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JOHN WOODEN: Indeed the Wizard of Westwood.

Last night and this morning I am hearing some very sad news about John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach for UCLA who won 10 National Titles from 1964-1975, that he is "gravely ill" at a hospital here in L.A. Though he is 99, and described himself as "at peace with my life" in an interview a few months back, It would seem this news is not good.

I post this for two reasons. I have been lucky to obtain about a dozen of his signatures over the last 20 years, attending the many book signings he did at the UCLA student store and other venues here in town. Though not a sports collector, there are those in sports that are more than associated with just "sports" as their accomplishments and success in life extend far beyond a gymnasium. John Wooden is such a man. More so than obtaining his signature, was simply listening to this man speak. Do yourself a HUGE favor, and pick up his book (co authored by Steve Jamison), simply entitled "WOODEN". This smaller over pocket sized book is a treasure of lifes examples and the finest of food for your day to day thought.

The next reason I am posting is right now Ebay has 11 pages of signed items currently for sale. Though I have no idea what is real and what is not (as we have discussed Ebay issues here in other blogs and forums), I have looked at many of these signatures this morning and quite a few of them do look pretty consistant with the ones I have obtained. Buyer always be aware, but John Wooden is one of those few individuals that if you are an autograph collector in any field, (for me its Rock and Roll), ya still want a John Wooden autograph in your collection, ..............just because!

Here are some examples of REAL in person John Wooden autographs. Let them guide you should you choose to purchase something currently for sale on Ebay:

http://www.rockandrollcollection.com/catalog/index.php?act=viewProd...

Rest well in life Mr. Wooden, and should the worse happen, rest well in death too.

Tags: john, ucla, wooden

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Comment by Robert Babb on June 4, 2010 at 10:19am: That is sad to here about john wooden. I also got his autograph through the mail when he did sign but also a small card of his pyramid to success that i carry in my wallet that gives alot of inspiration when i am down in the dumps.

Comment by Josh Board on June 5, 2010 at 12:13am: He was a class act! He just passed away.

Comment by Josh Board on June 6, 2010 at 1:05pm: I remember he always signed autographs at the games, and about a year and a half ago, his daughter issued a statement, that she wants fans to stop asking him at games. He was getting bothered a bit by it, but didn't have the heart to tell autograph seekers.

Comment by Stephen Duncan on June 7, 2010 at 11:27am: For years he signed at the UCLA student store, ........just about whenever a new book came out. He signed anything that people were asking and often passed out his "Pyramid Of Success" 8x10's, all presigned and free.