Star running back at Syracuse University; first black player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961; drafted by the Washington Redskins and traded to Cleveland but died the following year from leukemia before playing a pro game. His 1956 “Torch” Yearbook from the Elmira Free Academy in Elmira, New York, signed “Ernie Davis, H.R. 209” in blue ink in the upper right corner of the second page. Presumably, the “H.R.” is for home room. The book is filled with well wishes from friends and teachers. A sampling of the inscriptions include: “Best of luck to the best athlete of the year and a good English student,” Best wishes in your future years of sports. Keep up the great football and basketball work,” “Best wishes to the class president,” “To the hottest foot and basketball player this academy has or will see in many years. We’re all proud of ya,” and “Hi, Ace, The best always to a guy who really is a pleasure to watch and to play on the same team with, Harry ‘Hat’ Haskins.” In fine condition, with a few slightly loose pages, and trivial soiling to the front cover. COA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
