules (which did not include dribbling), and started play in December of '91, and soon basketball spread like wildfire, spurred on by the teachings of the International YMCA. Later, Naismith served in many roles for Kansas University, including teaching and coaching the university's basketball team. Offered is the opportunity to possess a beautiful display of three matted and framed pages from the 1925 dedication to the "father of basketball," Dr. James Naismith, for his 26 years of service to the University of Kansas. The three included pages, each 6.5x9", include: 1) This first included page reads, "DEDICATION/TO JAMES A. NAISMITH/Twenty-six years at the University as Director of Physical Education, father of basketball, exponent of clean sportsmanship, believer in the Kansas Spirit, a Christian gentleman and a true friend of all K.U. students." At the top of the page is the Kansas University seal, and at the bottom of this page is "1925," and above that date is the following: "'Reflect that life, like every other blessing, Derives its value from its use alone.' Johnson." 2) The second page is a reference to Dr. Naismith's children. At the top of the page is the Kansas University Jayhawks logo. In 8/10 black fountain pen ink, Naismith wrote, "To Pete and Annie/Who made it possible for me to be of use in this world/Jim/Aug 7th 1926." 3) The third page includes a formal photo of Naismith and the following quotation, "'Tis not the whole of life to live. Nor all of death to die.' Montgomery." At the top of the page is the Kansas University seal, and at the bottom of the page is "1925." Of course, today Naismith is honored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, in Springfield, Mass. Any sports collection would be enhanced by this signed display featuring the father of basketball. The display is matted and framed at 15.25x27.5", and the item is in NRMT condition. This valued offering actually belonged to Dr. Naismith. The offering comes with a PSA LOA.
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