Late 1940s Red Holzman Rochester Royals Game-Used Road Jersey

Red Holzman’s Historic Rochester Royals Jersey: A Unique Piece of Basketball History

A Legendary Career in Basketball

Red Holzman, a name synonymous with basketball excellence, began his illustrious career after being discharged from the Navy in 1945. Joining the NBL Rochester Royals, Holzman made an immediate impact, leading the team to a championship victory in his first season. His exceptional performance earned him the title of Rookie of the Year for the 1944-45 season. Holzman’s prowess on the court was further recognized as he was named to the NBL’s first All-League team in 1945-46 and 1947-48, with a second-team honor in the interim year.

Holzman remained with the Royals through their transition to the NBA, culminating in an NBA championship win in 1951. His journey continued with the Milwaukee Hawks, where he served as a player-coach before retiring as a player in 1954 but continued as the team’s head coach. His coaching career reached new heights with the New York Knicks, where he led the team to two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973, amassing a total of 613 wins during his tenure.

The Jersey: A Testament to a Storied Legacy

This remarkable jersey, the only known Red Holzman jersey, is a testament to his enduring legacy. The jersey features the “MacGregor Goldsmith” size 38 manufacturer’s tag, with an adjacent tag that has since fallen off. Across the front, the name “ROCHESTER” is emblazoned, while the player number “16” adorns both the front and back. Crafted in white on red tackle twill, this jersey exudes the spirit of a bygone era.

• Historical Significance: Represents Red Holzman’s early career with the Rochester Royals and their championship triumph.
• Unique Provenance: Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from a former team ball boy, adding a personal touch to its history.
• Condition and Story: The jersey shows tremendous game-use, with no alterations beyond the loose tag, highlighting its authenticity and storied past.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

This jersey is not just a piece of fabric; it is a fragment of basketball history, a symbol of Red Holzman’s remarkable contributions to the sport. As one of the few individuals to have won an NBA championship as both a player and a coach, Holzman’s legacy is unparalleled. This jersey offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of this legacy, a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in basketball history.

For those interested in exploring more basketball memorabilia, Grey Flannel Auctions offers an extensive collection of game-worn jerseys and other significant artifacts. Whether you are looking to consign sports memorabilia or sell NBA jerseys, our platform provides the perfect avenue to connect with fellow enthusiasts and collectors. Additionally, our appraisal services ensure that your treasured items are valued with the utmost expertise and care.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.