Document belonging to Springfield basketball founder James Naismith sells for $17K at auction

SPRINGFIELD — A document signed by Dr. James Naismith, the Springfield man who created basketball, recently sold for $17,840 at RR Auction in Boston.

The 1895 document is a “blank form” biographical questionnaire to which Naismith signed his name and filled out information about his parentage, education, and professional achievements. Under the category “Record in journalism, science or art,” Naismith identifies himself as the “Originator of Basket Ball, author of rules &c.”