Baltimore Colts AAFC Football Signed First Game Ball

Signed 1947 game ball from the Colts' very first game, played 7 September 1947. Signed by 31 members of the original Colts team, ball features the printed seal of the All-America Football Conference and Commissioner J.H. Ingram. Among signatures are head coach Cecil Isbell, as well as quarterback Ernie Case, offensive guard Augie Lio, defensive end Lamar Davis and backers Andy Dudish, John Vardian and Bill Hillenbrad. The Colts defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers 16-7 in that historic first game in Baltimore. In 1946 Robert Rodenburg purchased the bankrupt Miami Seahawks and moved the franchise to Baltimore for the 1947 season. The new owner launched a contest for fans to name the new team. Contestants submitted a team name, explaining their reasons for the choice in 25 words or less. The winner was Charles Wilbur Evans, one of three contestants who submitted ''Colts.'' Mr. Evans believed the name celebrated Baltimore's long, proud history in horse racing and, with five letters, would read easily in newsprint. He won and his prize included an AM/FM radio, season tickets, a U.S. savings bond and the team's first game ball, personally delivered to his home by new owner Rodenburg. The ball remained in Mr. Evans' family for almost 60 years and was acquired by us from his grandson. Some fading to signatures in black ink, otherwise good condition. One-of-a-kind piece of Baltimore Colts history.