February 2013 Auction Ends Wednesday, February 6th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2013
Arthur Ashe's 1975 day planner, the year he became the first black tennis player to win the hallowed Wimbledon Championship. On the 23 June page, Ashe hand-writes, "WIMBLEDON STARTS". Ashe here chronicles the most important aspects of each day of his phenomenal year, arguably his single most extraordinary year in international sporting. Day planner filled out entirely in his hand (save for a few charming notes from a female admirer) organizes his breakneck schedule of world travel and tennis competition. Ashe uses a full page in the beginning of the year with notes regarding tennis. Page reads in part: "Rules Passed / Davis Cup points passed but very low…Boston passed / ITPA sanction passed…Authorization fee is now $1200…Calendar set / bad meeting…" Ashe's year begins with an appearance on "Sesame Street" taped at CBS. He then notes Head brand sporting equipment, with whom he released a line of tennis gear. A note appears for an ATP [Association of Tennis Professionals] meeting - the organization he was instrumental in founding three years earlier for the benefit of his fellow tennis pros. He jots notes for the meeting, "ATP / North Africa events / Rules - coaching legal? / injury time". Ashe labels the "Davis Cup" in January. In February he notes "Rotterdam". Ashe won the Rotterdam Open this year, contributing to his record for most singles titles (won in 1972, 1975 and 1976). Next he notes the World Cup with a reminder for him to "Renew Passport". Touchingly, he makes certain to remember in ink his parents' anniversary and birth date of his mother, who died when he was just six years old. "Book Published" on 23 April refers to his autobiographical work "Portrait In Motion" published by Houghton Mifflin, for which he also records his promotional appearances. All spring Ashe notes his heavy travel schedule: to Munich, Belgium, Nice, Monte Carlo, Stockholm, Johannesburg, Mexico City, Las Vegas, Chicago and New York until his 23 June autograph note of the commencement of the Wimbledon Championships. Ashe renders "WIMBLEDON / STARTS" in large letters with a black felt tip pen and twice underscores the note. This was his third and final Grand Slam win, resulting from his victory over Jimmy Connors in the celebrated final on 5 July at London's All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, making him the first black tennis player to win men's singles at Wimbledon. Despite the magnitude of Ashe's accomplishments in 1975, his entries are concise and matter-of-fact, not even noting that he won Wimbledon. The humble champion simply moves on to record his next obligations: "US Open Club Membership $75" and "WASHINGTON / White House", followed by a "Book Appearance" and "Family reunion". His dizzying post-Wimbledon year is punctuated with television appearances including BBC, tennis organization commitments and more travel - to Toronto, San Diego, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Paris, Manila, Tokyo, Stockholm, Hong Kong, London, Calcutta and Jamaica. This tour is followed by a day marked "COMPLETE REST". The latter part of the year is filled in mostly with the names and numbers of contacts, including baseball star Willie Mays. Not surprisingly, several ladies' phone numbers also appear, and the mention of supermodel "Beverly Johnson" several times, but Ashe would meet photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy the following year and marry her within months. On 8 December, the dedicated athlete reminds himself to "Start Training" for the following year's Davis Cup. Day-At-A-Glance spiral-bound planner measures 5.75" x 8.25". Features brown faux leather soft covers. Planner is in very good condition, with one section of spiral separated slightly from the spine and a small crease to the upper right corner of the front cover. two sheets within show loss of detached segments; light overall wear to cover and sheets. A real treasure from the year Ashe's legendary career reached its loftiest height. With an LOA from Arthur Ashe's widow. For many more photos detailing this lot please copy and paste the following link: www.photobucket.com/1975journal
Arthur Ashe's Day Planner From 1975 -- The Year of His Monumental Win at Wimbledon & One of His Most Outstanding Years in Tennis -- Ashe Writes "WIMBLEDON STARTS" Boldly on 23 June!
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