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Lot # 1151: Forrest "Phog" Allen Signed Index Card (PSA)

Category: Basketball

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 1 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2023 Fall Classic",
which ran from 10/29/2023 7:00 PM to
11/18/2023 10:00 PM



"The Father of Basketball Coaching," was one of his nicknames and "Phog" was the other; Forrest Clare Allen was his actual name, and he is a legendary college coach from basketball's vintage years whose coaching career spanned half-a-century. Presented is an index card that has been inscribed and signed by Allen. He attended the University of Kansas (1904-1908) and played varsity basketball for three seasons under the actual inventor of the game itself - Dr. James A. Naismith. The Kansas team then had only one winning season in Allen's playing career, possibly in part because James Naismith believed that basketball actually couldn't be taught. Needless to say, Allen did not agree with that philosophy: "Well, you can certainly teach free throwing," said Allen. "And you can teach the boys to pass at angles and run in curves." Allen's teaching paid off, as he had a lifetime college coaching record of 746-264, compiled at Kansas (1907-09 and 1919-1956) and at three other colleges - Baker University (1905-08), Haskell Institute (1908-09), and Warrensburg Teachers College (1912-1917). When he retired from coaching, Allen had the most wins of any college coach in history. Allen was called Phog because as a young baseball umpire, he projected a commanding voice that sounded like a foghorn, and that voice continued to boom throughout his coaching career. Allen also became a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, and he was an innovator in treating athletic injuries. Allen is an inductee into the James A. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Four of his former Kansas players became coaching inductees into the same basketball Hall of Fame: Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp, Dutch Lonborg, and Ralph Miller. The offered index card measures 3x5". Using blue ink from a fountain pen, Allen inscribed the card and signed his full name: "Dear Harold, I have had a severe illness, hence, Good luck to you and your good wife. Sincere (sic) Yours, Forrest Clare Allen." The back of the card has "Allen, Forrest" written in pencil from an unknown hand. The card exhibits some darkening from the passage of time. The University of Kansas Allen Fieldhouse is named for Phog, and a prominent sign there reads: "Pay heed all who enter, beware the Phog." The index card has been encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified as AUTHENTIC AUTO.

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