Winter 2014 Auction Closing Feb 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2014
Knute Rockne coached three National Championships and had five undefeated seasons during his tenure at Notre Dame, including the amazing 1929 season which saw his Fighting Irish go 9-0 and win his National title. This typewritten letter, dated July 23, 1929, is on "University of Notre Dame" letterhead with "Knute K. Rockne Director of Athletics" printed at the side, and was prior to the new season commencing. Written to "Mr. Tom Murphy," who was a current highly regarded end on the Notre Dame team. However, Rockne needed young Mr. Murphy to improve upon some of his qualities, such as his toughness and his friends. Here are a few sentences contained within: "There is only one thing, Tom, preventing you from being one of the greatest ends in the game and that is you are not tough enough." In addition, Rockne says, "...be tough and be a little more careful about the company you keep...but don't forget a man is known by the company he keeps and I believe I can, in a friendly way, criticize some of the company you kept this last year." It is apparent the advise was understood, as Tom Murphy became part of a great 1929 Irish team. Letter is signed boldly in black fountain pen at the bottom "KK Rockne", his usual method. The letter has the usual folds, is mounted onto black construction type paper, and was originally part of Mr. Murphy's personal Notre Dame scrapbook, which the balance is offered elsewhere in this catalog. An amazing letter written to a star player during one of Notre Dame's and Rockne greatest seasons. Comes with a full LOA from James Spence Authentication and PSA/DNA.