Collection of awards and certificates presented to Pro Football Hall of Fame member Earle "Greasy" Neale (1891-1973), along with several Greasy Neale signed photos and miscellaneous material. While best known today for his many contributions on the gridiron as a football coach, including two World Championships with the Philadelphia Eagles, Neale was also a professional baseball player and a starting member of the 1919 Cincinnati Reds, who defeated the infamous "Chicago Black Sox" in the 1919 World Series. The collection consists of the following:
Signed Items (5): 1) Vintage b&w photo of Neale posing on the football field as a coach. Inscribed in black fountain pen (grading 6/10) "To Adelaide - With good wishes and all the luck in this world - Earle Greasy Neale." 8x10". EX. Full LOA from JSA. 2) Vintage b&w photo of Neale posing with two other individuals at a banquet. Signed in black ink along the top border (7/10). 10x8". EX. Full LOA from JSA. 3) Vintage b&w photo of Neale posing with three other individuals at a banquet. Inscribed "To Peter - Earle Greasy Neale" in black ink along the top border (7/10). 10x8". VG, with a paperclip impression on the right border. Full LOA from JSA. 4) Vintage b&w snapshot photo of Neale posing on the football field with two of his assistant coaches. Signed in black in ink (7/10). 4.5x3.5". EX. 5) November 12, 1951, one-page typed letter to Neale (only the first page is present, sender unknown), inscribed by Neale in black fountain pen (9/10) along the top border: "Dear Tom - here is a letter I want you to read - Return to me - either address - Greasy." 8.5x11". EX. Full LOA from JSA.
Awards (6): 1) 1964 award presented by the Philadelphia Eagles for Neale's "Many Outstanding Achievements and Contributions in the field of Athletics." 15x11". Wood plaque. The engraved metal scroll is missing three of its four mounting screws, otherwise VG, with light scratches. 2) 1962 Francis R. Strawbridge, Jr. Presidential "All-America All 'A' Award," presented for Neale's "Dedicated Service on Behalf the Pop Warner Youth of America." 14x17". Cardboard with a mounted cloth patch. VG, with light foxing. 3) "Helms Hall of Fame Award" (no year listed) issued for "For Personal Achievement Professional Football." Signed by Paul Helms at the base. 13.5x19.75". Wood plaque. VG-EX. 4) October 8, 1950, "Football Coach of the Week" presented by "Football Digest." 17x13. Wood plaque. EX. 5) May 22, 1964, award presented by the Triangle Club of Central Montgomery County, PA, for Neale's "Outstanding Contributions to Football in the Past Fifty Years." 12x15". Wood plaque. GD, with scratches and abrasions. 6) May 1, 1966, award presented by the "Varsity 'M' Association" of Marietta College for Neale's 1919 and 1920 coaching seasons at the school. 11.25x14.75" GD-VG, with scratches and abrasions.
Presentational Certificates (7): Most of these were issued to Neale late in life by various civic organizations, colleges and towns. Included is Neale's 1963 membership certificate to "The Touchdown Club of New York." All are approximately 10.5x8.25". EX overall.
Miscellaneous (3): 1) January 20, 1966, Touchdown Club "32nd Annual Award Dinner" program, inscribed to Neal in blue ink on the front cover "To my long time friend 'Greasy Neale' - Tus McLaughry." (McLaughry was a longtime college coach and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. His photo is on the cover because he was the recipient of the club's main award that night.) 6.5x10". EX. 2) February 18, 1967, one-page typed letter signed by college coach Lou Little. He writes to Neale congratulating him on his election to the College Football Hall of Fame. 7x10.25". EX. 3) October 4, 1961, two-paged typed copy letter signed by Charles Ewart. Written to Harvey Harman of The National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame. Ewart petitions for Neale to be elected to the Hall of Fame. 8.5x11" VG.