This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/7/2015
Joe Bach (D. 1966) was one of Notre Dame's famed "seven mules" and later an NFL coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. At Notre Dame, he was a defensive lineman on the 1924 National Title team--the first Irish team to win a championship. He also had a pivotal role in Notre Dame's first Rose Bowl trip. He became the Steelers coach in 1935 directing the young franchise to their best record yet at 4 wins and 8 losses followed by the 1936 campaign in which he coached the Steelers to their first ever non-losing season at 6 wins and 6 losses. He retired following 1936 to go back into college football. In 1952 he once again became the head coach for the Steelers and installed the T-formation for the team as Pittsburgh had been the last franchise to operate the single wing. He continued as head coach through the 1954 season. He produced a 5-7 result during his first and last season with the team but in 1953 posted a .500 record with a 6 win and 6 loss season. Along the way he was a line coache at Syracuse, heach coach at Duquesne, head coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates (Steelers), line coach at Carnegie Tech, head coach Niagara University, head coach at Ft. Knox - Army, line coach under Gus Dorais for the Detroit Lions, line coach for the Boston Yanks under Clipper Smith, line coach for the NY Bulldogs, head coach at St. Bonaventure, and his last head coaching job came in 1952-53 for the Steelers.
It seems like it was a zillion years ago that a dramatic nickname coined by a poetic sportswriter and the quick-thinking actions of a clever student publicity aide transformed the Notre Dame backfield of Stuhldreher, Crowley, Miller and Layden into the most fabled quartet in college football history. Quarterback Harry Stuhldreher, left halfback Jim Crowley, right halfback Don Miller and fullback Elmer Layden had run rampant through Irish opponents' defenses since coach Knute Rockne devised the lineup in 1922 during their sophomore season. But the foursome needed some help from Grantland Rice, a sportswriter for the New York Herald-Tribune, to achieve football immortality. After Notre Dame's 13-7 victory over Army on October 18, 1924, Rice penned the most famous passage in the history of sports journalism. Stuhldreher, a 5-7, 151-pounder from Massillon, Ohio, was a self-assured leader who not only could throw accurately but also returned punts and proved a solid blocker. He emerged as the starting signal caller four games into his sophomore season in 1922. He was often labeled cocky, feisty and ambitious, but his field generalship was unmatched. Crowley, who came to Notre Dame in 1921 from Green Bay, Wis., stood 5-11 and weighed 162 pounds. Known as "Sleepy Jim" for his drowsy-eyed appearance, Crowley outmaneuvered many a defender with his clever, shifty ball carrying. Miller, a native of Defiance, Ohio, followed his three brothers to Notre Dame. At 5-11, 160 pounds, Miller proved to be the team's breakaway threat. According to Rockne, Miller was the greatest open-field runner he ever coached. Layden, the fastest of the quartet, became the Irish defensive star with his timely interceptions and also handled the punting chores. The 6-0, 162-pounder from Davenport, Iowa, boasted 10-second speed in the 100-yard dash.
Offered from Bach’s personal collection is an original circa 1924 photograph that measures 7.5” x 4.5” which has been signed and personalized by the 4 Horsemen of Notre Dame. It includes:
- Jim Crowley(D. 1986) who signed by his name – “To the Fighting Irisher”
- Harry Stuhldreher (D. 1965) who wrote Good Luck Joe – part of his signature is missing due to paper loss that may have been caused by some sort of adhesion over the years
- Elmer Layden (D. 1973) who wrote, “To the Boy who opens ‘em up”
- Don Miller (D. 1979) who personalized the photo – “My best wishest to my friend Joe.”
Barring the slight paper loss, this may be the best photo signed by these 4 lads in existence and the fact that it originally derived out of the estate of one of the 7 Mules (Joe Bach who helped paved the way for this backfield to wreak havoc on college football opponents) is remarkable!
On the reverse Joe or his wife wrote, “4 of the Materson Gang after trying to escape in the football rallies, 3 left in the gang,” in pencil.
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.