Jun 21, 2016 - Sale 2420

Sale 2420 - Lot 287

Price Realized: $ 2,500
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 4,000 - $ 6,000
(SPORTS--BASKETBALL.) Basketball Hall of Fame plaque issued to Bill Yancey of the Renaissance Team. Paper certificate with photographs laid down, mounted on wood plaque and laminated, 10 x 12 1/4 inches, executed in black and gold ink and signed by chairman William G. Mokray; a few light scratches on the plaque surface, otherwise minimal wear. Np, 21 July 1963
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Additional Details

The New York Renaissance was founded in 1923. Also known as the Harlem Rens, they were composed entirely of African-American players in the period before integration. They engaged in a long-running rivalry with the all-white Original Celtics for the honors as the greatest team of basketball's early professional era. The entire team was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1963, with eight of their key players receiving plaques, including the present one presented to William "Bill" Yancey (1902-1971)--also a star shortstop in baseball's Negro Leagues. The Renaissance were featured in a 2011 documentary, "On the Shoulders of Giants: The Story of the Greatest Team You Never Heard Of." One hour and 27 minutes into the film, another Renaissance plaque can be seen on screen.
Provenance: presented to the consignor by Mrs. Louise Yancey, widow of Bill Yancey.