Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Boney Graumann

Walter William Graumann


Born:
June 17, 1915      
Sheboygan, WI

Died:
December 6, 2000
Sheboygan, WI  

Career
1931-32 Sheboygan High School - Wisconsin (High School)
1932-33 Sheboygan High School - Wisconsin (High School)
1933-34 Rex Theaters (Independent)
1934-35 Sheboygan (Independent)
1935-36 Sheboygan (Independent)
1936-37 Sheboygan (Independent)
1937-38 Sheboygan (Independent)
1938-39 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)


His name is commonly misspelled as "Grauman".
Grauman was born in 1915 to Carl (1888-1969) and Anna Wuestenhagen (1892-1973). He married Enola Margaret Rowley (1918-2005) on August 17, 1940, and they had two daughters, LouJean and Margaret, and a son, Walter Jr.
Played one game for Sheboygan.
Great granddaugher Logan was a swimmer at East Carolina University.

Source:
Milwaukee Journal, November 9, 1938

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/g/graumwa01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=graumwa01 

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Moose Graf

Erwin Frederick "Moose" Graf


Born:
July 28, 1917  
Hampton, IA

Died:
October 12, 2005
Fairport, NY    

Career
1933-34 Elgin High School - Illinois (High School)
1937-38 Marquette University (College)
1938-39 Marquette University (College)
1938-39 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1939-40 Marquette University (College) - Assistant coach
1942-43 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL) - Player / head coach



From Elgin, Illinois, Graf was an All-American at Marquette. Played a couple seasons for Sheboygan. Paul Sokody, who wound up being Graf's brother-in-law, was his teammate at Elgin, Marquette and Sheboygan. A leg injury hampered his career, shortly after signing with Sheboygan. He was named head coach of Sheboygan in 1942, but was released in January by manager Carl Roth.

Graf was born to Erwin and Anna Graf. He was married to Barbara (1917-2002) and retired to Naples, Florida, as of 2000.

Source:
Mantiwoc Herald-Times, March 2, 1939
Mantiwoc Herald-Times, November 20, 1939
Rhinelander Daily News, October 16, 1942
Rhinelander Daily News, January 5, 1943


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/g/grafer01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=grafmo01 

Nick Frascella

Nicholas Anthony Frascella


Born:
July 6, 1914  
Trenton, NJ

Died:
April 9, 2000
Tallmadge, OH    

Career
1935-36 College of Wooster (College)
1936-37 College of Wooster (College) 
1937-38 College of Wooster (College)
1938-39 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)
1939-40 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)
1940-41 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)
1946-47 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (Independent)

From New Jersey, Frascella starred at Wooster before moving on to the Wingfoots. He served in the military during World War 2. He was married to Geneva Elois (1916-2007) and the couple had two daughers; Joy Scala and Diane Khoury, and two sons; David and Tom.

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/f/frascni01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=frascni01 

Steve Fowdy

Stephen Bruce Fowdy


Born:
September 16, 1915  
Whiting, IN

Died:
January 23, 1995
Munster, IN    

Career
1933-34 Whiting High School - Indiana (High School)

1938-39 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)


Fowdy went to Whiting High School, and allegedly attended North Dakota but I don't see any proof of that.. Played one game for Hammond. After his basketball career, he was a superintendent in Whiting. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War 2.
Fowdy married Miriam Antilla (1919-2001) in 1941 and they had a son John and a daughter, Kathy Fowdy-Dorr.

Source:
Hammond Times, February 19, 1934


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/f/fowdyst01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=fowdyst01 

Friday, September 25, 2015

Ernie Fortney

Ernest Francis Fortney


Born:
January 6, 1915  
Pittsburgh, PA

Died:
October 11, 1987
Palm Coast, FL    

Career
1936-37 Duquesne University (College)
1937-38 Duquesne University (College)
1938-39 Pittsburgh Pirates (NBL)
1939-40 Akron Collegians (Independent)
1940-41 Akron Collegians (Independent)
1941-42 Akron Collegians (Independent) 
1942-43 Akron Collegians (Independent)
1943-44 Akron Goodyears (Independent) 
1945-46 Youngstown Bears (NBL)
1946-47 Akron Goodyears (Independent)
1947-48 Akron Collegians (Independent)

Another mystery player. Played in two seasons with a huge gap. Went to Duquesne. So here we go. Searching for Fortney, I came across an obituary for Leanoir Fortney, who met her husband Ernest F. Fortney, while attending Duquesne and the pair married in 1938. This looks like him. Years are right, residing in Eastern Ohio is geographically accurate.

Leanoir's obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ohio/obituary.aspx?n=leanoir-r-fortney&pid=147576839


The couple had four children: Ernest Jr., Rebecca, Timothy and Dennis.

Timothy was born in Cornish, NH, on Sept 22, 1948, in Windsor, VT. This document shows his birth info, including his father's birthplace.
http://www.mocavo.com/Annual-Report-Cornish-New-Hampshire-1948-Volume-1948/427800/84

Page 2 of this document might contain Fortney bio information, but it would not load when I found it.
http://cdm15960.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15960coll3/id/51678

Parents MAY be Ernest and Mary Shenkel Fortney??

Couldn't find an Ernest Fortney on SSDI that fit the dates and location, but then search for "Fortney died 1987", and found this:
http://death-records.mooseroots.com/l/111364805/E-F-Fortney

After speaking with Ernest's son on the phone, I have confirmed his identity.

Death Record

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/f/fortner01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=fortner01 

Pick Dehner

Louis Dehner


Born:
August 29, 1914 
Lincoln, IL

Died:
April 7, 1987
Belleville, IL  

Career
1930-31 Lincoln High School - Illinois (High School)
1931-32 Lincoln High School - Illinois (High School)
1934-35 Illinois University (College)
1937-38 Illinois University (College)
1938-39 Illinois University (College)
1938-39 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)
1938-39 Illinois Grads (Independent)
1939-40 Washington Master Makers - Missouri (Independent)
1939-40 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1940-41 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1941-42 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1942-43 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1943-44 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1944-45 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1945-46 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1946-47 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1947-48 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1948-49 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1949-50 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1950-51 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1951-52 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1952-53 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1953-54 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1954-55 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1955-56 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1956-57 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1957-58 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1958-59 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1959-60 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1960-61 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1961-62 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1962-63 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1963-64 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1964-65 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1965-66 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1966-67 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1967-68 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1968-69 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1969-70 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1970-71 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1971-72 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1972-73 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach
1973-74 East St Louis High School - (High School) - Head Coach

Dehner was born in Lincoln, Illinois, and became a two-time all-American at Illinois. After a season in the NBL, he became the head coach at East St. Louis High School and was elected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1973.  Dehner died in 1987 from pancreatic cancer. He had a son, Louis.

Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, January 23, 1940
Southern Illinoisian, April 13, 1987

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/d/dehnelo01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=dehnepi01 

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Joe Fabel

Joseph A. Fabel


Born:
May 15, 1917 
Cleveland, OH

Died:
January 31, 1967
Pittsburgh, PA   

Career
1932-33 East Pittsburgh High School - Pennsylvania (High School)
1933-34 East Pittsburgh High School - Pennsylvania (High School)
1934-35 East Pittsburgh High School - Pennsylvania (High School)
1936-37 Pittsburgh University (College)
1937-38 Westinghouse Air Brake Five (independent)
1938-39 Pittsburgh Pirates (NBL)
1938-39 Hyatt Big Five (independent)
1939-40 Cardon Big Five (semi-pro)
1939-40 Westinghouse Air Brake Five (independent)
1939-40 McKeesport Big Five (independent)
1940-41 McKeesport Big Five (independent)
1940-41 Cumberland Collegians (independent)
1941-42 Hagerstown Conoco Oilers (independent)
1941-42 Cumberland Collegians (independent)
1942-43 Pittsburgh Corbetts (Municipal Bask. League - Pitts)
1945-46 Utica Blues (independent)
1945-46 Pittsburgh Pirates (independent)
1946-47 Pittsburgh Ironmen (BAA)
1947-48 Pittsburgh Pirates (independent)
1948-49 Pittsburgh-McKeesport Merchants (AABL)



Played one year at Pitt before embarking on a professional and semi-professional basketball career. He was a B-24 pilot in Europe during World War 2.
Fabel died from lung cancer in Pittsburgh at 49 years of age.

Update 5/6/2016
His obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says he was 49, not the 53 years of age he was previously listed at. This makes more sense when considering being 53 means he was a 23-year old sophomore in college. His old birthdate of September 4, 1913 is in doubt. Not to mention he graduated from East Pittsburgh in 1935, which would make him a 22-year old high school senior, with the 1913 birth date. His WW2 military compensation application gave us his birthdate and city of birth, filling in what was missing from his obituary.

Joseph A. Fabel, born in 1917 to Joseph and Helen Fabel and married Mary Jane McKee.








Source:
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 3, 1967
Evening Standard (Uniontown, PA), December 21, 1934
Evening Standard (Uniontown, PA), December 16, 1935



Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/f/fabeljo01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=fabeljo01 

Floyd Ebaugh

Floyd Harold Ebaugh


Born:
May 30, 1914 
Superior, NE

Died:
June 10, 1980
El Segundo, CA  

Career
1931-32 Superior High School - Nebraska (High School)
1934-35 Nebraska University (College) Freshmen
1935-36 Nebraska University (College)
1936-37 Nebraska University (College)
1937-38 Nebraska University (College)
1938-39 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)
1939-40 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)
1941-42 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)
1941-42 Toledo White Huts (Independent)
1941-42 Lincoln Woodmen Accidents (Independent)
1942-43 Akron Collegians (Independent)
1943-44 Dayton Collegians (Independent)
1943-44 Dayton Bombers (Independent)

Born to Mr and Mrs Jess Ebaugh, Floyd was a popular athlete in his howetown of Superior, Nebraska. Aside from playing basketball, he has on the track team, competing in throwing events like the shot put and discuss as well as the 880 yard relay and the high jump.
A basketball star at Nebraska, Ebaugh was the team captain his senior year. He went on to play for Akron in the NBL, but missed the 1940-41 season with a broken neck. It was not certain he would ever walk again, let along play basketball. He died in California in 1980.



Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/e/ebaugfl01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=ebaugfl01 

Dave Dupee

David Barnard Dupee


Born:
March 30, 1916 
Earlville, IL

Died:
November 18, 2008
Naples, FL  

Career
1932-33 Freeport High School - Illinois (High School)
1933-34 Freeport High School - Illinois (High School)
1934-35 Beloit College - (College)  Did he play at all??
1935-36 University of Wisconsin (College) Freshmen
1936-37 University of Wisconsin (College)
1937-38 University of Wisconsin (College)
1938-39 University of Wisconsin (College)
1938-39 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)


Dupee was born in Illinois to John and Hope Dupe, but the family moved to Freeport, Illinois, shortly thereafter. He lost vision in one eye in high school, but that did not handicap his basketball skills that
much. Starting out at Beloit College, he transferred to Wisconsin where he was named team captain as well as All-Big-Ten. After a season with Oshkosh, he returned to Freeport High School as a teacher and coach (and he also met his future wife of 67 years, Mary Katherine Ousley (1920-2012)... they mailed out their wedding invitations December 6, 1941, right before the US was drawn into World War 2. In 1947, the family moved to the Cincinnati area as he left education to work at U.S. Playing Card and the Heekin Can Company. In 1967, he and Katherine bought a franchise of Olsten Staffing in Cincinnati, a business he operated with his sons David and Daniel until selling it in 2000. David and Kat moved full-time to Naples, where David died in 2008 at 92 years of age. In addition to sons  David and Daniel, they also had two daughters, Dougie Trumble and Debbie (1942-2007).
Obit:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/cincinnati/obituary.aspx?n=David-DUPEE&pid=148661719
Kat's obit:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/cincinnati/obituary.aspx?pid=160934891
Katherine Ousley
Katherine Ousley

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/d/dupeeda01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=dupeeda01 

Glynn Downey

Melville Glynn Downey


Born:
September 10, 1915 
Frankfort, IN

Died:
January 30, 1976
Stuart, FL  

Career
1934-35 Purdue University (College)
1935-36 Purdue University (College)
1936-37 Purdue University (College)
1937-38 Attica High School - Indiana (High School) - Head Coach
1938-39 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1938-39 Greencastle High School - Indiana (High School) - Head Coach
1939-40 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)
1939-40 Chicago Duffy Florals (Independent)
1940-41 Indianapolis (Independent)
1940-41 Beech Grove High School - Lafayette, Indiana (High School) - Head Coach



Born from Lloyd (1886-1963) and Edith Davis Downey (1884-1954), Glynn starred at Purdue before playing two year professionally and coaching high school. He served in the Navy during World War 2, and started working for the Indiana Insurance Company in 1950 where he eventually became senior vice-president. He died at home in 1976 at the age of 60.

He married Barbara Downey and had one son, James. Glynn's father Lloyd played minor league baseball.

Source:
Brook Reporter (Indiana), June 15, 1939
Indianapolis Star, May 13, 1938
Indianapolis Star, June 28, 1940


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/d/downegl01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=downegl01 

Ed Dancker

Edward Charles Dancker


Born:
March 14, 1914 
Milwaukee, WI

Died:
October 3, 1991
Milwaukee, WI 

Career
1934-35 Milwaukee Pure Oils (AAA Bask. League - Milw.)
1935-36 Milwaukee Harvesters (Independent)
1935-36 Sheboygan Enzo-Jels (Independent)
1936-37 Sheboygan Art Imigs (Independent)
1937-38 Sheboygan Redskins (Independent)
1938-39 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1939-40 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1940-41 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1941-42 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1942-43 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1943-44 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1944-45 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1945-46 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1946-47 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1947-48 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1948-49 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1948-49 Milwaukee Shooting Stars (Independent)
1949-50 Milwaukee Shooting Stars (Independent)
1950-51 New Holstein Athletics (WSBL)


Dancker has born to Charles and Ella Dancker in Milwaukee, but did not play basketball in high school, nor did he attend college. However, he learned and played basketball at the amateur and semi-pro level before becoming one of the early stars of the NBL. He was selected all-NBL First Team three times, and Second Team twice.


Source:
http://prohoopshistory.com/2013/07/16/prohoopshistory-hall-of-fame-ed-dancker-sheboygan-redskins/

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/d/dancked01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=dancked01

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Kieran Crowley

Kieran Joseph Crowley


Born:
June 7, 1916 
Chicago, IL

Died:
January 5, 1975
Chicago, IL

Career
1935-36 DePaul University (College)
1936-37 DePaul University (College)
1937-38 DePaul University (College)
1938-39 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1940-41 Chicago Pepsi Cola (Independent)


Crowley's name has been misspelled for years as "Kiernan" so this was part of the problem of finding him. Found a woman named Regina Shields Crowley from Illinois who died in 2007 that was predeceased by her husband, Kieran. Given the age, location, and unusualness of the name, I am fairly certain this is the Sheboygan player. So I sent an email to Mt Carmel Cemetary, where Regina is interred. I did find a death record that fits, too
http://death-records.mooseroots.com/l/136734886/Kieran-Crowley  1930 census records show Kieran Crowley from Illinois married to Regina Shields' middle name is Joseph. He was born to James J. Crowley. Pretty confident this is him

Mt. Carmal confirmed via email the dates fit between the death record and the interment record for Kieran Crowley. This is our man.

Regina's obituary
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?n=Regina-Rose-Crowley&pid=85912935

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/crowlki01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=crowlki01 

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Jerry Bush

Gerard Leon Bush


Born:
September 6, 1914
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
October 27, 1976
Lincoln, NE 

Career
1935-36 St. John's University (College)
1936-37 St. John's University (College)
1937-38 St. John's University (College)
1937-38 New York Celtics (ABL)
1938-39 Akron Firestone Non-Skids (NBL)
1939-40 Akron Firestone Non-Skids (NBL)
1940-41 Akron Firestone Non-Skids (NBL)
1941-42 Wilmington Blue Bombers (ABL)
1941-42 Rochester (Independent)
1941-42 Albany / Glen Falls (NYSL)
1941-42 Detroit Eagles (Independent)
1942-43 Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (NBL)
1943-44 Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (NBL)
1944-45 Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (NBL)
1945-46 Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (NBL)
1946-47 Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (NBL)
1946-47 Anderson Duffey Packers (NBL)
1947-48 Toledo Jeeps (NBL)
1947-48 University of Toledo (NBL) - Head Coach
1948-49 University of Toledo (NBL) - Head Coach
1949-50 University of Toledo (NBL) - Head Coach
1950-51 University of Toledo (NBL) - Head Coach
1951-52 University of Toledo (NBL) - Head Coach
1951-52 Toledo Mercurys (Independent) 
1952-53 University of Toledo (NBL) - Head Coach
1953-54 University of Toledo (NBL) - Head Coach
1954-55 University of Nebraska (College) - Head Coach
1955-56 University of Nebraska (College) - Head Coach
1956-57 University of Nebraska (College) - Head Coach
1957-58 University of Nebraska (College) - Head Coach
1958-59 University of Nebraska (College) - Head Coach
1959-60 University of Nebraska (College) - Head Coach
1960-61 University of Nebraska (College) - Head Coach
1961-62 University of Nebraska (College) - Head Coach
1962-63 University of Nebraska (College) - Head Coach


Jerry Bush was born in Brooklyn and attended Erasmus High School. After playing college basketball at St John's, he went on to play ten years professionally before moving to coaching. While coaching at Toledo, it was discovered that three of his players were point shaving. Although Bush was not involved, he left to take the coaching job at Nebraska, where he stayed 9 seasons. He retired from coaching and went on to sell insurance until his death from a heart attack while going for a walk.
Bush married Asta (1918-1992) and had three daughters, Bonnie, Karen and Jane. His cousin was Detroit Eagles player Jake Ahearn. His grandson, Fred Hoiberg, played for ten seasons in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls.

Source:
Iola (Kansas) Register, February 21, 1963
Lincoln Star, October 28, 1976


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/bushge01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=bushje01
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/jerry-bush/

Jerry Bush (l) coaching his brother, George Bush (r)

Brown

Brown


Born:
Unknown 


Died:
Unknown
  

Career
1938-39 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)



Unknown player. Played in one game scored one basket.


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/brown01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=brown01 

Lou Boudreau

Louis Boudreau, Jr.


Born:
July 18, 1917 
Harvey, IL

Died:
August 10, 2001
Olympia Fields, IL 

Career
1933-34 Thornton Township High School - Illinois (High School)
1934-35 Thornton Township High School - Illinois (High School)
1935-36 Thornton Township High School - Illinois (High School)
1936-37 University of Illinois (College)
1937-38 University of Illinois (College)
1938-39 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)




Although he became one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history, Lou Boudreau was an All-American basketball player prior to his Major League career.
Born to Lou and Birdie Henry Boudreau, Boudreau was raised as a leader on the field and the court by his father, who was a semi-pro baseball player himself. In high school, there was no baseball team so Boudreau concentrated on basketball. He went to Illinois where he was an All-American, but his baseball prowess took off. He left school to pursue athletics, earning $150 a game for Hammond while fielding baseball offers from the Cubs and Indians. He signed with the Indians in 1938, and embarked on a career that saw him become named the Indians manager (while still the shortstop) at 24 years of age. In 1948, he lead the Indians to a World Series victory, batting .355 along the way and winning the MVP award. He retired as a player  in 1952 with a .295 batting average, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1970.
Boudreau married his high school sweetheart Della DeRuiter (1916-1999) in 1938. He had two sons, Louis and Henry, and two daughter, Sharyn McLain (wife of baseball player Denny McLain) and Paula Golazewski.

Baseball Stats:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/boudrlo01.shtml

Baseball Hall of Fame page
http://baseballhall.org/hof/boudreau-lou

SABR biography
http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/3fde9ca7

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/boudrlo01n.html
www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=boudrlo01 

Boris

Boris


Born:
 Unknown 


Died:
 Unknown
 

Career

1938-39 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)


Total mystery. Played six games for Hammond.


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/boris01n.html
www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=boris01

Leroy Edwards

Leroy Harry Edwards


Born:
April 11, 1914
Crawfordsville, IN

Died:
August 25, 1971
Lawrence, IN

Career
1930-31 Arsenal Technical - Indiana (High School)
1931-32 Arsenal Technical - Indiana (High School)
1932-33 Arsenal Technical - Indiana (High School)
1933-34 University of Kentucky (College)
1934-35 University of Kentucky (College)
1935-36 Indianapolis U.S. Tire (MBC)
1935-36 Hilgemeier Packers - Indianapolis (Independent) 
1936-37 Dayton London Bobbies (MBC)
1936-37 Oshkosh All-Stars (Independent)
1937-38 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL) 
1938-39 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1939-40 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1940-41 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1941-42 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1942-43 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1943-44 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1944-45 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1945-46 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1946-47 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1947-48 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1948-49 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL) 
1949-50 Oshkosh All-Stars (WSBL)


Leroy Edwards was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, in 1914. Known as the "East Side Terror" at Arsenal Technical High School, Edwards and his hook shot lead Arsenal to the Indianapolis City Championship in '31, '32 and '33. After graduating in 1933, he went to play college basketball at Kentucky, where he helped the freshman squad to an undefeated season. As a sophome, Edwards set the collegiate scoring record for a single season. He decided to leave school after his sophomore year, becoming the first player to forgo school to play professionally.
As the most recognized basketballer in the country, he signed with Indianapolis U.S. Tire in 1935 and joined Oshkosh in 1937. He played with Oshkosh through 1949, and was the first player in NBL history to score 30 point in a game (against Kankakee in 1938). His 3221 career points in the NBL are second highest in league history.
He was married to Clara Smith (1916-1983). Edwards had two daughters and three sons. In 1953, Edwards started working with Chrysler as a transmission assembler at the Indianapolis plant, and would be employed there the rest of his life. One August evening in 1971, Edwards was mowing his lawn at his home in Lawrence, Indiana, and suffered a fatal heart attack. He was 57 years old.

Obituary:
http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Players/Edwards_Leroy.html

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/e/edwarle01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=edwarco02
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/leroy-edwards/

Monday, September 21, 2015

James Birr

James Otto Birr


Born:
August 22, 1916 
Indianapolis, IN

Died:
June 8, 2006
Naples, FL  

Career
1931-32 Shortridge High School - Indiana (High School)
1932-33 Shortridge High School - Indiana (High School)
1933-34 Shortridge High School - Indiana (High School)
1935-36 Indiana University (College)
1936-37 Indiana University (College) 
1937-38 Indiana University (College)
1938-39 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1939-40 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1939-40 Beard All-Stars - Indianapolis (Independent)
1940-41 Jim Birr All-Stars (Independent)
1940-41 Indianapolis Kautskys (Independent)
1945-46 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)

Birr was an All-American football and basketball player at Indiana University. In February of 1938, Birr was declared ineligible from Indiana University's basketball squad for failing to turn in a term paper. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 1938 NFL draft. During World War 2, Birr served aboard the USS Belleau Wood and received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Later in life, he ran for Mayor of Indianapolis, founded the New York Titans team of the AFL, and created and published the magazine "Movie Digest." In later years, he moved to Florida where he became a real estate developer, and was involved with the development of the Daytona International Speedway.
Birr was married to Virginia Miles (1918-2008) in 1941 and they had three sons: James, Stephen and Jeffrey.



Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/birrja01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=birrji01

Emmet Birk

Emmet Clifford Birk


Born:
March 21, 1914 
Grafton, ND

Died:
November 6, 2000
Whittier, CA 

Career
Park River High School - North Dakota (High School)
1934-35 University of North Dakota (College)
1935-36 University of North Dakota (College)
1936-37 University of North Dakota (College)
1938-39 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1939-40 Bismarck Phantoms (Independent)
1940-41 Bismarck Phantoms (Independent)


Birk was born in North Dakota and starred at UND. After playing basketball, he served in the US Army in World War 2 and afterwards moved to Whittier, California, where he taught and coached in the Montebello school district for 45 years. He died there of cancer in 2000.
Birk married Stella Forland (1916-2003) and the couple had three daughters; Kristine Perry, Lisa Ajir and Genelle Birk (dec.).
Obit:
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/obituaries/emmet-birk/article_b68024ad-7f5b-57e4-b1d6-aca8a1f6f011.html

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/birkem01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=birkem01 

Paul Birch

Paul "Polly" V. Birch


Born:
January 4, 1910 
Homestead, PA

Died:
June 5, 1982
Pittsburgh, PA  

Career
1932-33 Duquesne University (College)
1933-34 Duquesne University (College)
1934-35 Duquesne University (College)
1934-35 New York Celtics (Independent)
1935-36 New York Celtics (Independent)
1936-37 New York Celtics (Independent)
1937-38 New York Celtics (Independent)
1938-39 Pittsburgh Pirates (NBL)
1939-40 New York Celtics (Independent)
1940-41 New York Celtics (Independent)
1941-42 New York Celtics (Independent) 
1941-42 Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (NBL)
1942-43 Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (NBL)
1943-44 Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (NBL)
1944-45 Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons (NBL)
1945-46 Youngstown Bears (NBL) - Player / Head Coach
1946-47 Pittsburgh Ironmen (BAA) - Head Coach
1947-48 Youngstown Cubs (AABL) - Player / Head Coach
1950-51 Erie Admirals / Commodores (AABL) Player / Head Coach
1951-52 Fort Wayne Pistons (NBA) - Head Coach
1952-53 Fort Wayne Pistons (NBA) - Head Coach
1953-54 Fort Wayne Pistons (NBA) - Head Coach



A skilled player and Duquesne's first All-American, Birch garnered fame as a member of the New York Celtics barnstorming squad before playing in the NBL. He later became a successful coach for Fort Wayne before becoming persona non grata following the point-shaving scandal surrounding one of his players, Jack Molinas. His life in ruins, Birch descended into alcohol problems and domestic abuse. He was a short-tempered disciplinarian who was described by his son Richard as "Bobby Knight times 10." He was married to Florence, whose death from leukemia amplified Birch's bitterness.

Birch died in 1982.



Source:
http://www.utsandiego.com/sports/20070810-9999-1s10sullivan.html


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/birchpa01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=birchpa01 

Byron Bell

Byron O. Bell, Jr.


Born:
June 9, 1914 
Neenah, WI

Died:
October 18, 2008
Bettendorf, IA

Career
1930-31 Neenah High School - Wisconsin (High School)
1931-32 Neenah High School - Wisconsin (High School)
1936-37 Wisconsin (College)
1937-38 Wisconsin (College)
1938-39 Wisconsin (College)
1938-39 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)



Bell was born to Byron (1883-1969) and Elizabeth Block Bell (1892-1969). He attended Neenah High School in Wisconsin, and afterwards attended the University of Wisconsin, where played basketball while earning a bachelor's degreee in music. He got a master's degree from Wisconsin-Milwaukee and taught music in the Lake Geneva (Iowa) public schools for 39 years before retiring in 1979.
He married Evelyn Krause (1911-2005) on June 22, 1940, and the couple had two daughers, Mary Fislar and Marcy Bell.

Obit:
http://www.lakegenevanews.net/Obituary-34119.112112_Byron_O_Bell.html


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/bellby01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=bellby01 

Friday, September 18, 2015

Carl Anderson

Carl Henry "Buttercup" Anderson


Born:
November 16, 1913 
Middletown, IN

Died:
July 30, 2001
Nashville, TN 

Career
1935-36 USC (College)
1936-37 USC (College)
1937-38 USC (College)
1938-39 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1940-41 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL) - Player / coach
1946-47 NC State University (College) Assistant coach
1947-48 NC State University (College) Assistant coach
1948-49 NC State University (College) Assistant coach
1949-50 NC State University (College) Assistant coach
1950-51 NC State University (College) Assistant coach
1951-52 NC State University (College) Assistant coach
1952-53 NC State University (College) Assistant coach
1953-54 NC State University (College) Assistant coach

1954-55 NC State University (College) Assistant coach


Another player with minimal information when I started.
The "Biographical Directory of Professional Basketball Coaches" by Jeff Marcus gave me his birthdate and a little bio information. While playing at USC, Anderson was part of a starting line-up that featured all native Indianans. Served in the US Navy during World War 2. With the birthdate and middle initial, I found his grave:
Grave:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=anderson&GSfn=carl&GSby=1913&GSbyrel=in&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=72198832&df=all&
"Butter" Anderson was born in 1913 to Carl (1883-1951) and Estella Anderson (1880-1961). He married Harriett Ann Biggs (1918-2005) and had a daughter, Kristen Anderson (1943-1969), and a son, John. Kristen was killed in the crash of Allegheny Flight 853 on September 9, 1969.


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/a/anderca01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=anderca01 

Merle Alexander

Merle A. Alexander


Born:
September 2, 1907
Rushville, IN

Died:
February 2, 1987
Leesburg, FL 

Career
Franklin College - Indiana (College)
1928-29 Miami Paul's Tires - Ohio (AAU)
Tulsa Oilers (AAU)
1930-31 Wichita Henrys (AAU)
1931-32 Akron Firestone (Independent)
1932-33 Akron Firestone (NBL)
1933-34 Akron Firestone (Independent) 
1934-35 Akron Firestone (Independent)
1935-36 Akron Firestone (Independent) 

1938-39 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)

Merle was married to Katherine.





Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/a/alexame01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=alexame01 

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Sparky Adams

Glenn Reed "Sparky" Adams, Jr.


Born:
April 4, 1917
Carpentersville, IL

Died:
March 31, 2011
Newberry, SC

Career
Dundee High School - Illinois (High School)
1936-37 Marquette University (College)
1937-38 Marquette University (College)
1938-39 Marquette University (College)
1938-39 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1939-40 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)



Adams was born to Glenn and Caroline Ehlert Adams. In 1942, he began a 35-year career with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, with a brief interruption to serve in the Army Air Corp during World War 2, stationed in India. He retired from the INS in 1977. Adams married Cassie Jean Holbert (1926-1992) and they had a daughter, Cynthia Adams Downs, and a son, Glenn Reed Adams III. He remarried to Elizabeth Woodruff.

Obit:
http://www.whitakerfuneralhome.com/UserFiles/Tools/Obituaries/showObit.cfm?obitID=1614


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/a/adamsgl01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=adamssp01 

1938-39 Warren Penns / Cleveland White Horses (NBL)

1938-39 WARREN PENNS / CLEVELAND WHITE HORSES
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 14-14 .500, Tied for 2nd Place

The Penns started the season 9-5. but moved to Cleveland on February 10, 1939, where they went 5-9 to finish 14-14.


Head Coach: Gerald Archibald (August 22, 1907 - November 25, 1990)
Also played. See below.

PLAYERS: 
  • Gerald Archibald (August 22, 1907 - November 25, 1990)
Biography

  • Bill Holland (April 10, 1914 - February 26, 2000)
Biography

  • Art Hyatt (June 29, 1912 - January 3, 1991)
Biography

  • Buddy Jeannette (September 15, 1917 - March 11, 1998)
Biography

  • Bill Laughlin (December 10, 1915 - November 22, 1993)
Biography

  • Joe Leson (August 24, 1912  - April 3, 1967)
Biography

  • Fran Maury
Biography

  • John Pawk (December 23, 1910 - December 28, 2004)
Biography

  • Walter Stanky (February 24, 1911 - March 1978)
Biography

  • Reno Strand (May 14, 1909 - June 27, 1988)
Biography

1938-39 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)

1938-39 SHEBOYGAN REDSKINS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 11-17 .393, 3rd place



  • Head Coach: Edwin H. "Doc" Schutte (July 9, 1906 - September 22, 1985)
PLAYERS: 
  • Sparky Adams (April 4, 1917 - March 31, 2011)
Biography

  • Kiernan Crowley (June 7, 1916  - January 1975)
Biography

  • Ed Dancker (March 14, 1914  - October 3, 1991)
Biography

  • Moose Graf (July 28, 1917 - October 12, 2005)
Biography

  • Boney Graumann (June 17, 1915 - December 6, 2000)
Biography

  • Eddie Kolar (April 30, 1909 - March 5, 1988)
Biography

  • Otto Kolar (December 6, 1911 - April 10, 1995)
Biography

  • James Kuplic (September 23, 1911 - July 22, 1968)
Biography

  • Reuben Lautenschlager (September 7, 1915 - January 5, 1992)
Biography

  • Charles Lonsdorf  (March 22, 1905 - December 10, 1987)
Biography

  • John Posewitz (August 9, 1906 - April 11, 1994)
Biography

  • Joseph Posewitz (September 12, 1908 - September 25, 1993)
Biography

  • David Quabius (March 16, 1916 - June 19, 1983)
Biography

  • Carl Roth (September 15, 1909 - May 28, 1966)
Biography

  • Preston Slack (December 28, 1908 - January 25, 1993)
Biography

  • Paul Sokody (August 18, 1914 - May 12, 1992)
Biography

  • Ken Suesens (October 23, 1916 - May 29, 1992)
Biography

  • Stanley Zadel (April 8, 1916 - October 21, 1982)
Biography

1938-39 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)

1938-39 OSHKOSH ALL-STARS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 17-11 .607, 1st place


NBL Championship - Lost to Akron Firestone, Oshkosh, 3-2



  • Head coach: George Hotchkiss (July 1, 1906- December 25, 1989)

PLAYERS: 
  • Raymond Adams (September 28, 1912 - August 26, 1992)
Biography

  • Scott Armstrong (October 12, 1913 - August 20, 1997)
 Biography

  • Byron Bell (June 9, 1914 - October 18, 2008)
Biography

  • Emmet Birk (March 21, 1914 - November 6, 2000)
 Biography

  • David Dupee (March 30, 1916 - November 18, 2008)
Biography

  • Leroy Edwards (April 11, 1914 - August 25, 1971)
Biography

  • Ray Hamann (August 19, 1911 - May 7, 2005)
Biography

  • Frank Linskey (August 18, 1913 - July 3, 1999)
Biography

  • Ed Mullen (March 9, 1913 - January 10, 1988)
Biography

  • Felix Preboske (January 21, 1914-February 22, 1994)
Biography

  • August Vander Meulen (November 6, 1909 - December 2, 1993)
Biography

  • Robert Weigandt (February 5, 1914 - February 26, 2008)
Bigraphy

  • Herman Witasek (October 16, 1913 - July 25, 1963)
Biography

1938-39 Pittsburgh Pirates (NBL)

1938-39 PITTSBURGH PIRATES
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Eastern Division
Finished: 13-14 .481, 4th place

Western Division Championship - Defeated Whiting Ciesar All-Americans, 2-0 
NBL Championship - Lost to Akron Goodyears, Oshkosh, 2-1 



Head Coach: Dudey Moore (April 5, 1910 - April 8, 1984) Also played. See below.

PLAYERS: 
  • Paul Birch (January 4, 1910 - June 5, 1982)
 Biography

  • Herbert Bonn (July 14, 1914 - April 7, 1943)
Biography

  • Joe Fabel (May 15, 1917 - January 31, 1967)
Biography

  • Ernie Fortney (January 6, 1915 - October 11, 1987)
Biography

  • Hyman Ginsburg (March 23, 1914 - March 2, 1986)
Biography

  • Billy Jesko (December 24, 1915 - October 21, 1961)
Biography

  • Joe Kinney
Biography

  • Edward Kweller (January 27, 1915 - April 1, 2003)
Biography

  • George Malackany (May 3, 1913 - December 20, 1983)
Biography

  • Walt Miller (July 20, 1915 - January 21, 2001)
Biography

  • Donald "Dudey" Moore (April 5, 1910 - April 8, 1984)
Biography

  • John Phares (December 31, 1915  - August 16, 1974)
Biography

  • Martin Reiter (August 25, 1911 - February 6, 1986)
Biography

  • Gene Rosenthal (August 5, 1914 - April 19, 2006)
Biography

  • Edward Spotts (Spotovich) (May 6, 1916 - September 7, 2002)
Biography

  • Jack Stirling (November 16, 1917 - September 27, 1970)
Biography

  • Chub Watson (August 5, 1915 - June 28, 1971)
Biography

1938-39 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)

Coach Nipper
1938-39 INDIANAPOLIS KAUTSKYS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 13-13 .500, 2nd Place



Head Coach: Bob Nipper (February 15, 1903- October 16, 1993)


PLAYERS: 
  • Merle Alexander (September 2, 1907 - February 2, 1987)
Biography

  • Carl Anderson (November 16, 1913 - July 30, 2001)
 Biography

  • Frank Baird (April 10, 1912 - March 20, 2007)
Biography

  • James Birr (August 22, 1916 - June 8, 2006)
Biography
 
  • Glynn Downey (September 1, 1915 - January 30, 1976)
Biography

  • Vernon Huffman (December 18, 1914 - March 18, 1995)
Biography

  • Bob Phillips (April 8, 1917 - July 21, 1992)
Biography

  • Lowis Proctor (October 2, 1914 - March 20, 1994)
Biography

  • Rex Rudicel (September 6, 1912  - March 20, 2000)
Biography

  • Herman Schuessler (July 20, 1914  - July 5, 1997)
Biography

  • John Sines (August 17, 1917  - April 16, 1978)
Biography

  • Everett Swank (February 17, 1913 - June 1, 2000)
Biography

  • Earl Thomas (September 22, 1915 - October 7, 1989)
Biography

  • Dave Williams (February 7, 1913 - March 6, 1983)
Biography

  • John Wooden (October 14, 1910 - June 4, 2010)
Biography

  • Jewell Young (January 18, 1913 - April 16, 2003)
Biography


1938-39 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)

1938-39 HAMMOND CIESAR ALL-AMERICANS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 4-24 .143, 4th Pace




  • Head Coach: "Whitey" Wickhorst (November 1, 1904 - October 24, 1992)

PLAYERS:  

  • Emil Benko   (November 9, 1913 - November 14, 2007)
Biography


  • Boris
Biography

  • Lou Boudreau (July 18, 1917 - August 10, 2001)
Biography

  • Brown
Biography

  • Ed Campion (December 19, 1915 - January 10, 2005)
Biography

  • Pick Dehner (August 29, 1914 - April 7, 1987)
Biography

  • Stephen Fowdy (September 16, 1915 - January 23, 1995)
Biography

  • Nick Hashu (February 1, 1917 - April 28, 2012)
Biography

  • James
Biography

  • Robert Kessler (November 25, 1914 - September 5, 2001)
Biography

  • Red McElligott (Robert McElliott)
Biography

  • Vince McGowan (August 13, 1913 - April 4, 1982)
Biography

  • Tommy Nisbet (March 31, 1916 - April 7, 1963)
Biography

  • Vincent Oliver (December 28, 1915 - August 28, 1985)
Biography

  • William Perigo (September 17, 1911 - February 7, 1990)
Biography

  • Sicky
Biography

  • Joe Sotak (February 9, 1914 - December 11, 2007)
Biography

  • Joe Stack (November 5, 1912 - October 13, 1954 )
Biography

  • Jack Thornton (August 31, 1914 - December 13, 2007)
Biography

  • John Townsend (September 20, 1916 - December 4, 2001)
Biography

  • Bill Wendt (March 20, 1915 - March 12, 1966)
Biography

  • Willett
Biography

  • John Wooden (October 14, 1910 - June 4, 2010)
Biography

  • Nicholas Yost (April 1, 1915 - December 1980)
Biography

1938-39 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)

1938-39 AKRON GOODYEAR WINGFOOTS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Eastern Division
Finished: 14-14 .500, Tied for 2nd Place




  • Head Coach: Clifton A. "Lefty" Byers (August 6, 1905 – May 25, 2000)

PLAYERS: 
  • Wes Bennett (March 31, 1913 - August 20, 2002)
Biography

  • Charles Bloedorn (May 28, 1912 - May 20, 1998)
Biography

  • Floyd Ebaugh (May 30, 1914 - June 10, 1980)
Biography

  • Wilson Fitts (June 16, 1915 - February 23, 2005)
Biography

  • Nicholas Frascella (July 6, 1914 - April 9, 2000)
Biography

  • George Hesik (June 15, 1913 - April 18, 1994)
Biography

  • Bob Johnson (January 29, 1917 - October 7, 2000)
Biography

  • Marcellus McMichael (July 4, 1915 - November 13, 1997)
Biography

  • Dean Mealy (May 7, 1915 - April 28, 1973)
Biography

  • Ray Morstadt (March 10, 1913 - July 5, 1965)
Biography

  • Russell Ochsenhirt (April 16, 1912 - October 4, 2002)
Biography

  • Bob Parsons (June 11, 1915 - March 1, 1985)
Biography

  • Charley Shipp (December 3, 1913 - March 21, 1988)
Biography

  • Chelso Tamagno (March 20, 1912 - April 15, 1986)
Biography

1938-39 Akron Firestone Non-Skids (NBL)

1938-39 AKRON FIRESTONE NON-SKIDS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Eastern Division
Finished: 24-3 .889, 1st place


NBL Championship - Defeated Oshkosh, 3-2



  • Head Coach: Paul Sheeks (October 18, 1889 – September 17, 1968)

PLAYERS: 
  • Alfred Bonniwell (October 6, 1911-March 8, 2002)
Biography

  • Jerry Bush (September 6, 1914 - October 27, 1976)
Biography

  • Howard Cable (April 4, 1913-February 19, 1995)
Biography

  • Mally Johnson (February 4, 1908 - September 16, 1969)
Biography

  • Theordore Migdal (February 14, 1918 - November 1, 1999)
Biography

  • John Moir (May 22, 1917 - November 15, 1975)
Biography

  • Paul Nowak (March 15, 1914 - January 10, 1983)
Biography

  • Jack Ozburn (January 4, 1913-February 14, 1969)
Biography

  • Glenn Roberts (October 25, 1912 - May 21, 1980)
Biography

  • Milas Shoun (October 4, 1904-October 10, 1983)
Biography

  • Don Smith (October 8, 1910 - January 27, 1994)
Biography

  • Irving Terjesen (March 4, 1915 - April 12, 1990)
Biography

  • Paul Tobin (November 23, 1909-September 6, 2003)
Biography

Thomas Joseph and Annie Elizabeth Tobin
  • Thomas Wukovits (February 4, 1916 - November 12, 1991)
Biography

I have seen all of the Firestones box scores and have not seen Don Smith in any of them. He supposedly played one game, scoring 2 points, but I see no evidence of this.

Willis Young

Willis George Young


Born:
July 25, 1909
Chicago, IL

Died:
October 5, 1995
Wheaton, IL 

Career
1927-28 Delphi High School - Indiana (High School)
1927-28 Englewood YMCA (Independent)
1929-30 Redeemer Church - Chicago (Independent)
1929-30 Englewood YMCA (Independent)
1930-31 Redeemer Church - Chicago (Independent) 1931-32 Schuessler Athletic Club of Chicago (AAU)
1932-33 Schuessler Athletic Club of Chicago (AAU)
1933-34 Schuessler Athletic Club of Chicago (AAU)
1934-35 Chicago Duffy Florals (Independent)
1935-36 Chicago Duffy Florals (MBC)
1936-37 Chicago Duffy Florals (MBC)
1937-38 Whiting Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)



Only appeared in the playoffs for Whiting.
Allegedly attended Wisconsin, but cannot find him on Wisconsin rosters.

Was selected All-American at the AAU tournament in Kansas City in 1933. 6'1


He is NOT William F. Young (1925-2012), member of the Wisconsin basketball Hall of Fame

Hammond Times, February 18, 1938, has article about Whiting signing Marty Cullen and Willie Young. Young is described as the "former Wisconsin ace."

Update 3/22/2017
While searching for Chicago Duffy Florals player Harry Lucas, I noticed he had played some semi-pro ball with a Willis Young. Since Lucas and Young were also teammates for the Florals in the MBC, I think we found that "Willie" is not "William" but "Willis". Looking through Chicago-area newspapers, I find repeated references to Willis who is apparently from Delphi, Indiana (which is near Lafayette). Some poking around genealogical websites and I find a family of Youngs from Delphi in the early 20th century with a Willis V. Young who was born in 1909 and died in 1981. All these pieces seem to fit.

Update 6/16/2020
Willis Verl Young was found to be 5'6, which is not close the the 6'1 height listed as the player. So I did some more searching and found Willis George Young who was 6'1 and is more than likely the correct guy.

Source:
Journal and Courier (Lafayette), October 7, 1927
Suburbanite Economist, February 17, 1928
Suburbanite Economist, March 27, 1928

Suburbanite Economist, April 2, 1929
Suburbanite Economist, March 25, 1930
Journal and Courier (Lafayette), February 7, 1931



Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/y/youngwi01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=youngwi01

Loren Wright

Loren James Wright


Born:
May 11, 1917
Dayton, OH

Died:
September 10, 2005
Beavercreek, OH

Career
1935-36 Fairview High School - Dayton, Ohio (High School)
1937-38 Richmond King Clothiers/Cincinnati Comellos (NBL)
1939-40 Delco - Dayton (Independent) 
1940-41 Delco - Dayton (Independent)


Wright was born in Dayton, Ohio and attended Fairview High School. A skilled golfer as well as basketball player, he started working at Delco Moraine in 1943 and stayed there 31 years until retirement. He was married to Nelliemae Highfill (1919-1996) in 1940 and the pair had two daughters (Donna and Deborah) and a son (Robin). He died in 2005 after suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

Obit:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dayton/obituary.aspx?n=Loren-Wright&pid=15083389

probasketballenclyclopedia has him as Loren Francis Wright (1912-1977) but I am fairly certain it is Loren James above.

Source:
Akron Beacon Journal, March 18, 1941

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/w/wrighlo01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=wrighlo03