Description

Bill Garrett Signed GPC Autograph African-American Trailblazer Indiana (d. 1974) This exceptionally rare signature on a 1951 Government Postcard (postmarked from Bloomington, Indiana!) is of Bill Garrett, the first African-American basketball player at Indiana University and the first African-American to regularly player on a Big Ten varsity basketball team. Wikipedia describes Garrett's legacy as follows: As a college basketball player for IU, Garrett was the first African American to regularly play on a Big Ten Conference team. In addition, Garrett's play as a starter on the IU varsity team is credited for breaking the unwritten agreement among Big Ten coaches that barred African Americans from playing on its conference teams. Garrett's actions on and off the court set an example and paved the way for other black players in the Big Ten to follow. Garrett passed away in 1974 and his signatures are extremely difficult to find. This signature includes a short note thanking the writer - a dedicated collector from Michigan - for his note and is signed "Yours in sports, Bill Garrett, Ind. Univ." The GPC has some light wear (corner softness, some light stamping and light toning given its age but features a strong signature with no impacts to the signature). This signature is guaranteed to pass Third Party Authentication (JSA/PSA/BGS). Shipping is $4.50 via USPS Ground Advantage. Please note no matter how many items you win, you will only pay a flat $4.50 shipping rate. Thank you for looking and good luck bidding!