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The Boston Yanks were a short-lived NFL team based in Boston, Massachusetts, active from 1944 to 1948. They played their home games at Fenway Park, but when scheduling conflicts arose with the Boston Red Sox, games were moved to Braves Field, home of the National League’s Boston Braves. The team was owned by Ted Collins, longtime manager of singer and television personality Kate Smith. Collins had originally hoped to establish a team in New York’s Yankee Stadium; hence the name “Yanks.”
The Yanks struggled out of the gate, finishing their inaugural 1944 season with a disappointing 2–8 record.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Dodgers football team were named after their baseball counterparts—competed in the NFL from 1930 until 1943, briefly rebranding as the Brooklyn Tigers in 1944. They played at Ebbets Field but faced mounting financial pressures and a wartime player shortage during World War II. In 1945, the franchise merged with the Boston Yanks and played under the Yanks name for that season. The 1944 iteration of the team had gone winless at 0–10.
Offered is a 7.5” x 11” sheet signed in pencil by members of both teams on both sides of the sheet. It comes with the cover of the November 19, 1944 program (just the front and back covers – the inside of the program is long gone) when the two teams played each other at Fenway Park.
This white Sheet was signed at a Boston Yanks vs Brooklyn Tigers game at Fenway Park Nov 19, 1944. Signed by appx 30 members that were featured on the rosters that day.
Note – many of these players also played for various NFL teams throughout their careers (i.e. Steelers, Packers, Redskins, NY Giants, Detroit Lions, Chicago Cardinals, etc)
Signatures include:
Boston Yanks -
Tony Falkenstein (D.1994), Milt Crain (D. 2000), Morgan Tiller (D. 1983), George Cafego (D. 1998), Bob Davis (D. 1980), Keith Ransport (D. 1991), Clayton (Harry) Wynne (D. 1989), Wimpy Giddens (D. 1959 at age 44), Leo Stasica (D. 1982), Ed Franco (D. 1992) – Seven Blocks of Granite at Fordham who played along the line with Vince Lombardi, Augie Lio (D. 1989), Johnny Martin (D. 1968 at age 50), Art Albrecht (D. 2004), Ed Korisky (D. 1992), Joe Crowley (D. 2008), Ted Williams (D. 1993) Notre Dame – Boston College (not the baseball player), Ed McGee,
Brooklyn Tigers
Charlie Ware (D. 1992), Johnny Butler (D. 1963), Bill Brown (D. 2011), Joe Carter (D. 1991). Ray Hare (D. 1975 at age 57) – member of the legendary 1943 Redskins, Steve Marko (D. 1985 at age 60), Andy Kowalksi (D. 1983 at 63), Chuck Taylor (D. 1977 at age 56), Gordon Wilson (D. 1997), George Wilson (D. 1986)
Additionally, this sheet has been signed by Pro Football Hall of Famer – Wayne Millner (D. 1976) who was in the military at this time, but must have been in attendance for this game. Chuck Cherundolo (D. 2012) was serving in the military, but was at the game.
Plus a few unknown autographs (including one team doctor)
Item: 14156
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