Today in Comics History, June 18: Happy birthday, George Mikan!

Born on this day in 1924: pro b-baller George Mikan, aka "Mr. Basketball," (Chicago American Gears and Minneapolis Lakers) the man who gave kids with glasses a hope they could play in the NBA someday!



from "The Story of George Mikan" in Treasure Chest of Fact and Fun v.17 #9/315 (Pflaum, January 4, 1962), script by Bob Weber
You could also spot him in comic books as a spokesman for Keds sneakers...




Keds sneakers ads from (top) Archie Comics cover-dated July 1955;
(middle) Archie comics cover-dated July 1957;
Harvey Comics cover-dateddated May 1957
...and for Wheaties, Breakfast of Champions™!



from (top) DC Comics cover-dated February 1952;
(bottom) Dell Comics cover-dated February 1953
Happy birthday, Mr. Basketball! Let me polish your glasses for you there.

(runs away with the magic basketball glasses)