Tom Gola Basketball All-American Award Signed AUTO by HOFer - Chuck Taylor LOA

Description

In the summer of 1921, Chuck Taylor hobbled into a Converse Chicago sales office complaining of sore feet and persuaded executives to create a shoe especially for basketball. Taylor, who was a two-time All-State selection at Columbus High School and a journeyman jump shooter for eleven professional seasons, was an entrepreneur and involved in all facets of basketball promotion. In 1932, Converse added Taylor's signature to its trademark five-pronged star shoe, and sent its new basketball ambassador on the road to promote the sneaker. Initially, "Chucks" were only available in high or low canvas in either black or white, and sold only in sporting goods stores. Converse All-Stars became the best-selling basketball shoe in history making Chuck Taylor's name a household word.
He was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in in 1969, the same year that he passed away in Port Charlotte, Florida.
He is a super duper tough autograph to locate, not because he wouldn’t sign, but because nobody thought to ask him for his autograph.
Nicknamed "Mr. All-Around" by Hall of Fame coach Ken Loeffler, Tom Gola was a Philadelphia folk hero. Gola's angular build, which enabled him to play every offensive and defensive position on the court, made him an instant star. While an offensive whiz, Gola's quick hands and deceptive speed made him a defensive stalwart. A celebrity at Philadelphia's La Salle High School, Gola spurred hundreds of collegiate scholarships and played collegiately at LaSalle. Gola, the first modern, four-time college All-America, was named the 1955 College Player of the Year. Often considered one of the greatest college players ever, he was the first player in collegiate history to score over 2,000 points and grab over 2,000 rebounds. Upon enshrinement, he was the NCAA's all-time leading rebounder. Gola enjoyed a ten-year NBA career with the Philadelphia Warriors, San Francisco Warriors, and New York Knicks. He is one of a select group of players to win an NIT, NCAA, and NBA title. He was elected to the Naismith Basketball HOF in 1976.
Offered is a 1951 Tom Gola La Salle High School Chuck Taylor Award. The 5¼ x 7½-inch (visible) white paper certificate is mounted in a light blue cardstock matte and displayed in a 9¼ x 11¾-inch black wood with gold accents and glass frame. The certificate bears the legend “All America High School “Chuck Taylor Awards To” in blue script across the top center, the inscription “Tom Gola – “Mr. Basketball”” in black pen at the center, and the legend “this All America High School Basket Ball Certificate at the North-South Game in Murray, Kentucky.”, also in blue type. The lower right of the certificate is inscribed “June 16, 1951” in black pen and signed by “Chuck Taylor” in black pen. The certificate features a gold foil with red and blue ribbon seal in the lower left. A 2-inch white plastic pin with the caption “North vs. South Basketball Classic Murray, KY.” In blue type is mounted at the right margin of the display. Gola was praised as a great all-around player as a high school student at La Salle College High School, where he led the Explorers to a 1950-1951 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship. This item comes with a LOA from the Gola family.
Additional LOA for Chuck Taylor autograph - Richard Albersheim of Albersheims
One of a kind!!!
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