James T. Butz Papers
1946-2001.
Extent : 10 linear inches.Repository : University of Notre Dame Archives
Address : Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
English.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
James T. Butz Papers (BTZ), University of Notre Dame Archives (UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556
Scope and Content
Play-by-play notes taken about many Notre Dame home football games, 1957-1980, and at three later games in 1991, 2000, and 2001, as well as notes re post-game interviews coaches and players; typescripts of "Our Lady of the Sacred Heart" columns, 1954-1956; notes, drafts, and photographic contact sheets re his January 1966 Notre Dame Alumnus article about the Notre Dame football press box during a game; and a few printed and miscellaneous items by or about Butz. Also Scholastic Football Review issues with articles by Jim Butz, December 1947 and 1948; "Splinters from the Press Box" typescript by Jim Butz, 14 November 1947; David L. Long letter to Butz, 15 June 1979, enclosing a copy of the first issue of Sports Illustrated dated 16 August 1954; August 1996 correspondence with the Alumni association concerning the addresses of the members of the 1946 and 1947 football teams; a framed photograph of Knute Rockne; photographs of Frank Leahy, the 1947 football team, a class of military officers in front of the Pratt Institute, and Fathers Hesburgh and Joyce posing with the statue of Moose Krause; and original matted prints, copy negatives, and reprints of two photographs from the 1946 and 1947 Army football games.
Background
James (Jim) Butz, a veteran of World War II, twice wounded, earned the Bronze Star and survived D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded numerous medals as well as the French Legion of Honor Medal from the President of France. Returning from the war, he began his great love for the University of Notre Dame enrolling as a freshman and graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1949 with a degree in journalism. He was hired by the Sports Information Department before he was accepted as a student and, while keeping a low profile until his formal acceptance, quickly became Coach Leahy's media relations adjutant during Notre Dame's three undefeated championship years. In publicizing Coach Leahy and the national championship teams, his new friends, for post-season honors, Mr. Butz was truly one of "Leahy's Lads" and stayed in lifelong touch with them. He never saw Notre Dame lose a game on his watch. This lead to his lengthy career in sports serving as Director of Marketing, Club Designer and President and CEO of several golf manufacturers ranging from Wilson, Golfcraft, Brunswick, McGregor, PGA Victor Golf, Browning, Tiger Shark and acting Executive Director of PGA of America.
Index
Butz, JamesUniversity of Notre Dame