Original Listing Description

1986 Chicago Bears Game Ball Presented to George Halas's assistant Max SwiatekOffered up is an actual game ball that was presented to Max Swiatek after the 1986 season. Max Swiatek was George Halas's personal assistant. He passed away on September 18, 2001. He is referred to a couple times in Halas by Halas by George Halas and Papa Bear by Jeff Davis. Here is a direct quote from the book Papa Bear page 113 -"Halas housed May and Halas and the sporting goods operation under one roof, under the care of Max Swiatek. Swiatek, an aspiring baseball player, was helping the Wrigley Field grounds crew get the ballpark ready for the football season the day he met Halas. Halas took a liking to the enthusiastic young man and hired him to be his chief order taker, order filer, and jack of all trades at May and Halas and for the team itself. Max remained with the Old Man for the rest of Halas’s life in various capacities long after May and Halas folded—as equipment manager, personal driver, and gofer. Even when he was well into his 80s,Max could be found every game day zealously guarding the locker room door. He came to work in the mail room on a regular basis until nearly the end before his death at age 90 in November 2001 https: www chicagotribune com 2001 09 20 max swiatek 93 The Swiatek family had an estate sale later that year. I picked up this gem from the estate sale. This game ball is rare for many reasons. First because it was presented to George Halas' personal assistant after the Super Bowl season. It is a game ball for the whole season. The ball has three painted panels as opposed to only one. The other painted panels have the names of the coaches and players from 1986. Max's estate stated, when I bought this game ball, that the whole team dedicated the season for Max and Max was presented this game ball. They did not know the reason for the team's dedication to Max for the season. They said he was just a 'good guy' that everyone knew and loved on the team.Rare piece of Chicago Bears history and memorabilia. Obtained directly from Max's family. Most of my eBay listings end with a reasonable offer. (Condition: Brand New)

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for Super Bowl collectors and appraisers.