Auction Item Details
Lot 423
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Lot Number: 423
Description: Philadelphia Flyers Barry Ashbee retired number "4" banner that hung in Philadelphia Spectrum. When many casual fans and youngsters glance up at the Flyers' retired jersey banners in the rafters of the Wachovia Center, there is one name that seems out of place. Every Flyers fan knows of the exploits of Hall of Fame members Bobby Clarke, Bernie Parent, and Bill Barber. But some may not immediately recognize the number 4 or name Barry Ashbee. Ashbee was a 31-year-old NHL rookie who played four seasons in the league and had 15 career goals and 85 career points. These modest statistics alone are clearly not enough to earn Ashbee induction into the Flyers Hall of Fame. Ashbee was posthumously awarded this honor because he was considered an everyman player who epitomized the Broad Street Bullies-era Flyers. Whatever he lacked in natural talent he made up for in work ethic and hunger to win. Ashbee was a man whose personality and playing style were deceptively rough around the edges, yet he possessed as much character as any Flyers player in history. There was nothing phony or pretentious about the guy teammates affectionately called "Ash Can." Tragically, Barry Ashbee was diagnosed with leukemia while serving the Flyers as assistant coach, and passed away in 1977. That year, the Flyers held an emotional memorial tribute at the Spectrum for Ashbee. Among the numerous steps the team took to make certain his memory lived on, was the retirement of his jersey number 4. The offered 84"x118" canvas banner hung from the rafters in the Philadelphia Spectrum until the Flyers moved to the Wachovia Center in 1996. Banner shows mild soiling, and retains excellent display quality. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions: EX
Estimated Price: ($1,000.00-$1,500.00)
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