Sports memorabilia take center stage at JFK library exhibit

(John F. Kennedy Presidential Library)

By Globe Staff

The autographed pair of red boxing gloves is inscribed with a note for Senator Edward M. Kennedy that could have only been written by Muhammad Ali: “I hope this glove helps you knock out injustice.”

The football, given as a gift to President John F. Kennedy, includes the signature of Coach Belichick -- Steve Belichick -- the father of the Patriots’ guru who was an assistant coach at Navy in 1962.

And the golf clubs belonged to President Kennedy himself and were used to play courses in Palm Beach, Fla., and Hyannis.

The mementos are part of an exhibit at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library called “Shaping Up America: JFK, Sports and the Call to Physical Fitness.” While most items have been on display since September, the library unveiled the boxing gloves for the first time today to honor Black History Month.

The gloves, which were given to Senator Kennedy in Washington in July 1988, are also inscribed with another message from the heavyweight champion. “Services to others is the rent we pay for our room in heaven. Thanks for your service,” Ali wrote.

The football signed by Belichick’s father has the autographs of each member of the 1962 Navy football team, which also included Roger Staubach.

Other items include:

• A bronze sculpture of a discus thrower given to President Kennedy by the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

• President Kennedy’s VIP National League and American League baseball park passes.

• The National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Award that was given to President Kennedy in recognition of his dedication to competitive athletics and his devotion to intercollegiate football.

• Western Pro-Bowl 1963 team football signed by Vince Lombardi, John Unitas, Bart Star, and others.

• Baseball thrown out by President Kennedy at the 1962 opening day game between the Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers.

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