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 Acquire the Two Sports Illustrated Covers You Should Have Saved — Historic “Sportsman Of the Year” Issues of 1960 and 1978 — Hand-Signed by Arnie and Jack!
Since its launch in 1954, Sports Illustrated has documented the incredible rise of sports as the defining element of our culture. Back issues are eagerly sought by collectors, with annual “Sportsman of the Year” issues commanding hundreds of dollars. Two of the most valuable are the “Sportsman of the Year” issues awarding the Grecian amphora — symbol of excellence — to Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, my heroes.
Jack — Nicklaus won the British Open in 1978 at St. Andrews at age 38, and not much else. But it was his third British Open title, and 17th Major! Sports Illustrated recognized Nicklaus for his sheer dominance over a 20-year period. Starting with his first U.S. Amateur in 1959, Jack won 2 U.S. Amateurs, 5 Masters, 3 U.S. Opens, 4 PGA’s, and 3 British Opens. Few remember that he also finished second to Palmer in that thrilling 1960 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills — as an amateur! He is the greatest golfer that ever lived. No one, not even Tiger, will eclipse his record.
Arnie — Arnold Palmer was the first golfer ever named by Sports Illustrated’s editors as Sportsman of the Year. All Arnie did in 1960 was win 8 of 27 tournaments; birdie the last two holes to snatch The Masters; drive the 345-yard first green at Cherry Hills on Sunday of the U.S. Open (and birdie 6 of the first 7 holes!) in another come-from-behind Major win; and set an all-time prize-money record of $80,000! More importantly, he brought daring, glamour, and crowds to a game he changed forever.
Artisans — Each “Sportsman of the Year” cover has been exactingly reproduced from the original plates by the artisans at the Stinehour Press, right across the river from us in Vermont. So accurate and vivid is the lithography (on Mohawk Superfine, acid-free archival paper) that Sports Illustrated’s own representatives could not distinguish between the originals, and our re-issues. Each cover has been individually hand-signed by Arnie and Jack in a strictly Limited-Edition of 500. Order today to preserve your share of golfing history, beautifully matted and framed in rich mahogany.
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