Lot # 1789: 1954 Baltimore Colts Kick Off Banquet Program Signed by (32) Including Early Don Shula - Full JSA LOA

Football fanatics go long for this 1954 Baltimore Colts team-signed 2nd Annual Colts Kick Off Banquet program. While Johnny Unitas was two years away from joining the team, several key stars that would help the Colts win back-to-back NFL championships in 1958-1959 were already in place, including Hall of Famers Art Donovan and Gino Marchetti, who have joined in the signing of this vintage program. The biggest name among the (32) total period signatures is Don Shula, who went on to earn his spot in the Hall of Fame as a head coach with the Colts and Miami Dolphins. From the start of the Colts second season in the NFL, this die cut program is shaped like a football. While attrition has taken a toll on this program, the signatures remain distinct and readily recognizable.

Featured signers are:

Inside front cover: Doug Eggers, Tom Keane, Don Shula (early example), Elmer Wingate, Elmer Wilhoite, Royce Womble, Alex Sandusky, Dick Flowers, Art Spinney, Tom Finnin, Jack Little, Jack Bighead, Cotton Davidson, Zollie Toth, Bert Rechichar, Lloyd Colteryahn, Dan Edwards, Carl Taseff. Also present is one undetermined signature.

Back cover: Dick Barwegen (d.1966), George Robison, Bob Langas, Art Donovan, Gino Marchetti, Ken Jackson, Bill Pellington, Jim Mutscheller, Gary Kerkorian, Buddy Young, Fred Enke, Bob Leberman, Bill Lange, Buzz Nutter.

Full LOA from James Spence/JSA.