This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 9/10/2006.
Dr. James Naismith is credited as having invented the game of "basket ball," as it was originally called. A quiet, unassuming man who never sought promotion or credit for his accomplishments, he had 14 days to create an indoor game that would provide an "athletic distraction" for a rowdy class at the School for Christian Workers in Springfield, Massachusetts. Passing away in 1939, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1959. These two 10" x 12" laminated sealed plaques memorialize Naismith's accomplishments and induction. The first plaque is dated March 2, 1953 and reads "Certificate Of Membership, The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame, Springfield College has invested in a Memorial Membership honoring James Naismith, Class Of 1891." The second is dated March 4, 1959 (date of election) and reads in part "Certificate Of Election, James Naismith has been elected by the Honors Committee to the Basketball Hall of Fame as Contributor." The plaques are in EXMT-NRMT condition with light wear, a true testament to the man who started it all.