Beautiful 1950s Tom Gola Philadelphia Warriors Satin Warm-Up Suit

Tom Gola’s 1955-56 Philadelphia Warriors Warm-Up Suit: A Rare Piece of Basketball History

A Legendary Career

Philadelphia native and Hall of Famer Tom Gola rose to national prominence in 1954 as an All-American forward at La Salle University. Before making his mark in the NBA in 1955, Gola secured an NCAA Championship in 1954, solidifying his status as one of the greatest collegiate basketball players of all time. Known for his versatility, Gola excelled in shooting, scoring, rebounding, and defending, making him a rare talent in the 1950s NBA landscape.

The Philadelphia Warriors and a Championship Legacy

The Philadelphia Warriors recognized Gola’s exceptional talent and used their territorial pick to select him in the first round of the 1955 Draft. Gola’s rookie season in 1955-56 was nothing short of spectacular, as he played a pivotal role in helping the Warriors defeat the Fort Wayne Pistons to claim their second franchise championship. This remarkable achievement is commemorated in the offered satin warm-up suit, a piece of basketball memorabilia that is as rare as it is significant.

A Unique and Historic Artifact

This incredibly rare satin warm-up suit, worn by Gola, has been sourced directly from his family. The suit is adorned with several distinctive features:

• A strip tag inside the right pocket reading “15 46 57,” representing the player number, size, and year, embroidered in yellow chain stitching.
• The Pearson Sporting Goods distributor’s tag in the rear neck.
• The player number “15” in red felt on the bottom of the left sleeve.
• A blue felt patch on the left sleeve reading “NBA 55-56 WORLD CHAMPS” embroidered in red.
• The word “WARRIORS” across the back in red on yellow double felt, with a large felt team logo patch depicting a warrior with a basketball.

The rear waistband of the pants features a strip tag reading “15 36 57” embroidered in yellow chain stitching, alongside the Pearson Sporting Goods distributor’s tag. The player number “15” is also displayed on the left thigh in red on yellow double felt, with team piping down the sides. This is the first time we have had the pleasure of offering a warm-up jacket with the rare “NBA 55-56 WORLD CHAMPS” patch on the left sleeve, making it a truly unique piece in our sports memorabilia auctions.

Provenance and Significance

The construction, workmanship, and choice of fabrics in this warm-up suit are beyond compare, reflecting the quality and prestige associated with the Philadelphia Warriors during their championship era. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from the Gola Family, this artifact has been in their possession since Tom’s passing, ensuring its authenticity and historical significance. This warm-up suit is not just a piece of clothing; it is a testament to Tom Gola’s enduring legacy and the Philadelphia Warriors’ storied history.

For those interested in acquiring a piece of basketball history, this warm-up suit represents an unparalleled opportunity. Explore more NBA jerseys consignment and other significant artifacts in our sports items appraisal services, and become a part of preserving the legacy of basketball’s golden era.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.