October Legends
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2013
We have “player” in quotes because the player was not actually a player. He is a con artist, who conned everyone over the last decade or two about his football (and baseball) exploits. Giovanni Strassini claimed to be a Ohio State tight end that scored a touchdown in the 1974 Rose Bowl. Unfortunately, Strassini was never on the field, on the team, in any media guides or ever enrolled at the school. He wasn’t even in the 1974 Rose Bowl program and is not listed in any statistical record for that game or any Ohio State contest! However, Strassini went around telling everyone he met that he attended The Ohio State and played in the 1974 Rose Bowl. He created a Wikipedia page with this information, and did dozens of public appearances including Ohio State alumni gatherings! To become further convincing in his charade, Strassini had this ring produced to “commemorate” his achievement. This size 11 – 22 gram, 10K white gold ring has a large red stone on the top with “OHIO” etched on the face in gold. The perimeter reads “ROSE BOWL 1974 CHAMPIONS” in high relief. One shank has an attractive image of a football player, a banner with the name “STRASSINI,” his number “89” and his position “TE.” The other shank has “BIG TEN” at the top with a detailed replica of the stadium, and the year “1973” below. This Josten’s manufactured ring is engraved within the band “C J 10K” with the J in a diamond shape, noting the Josten’s trademark. This trademark was not used in the 1970s, but indicates the ring was produced within the last 10 or so years. This ring, while a solid ring made by Jostens, was not issued in conjunction with Ohio State’s 42-21 victory over Southern Cal. It has minor differences from the real rings. However, this ring does have a tremendous story about a guy who created a charade and kept this story going for several years. Excellent condition.