A Foster’s Bitter cap featuring the signature of the late Shane Warne, who suffered a suspected heart attack and died on Friday evening while on holiday in Thailand, is a fitting keepsake from the legendary leg-spinner.
Warne was renowned for “living the life” and Rochester Sports Museum’s Bob Knight shared the story of the signed cap last week. It was part of the John Forbes collection bequeathed to the museum and was obtained by the former Puma marketing manager when he met Warne at a St Kilda cricket ground in the 1990s.
Forbes had a long-time friendship with Warne. The Rochester museum collection also features an autographed photo of the Australian cricket star, reading “Thanks for everything, and all your time”.
Warne was eventually signed by Nike, but maintained contact with Forbes, who signed the blonde-haired, baked beans-eating talent to Puma in his early years.
In 2011, Warne played in a tribute match for Forbes with Adam Gilchrist and many other stars who were touched by the legendary sporting goods manager. Forbes died on March 7 last year.