Text of the Fish Letter

November 25, 1949

Col. William J. Bingham,

Director of Harvard Athletics,

Cambridge 38, Mass.

Dear Bill,--

I have been reading the criticisms that have been heaped upon you by some of the Boston newspapers, and particularly the serial articles in the Boston Globe which I have always considered the fairest and best football paper in Boston. Perhaps I have some prejudice because of my friendship and admiration for Mel Webb.

I have had very little connection with Harvard football for a long time, and am reluctant, even now, to indulge my views by expressing them to you, and releasing them to the Press. I want you to know that I do not join in the criticism that you are being subjected to, both by Harvard graduates and the Press, as to your responsibility because of your having hired Arthur Valpey as head coach, and on account of the dismal failure of the 1949 season. I confess that I agreed with your selection of Valpey last year, and believed that, given time, he would make his cycle offense work, and would build up a victorious team this year. Unfortunately, Valpey and his assistants not only did not live up to expectations, but produced the most inively and in forward passing--in the hisivell and in forward passing--in the history of Harvard football.

Valpey and his assistants should be retired immediately and at all costs, whether it means adjustment of the contract or not. You are not responsible for the coaching and its success. That responsibility rests with Mr. Valpey and his assistants. I have seen every Harvard-Yale game (with one exception during the war--1941) sine 1905. The Yale-Harvard game this year was the worst exhibition of football that I have ever seen by a Harvard team. The record of having lost all six of the "Ivy" football games speaks for itself.

Perhaps I am spoiled as I have seen West Point play three games this year and Notre Dame once, and expect to see the Army-Navy game tomorrow--which I know will be fight and a good game, offensively and defensively.

There are at least a score of available experience coaches and successful professional players, including some former Harvard players, such as Charley Buell, Charley Crowley, Eddie Maham and "Chuck" Peabody who could make good and restore Harvard football prestige, but unfortunately Valpey is not one of them. His plays were too complicated, caused too many fumbles, had no power plays, and failed lamentably in forward passing, and also in the fundamentals, particularly in blocking, interference and tackling. Obviously Valpey had too many trick plays instead of a few simple basically sound ones, well executed, and he failed to provide protection for his passers. I think Harvard material was well above average this year, and it is unfair to them to have to participate in such a lamentable season.

I am writing to you because you are the one person who has the power to obtain a new coaching staff, and because I believe in and cherish the traditions of Harvard football. In making the changes I would suggest that at least two of the assistant coaches be former Harvard players.

The only justifiable criticism I have heard of you is that the schedule was too severe at the outset, but I understand the Stanford material was much better than anticipated on last year's record.

I have shown this letter to John W. Cutler and other members of the 1908 championship team who are all in accord with these views.

Wishing you every success, and with kind regards.   Sincerely yours   Hamilton Fish

P.S. I expect to send a copy of this letter to the Boston Globe, Harvard Alumni Bulletin, the Crimson, and New York Times for release Tuesday morning, November 29th, 1949. I believe it expresses the opinion of most former Harvard football players.