WASHINGTON REDSKINS WIN THEIR FIRST PRO FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

go-skins-3.jpgWASHINGTON WIN ITS FIRST PRO FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
DEFEAT THE HEAVILY-FAVORED CHICAGO BEARS, 28-21, BEHIND BAUGH’S PASSES
“HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!”

The New York Times
December 13, 1937

The Washington Redskins, led by the great passing of their superstar quarterback, Sammy Baugh, defeat the heavily favored Chicago Bears by a score of 28-21.  This was the early equivalent to the SuperBowl.  The sports page banner headlines announce: “REDSKINS DEFEAT BEARS ON ICY CHICAGO GRIDIRON TO TAKE NATIONAL PRO TITLE.”  Two large photos show show back Cliff Battles scoring the first Washington touchdown; another features “Slingin’” Sammy Baugh being tackled after a run.  There is complete coverage of the action where footing was absolutely treacherous.  “But Baugh pegged passes with either the softness of drifting snow or the fury of a North Pole gale.”  This was the very first year for professional football in D.C. as the previous year, the team played in Boston as the Boston Redskins. Imagine winning a “SuperBowl” on the first attempt in a new city!

“THE PANAY INCIDENT” - Front page headline: “U.S. GUNBOAT PANAY IS REPORTED SUNK BY THE JAPANESE.”  The Empire of Japan had brutally attacked China and was in the process of assaulting the important city of Nanking (reported in this issue).  (After being captured, the Japanese soldiers would go wild in the “Rape of Nanking,” killing, butchering, stealing and raping the helpless Chinese citizens and army personnel who had surrendered.

This is the original and complete 44-page newspaper in fine condition.  As a native Washingtonian who has followed the Skins all my life, this is one fascinating newspaper!  It’s also quite rare as you might imagine.

$750

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Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under Sports History, All Historic Newspapers