The story of Hugo Bezdek is one of the most interesting in sports and deserves to be told! Born in the Czech Republic, he was one of the top football players in the country at the University of Chicago earning All American honors. After graduation he became the first superstar coach at the University of Oregon, leading them to an undefeated season. That would be enough of a career for most, but Bezdek was not most men. He coached Arkansas and Penn State, was also a successful basketball and baseball coach at several schools, and then he took another step. In 1917 with no experience to his credit, he became the manager of the major league Pittsburgh Pirates! He righted the ship and two of his players (Billy Southworth and Bill McKechnie) became Hall of Famers largely due to what they learned from Bezdek. Couple this with the fact that he also became the only man to ever serve as a coach in both the major leagues and the NFL, this was quite a full life! The offered large portrait of Bezdek shows the young manager in full uniform before a game and it was taken by rock star photographer Charles Conlon. One of the only images we have ever seen of Bezdek in uniform and adding the Conlon provenance is a special touch. Despite some handling wear and a few pinholes, the image is a fine piece of baseball (and football) history with exceptional clarity! Quite possibly his best!

Size: 8x10
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 3.5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Overall Grade: 8/10