1950-51 Wallingford Veterans (EBL-CT)

1950-51 WALLINGFORD VETS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 9-12 .429, T-3rd place

Semi-finals: Lost to Manchester, 2-1

Coached by Jack French, who was also the basketball coach at Meriden High School, Wallingford got off to a slow 2-6 start and never could piece together a good winning stretch despite a fairly talented team. They would lose to eventual champion Manchester in the semi-finals.

Head Coach:

• Jack French (July 30, 1924 - November 29, 2004) Also played. See below.

PLAYERS:

• Ed Anderson  

• Berselli  

• George Feigenbaum (July 2, 1928 - December 25, 2000)

• George Ferrie (March 2, 1928 - October 18, 2011)

• Dick Feurtado (May 20, 1926 - May 9, 1991)

• Danny Finn (May 29, 1928 - February 18, 2007)

• Chuck Foster  

• Jack French (July 30, 1924 - November 29, 2004)

• Walt Geoghan (March 28, 1925 - Mar 22, 1997)

• Albert Gostyla (October 4, 1920 - February 27, 2016)

• Jankowski 

• Kars 

• Don Kotter (December 29, 1920 - November 11, 1985)

• McNeff 

• Nat Miller  

• Dermie O'Connell (April 13, 1928 - October 5, 1988)

• Frank O'Shea

• Johnny Penkrot (February 6. 1927 - June 26, 1978)

• Ed Schwartz 

• Spud Shapiro (January 1, 1925 - March 24, 2000)

• Johnny Slab (May 1, 1920 - August 20, 1980)

• Joe Stanislo 

• Edward Whalen  

• Milt Woolman  

1950-51 Torrington Howards (EBL-CT)

1950-51 TORRINGTON HOWARDS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 9-12 .429, T-3rd place

Semi-Finals: Defeated Meriden, 2-0
Championship: Lost to Manchester, 2-0

Torrington returned to the league after a rough season prior. With a fully revamped line-up, they were slightly improved and surprisingly defeated Meriden in the playoffs. However, they were swept by Manchester in the championship series.


Head Coach:   

• Chili Edelstein (March 16, 1923 - March 19, 2003) Also played. See below

PLAYERS:

• Italo Ablondi (August 25, 1925 - June 16, 2001)

• Barrett 

• Camp 

• Johnny Cilfone (December 8, 1930 - March 12, 1973)

• Jack Doherty (February 27, 1921 - November 14, 1995)

• Chili Edelstein (March 16, 1923 - March 19, 2003)

• Gino Fabiaschi (b. March 17, 1931)

• George Feigenbaum (July 2, 1928 - December 25, 2000)

• Slim Garrett  

• Tom Gibbons  

• Ed Golub (December 25, 1922 - November 3, 2000)

• Vic Hanson (February 29, 1928 - October 15, 1988)

• Ken Keller (August 16, 1922 - February 24, 1983)

• Chubby Malinconico (November 16, 1921 - March 14, 2007)

• Hank Massa (July 28, 1925 - May 19, 2015)

• Johnny Michaels 

• Bob Mulvihill (March 9, 1924 - May 17, 2016)

• Murphy  

• Peters  

• Alex Peterson (July 20, 1924 - June 23, 2014)

• Marty Powers (March 27, 1928 - December 21, 1991)

• John Schick (January 6, 1916 - January 8, 1990)

• Al Shiels (August 6, 1928 - May 19, 2005)

• John Tolan (March 26, 1929 - September 2, 2008)

• Tom Tolan (August 15, 1924 - May 17, 2021)

• Jimmy Weston (November 2, 1922 - February 6, 1997)

1950-51 Meriden Sons of Italy (EBL-CT)

1950-51 MERIDEN SONS OF ITALY
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 16-6 .727, 1st place


Semi-finals: Lost to Torrington, 2-0


Meriden came into the league last year and quickly turned the heads of the competition. They opted to withdraw from the league in October of 1950, but were coaxed back into the league. This year, couldn't quite gel in the first half, only winning 7 of their first 12 games. At this point, they caught fire and won 8 straight games to jump into first place. However, when the playoffs came around, they ran into Torrington, who dispatched them easily.

Head Coach: 



PLAYERS:

• Ernie Calverly (January 30, 1924 - October 20, 2003)

• Dipersio 

• Len Doctor (July 23, 1922 - November 10, 2008)

• Bob Fitzgerald (March 14, 1923 - July 23, 1983)

• Francis  

• Gaffney  

• Coulby Gunther (February 5, 1923 - July 14, 2005) ??

• Dick Hole (May 3, 1925 - June 21, 1981)

• George Jarvis (August 6, 1923 - December 1, 2014)

• Don Kotter (December 29, 1920 - November 11, 1985)

• Barry Kreisberg (January 7, 1925 - December 29, 1997)

• Paul Labanowski (March 27, 1928 - March 7, 2002)

• Tom Leverte (September 28, 1927 - May 23, 2011)

• Freddie Lewis (January 6, 1921 - December 27, 1994)

• Ross Merrick (July 20, 1922 - January 24, 2004)

• George Nostrand (January 25, 1924 - November 8, 1991)

• Bill Pless (June 3, 1928 - October 25, 2001)

• Race 

• Ed Readin 

• Pete Rybeck (November 29, 1929 - March 25, 2000)

• Joe Schiopucie (March 20, 1921 - June 12, 2001)

• Ed Schwartz 

• Earl Shannon (November 23, 1921 - July 8, 2002)

• Spira 

• Tom Whipple (December 11, 1927 - December 12, 2002)

1950-51 Manchester Nassiff Arms (EBL-CT)

1950-51 MANCHESTER NASSIFF ARMS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 13-8 .619, 2nd place

Semi-finals: Defeated Wallingford, 2-1
Championship: Defeated Torrington, 2-0

Manchester, winner of the league championship last year, bolted out to a 6-0 start and won 9 of 11. They stumbled a bit in January, dropping three straight, but rebounded to finish 13-8.

In the playoffs, they squared off against Wallingford and beat the Vets in a hard fought series. Facing Torrington for the EBL Championship, the Nassiff Arms beat Torrington in two straight to win their second straight title.

In a bid to bring in some money lost by the shortcomings of the league and cancelled games, Manchester then played a best-of-three series against Meriden, who also claim to win the regular season title. Manchester dropped Meriden with two wins.


Head Coach:

• Earl Yost (August 14, 1921 - September 3, 2005) Also played. See below.

Bruno Bycholski

PLAYERS:

• Jack Allen (April 11, 1923 - August 24, 1966)

• Puggy Bell  (November 26, 1914 - February 19, 1985)

• Joe Bemer (February 21, 1930 - June 3, 2001)

• Frank Bryer (December 12, 1925 - April 11, 2009)

• Bruno Bycholski (September 2, 1916 - May 28, 2010)

• Jack Curran (b. 1924)

• Hank Dezonie (February 12, 1922 - January 2, 2009)

• Jackie Foerst (June 8, 1927 - October 7, 2016)

• Gavdino 

• Leon Golembiewski (August 17, 1923 - December 23, 1988)

• Howland 

• Ernie Johnson (June 16, 1924 - August 12, 2011)

• George Joyce (October 18, 1926 - March 17, 1976)

• Bobby Knight (April 30, 1929 - May 23, 2008)

• Litvinchyk 

• Chuck Muzikevik (March 11, 1922 - November 5, 1972)

• Pete Staum (May 28, 1916 - September 23, 2002)

• Al Surowiec (January 18, 1926 - November 16, 1992)

•  Chuck Tobin (June 12, 1925 - February 19, 2000)

• Fran Walsh (August 8, 1927 - June 29, 2009)

• Tom Whipple (December 11, 1927 - December 12, 2002)

• Young 

• Earl Yost (August 14, 1921 - September 3, 2005)

1950-51 Hartford Hurricanes (EBL-CT)

1950-51 HARTFORD HURRICANES
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 8-14 .364, 6th place

Hartford was a late addition to the Eastern League. Having dropped out of the ABL the previous basketball season, the Hurricanes stepped up and joined the EBL when the league pleaded to add a team in the Capital City in order to even start play. Hartford drew very poorly, and the team quit prior to their final game of the season.

Head Coach:

• John O'Brien (July 25, 1916 - June 18, 1994)

PLAYERS:  

• Italo Ablondi (August 25, 1925 - June 16, 2001)

• Bob Anderson (February 15, 1928 - July 23, 1983)

• Frank Bores (October 15, 1920 - January 7, 1982)

• Ed Chenetz (b. January 30, 1931)

• Chick Ciccarello (December 17, 1931 - March 21, 2008)

• Max Cogan (July 14, 1928 - January 1, 1988)

• Verne Cox (January 2, 1920 - September 7, 1991)

• Cliff Crosby (b. September 4, 1928)

• Lou Decsi (February 9, 1923 - November 19, 2018)

• Bill Detrick (July 22, 1927 - September 19, 2014)

• Jack Dineen (September 12, 1926 - April 25, 2010)

• Bob Hubbard (December 27, 1922 - August 27, 2011)

• Arnold Jones (b. March 2, 1921)

• Paul Klapprodt (July 10, 1923 - April 21, 2011)

• Herb Krautblatt (November 19, 1926 - February 10, 1999)

• Joe Kubachka (March 21, 1924 - January 23, 2012)

• Ferd Nadherny (December 12, 1926 - March 12, 2013)

• Ernie Oglesby (June 30, 1931 - April 22, 2015)   

• Bill Pitkin (October 9, 1925 - March 7, 1989)

• Eddie Rosmarin (September 14, 1924 - September 30, 2013)

• George Sella (September 29, 1928 - January 25, 2022)

• Norm Skinner (b. June 15, 1926)

• Ken Walters (April 29, 1922 - February 13, 1992)

1950-51 Bristol Tramps (EBL-CT)

1950-51 BRISTOL TRAMPS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 7-10 .412, 5th place

The Bristol Tramps were just a shell of what they once were, winning only two of the first eight games. They caught a spark in January and won five straight, but then lost four straight before the team dropped from the league.

Head Coach: 

• Julie Larese (July 16, 1917 - May 17, 1998)

Bill Anderson

PLAYERS:

• George Amsden (November 19, 1923 - October 3, 1974)

• Bill Anderson (June 5, 1926 - September 12, 1984)

• Puggy Bell  (November 26, 1914 - February 19, 1985)

• John Canavari (January 20, 1926 - March 17, 2001)

• Bill Detrick (July 22, 1927 - September 19, 2014)

• George Feigenbaum (July 2, 1928 - December 25, 2000)

• Bob Fitzgerald (March 14, 1923 - July 23, 1983)

• Jackie Foerst (June 8, 1927 - October 7, 2016)

• Chuck Foster 

• Gasi 

• Johnny Gozdenovich (March 8, 1924 - July 7, 1997)

• Coulby Gunther (February 5, 1923 - July 14, 2005)

• Tom Henry   

• Howland 

• George Joyce (October 18, 1926 - March 17, 1976)

• Paul Labanowski (March 27, 1928 - March 7, 2002)

• Roger LaFrance (February 18, 1925 - November 14, 1999)

• Chubby Malinconico (November 16, 1921 - March 14, 2007)

• Hank Massa (July 28, 1925 - May 19, 2015)

• Mike McCarron (March 2, 1922 - October 2, 1991)

• Hank Poppe (July 29, 1924 - May 6, 2000)

• Pat Riera (April 4, 1926 - March 9, 2006)

• Eddie Rosmarin (September 14, 1924 - September 30, 2013)

• Johnny Slab (May 1, 1920 - August 20, 1980)

• Chris Viera 

• Bill Wade (January 31, 1927 - August 30, 1991)

• Preston Wilcox (December 27, 1923 - August 12, 2006)

1950-51 EBL-CT

The Eastern Basketball League of Connecticut was in a free-fall by the time the 1950-51 season came along. The league lost four teams during the previous season (although the Torrington Howards regrouped to rejoin the league in the fall of 1950) and the Middletown Guards left the league. They did pick up the Hartford Hurricanes who had left the American Basketball League after the 1949-50 season. The formerly successful Bristol Tramps team had fallen on very hard times, and the club quit the league with five games left.

The top four teams made the playoffs, and Manchester repeated as the champions, defeating Torrington in the championship series.

After this season, the league announced it was suspending operations for the 1951-52 season, but when the league tried to come back, it was even smaller in scope with lesser semi-pro teams. They had dropped from the Eastern Basketball Association, which now just consisted of the Eastern Professional Basketball League of Pennsylvania, with the third EBA league, the New York State League, having also dissolved a few season earlier.

The Middletown Guards team, which had left  the EBL in 1950, would continue on as an independent until the 1951-52 season when they were invited to join the American Basketball League to fill in the vacancy left by the folding of the Carbondale club shortly into the season.

Bristol Tramps *
Hartford Hurricanes
Manchester Nassiff Arms
Meriden Sons of Italy
Torrington Howards
Wallingford Vets


* - dropped before season's end

In Memoriam: Carl McNulty

Carl McNulty (1930-2020)

Former Purdue player and longtime Indiana high school basketball coach Carl McNulty has died. He was 89.

The native of Washington Township, Indiana, was a 1951 All-American and two-time team MVP for the Boilermakers (he still holds the single-game rebounding record with 27) before entering the military. He later played in one NBA game.

He coached 29 years at the high school level, 18 of them at Kokomo, where he won 13 sectionals. He finished with 413 coaching victories.

McNulty revealed the secret to IndyStar's Gregg Doyel about his rebounding ability: "Tipping."

When McNulty practiced as a kid -- in classic Indiana fashion on a rim hammered into the side of a barn -- he would shoot, and tip any missed shots.

It came in handy that night he set Purdue's record. He also scored 32 points against Minnesota.

“A lot of my rebounds that day were offensive rebounds," McNulty said. "Not sure I ever brought the ball down.”

McNulty also said he wasn't paid for his one NBA appearance with the Milwaukee Hawks, in which he scored two points: “I never asked the (Hawks) what I’d be making, and they never mentioned it.”

McNulty said he learned quickly that the NBA lifestyle wasn't for him, so he ended up coaching.

- Scott Horner, Indianapolis Star -

1949-50 Waterbury Coppers (EBL-CT)

1949-50 WATERBURY COPPERS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 3-5 (3-16) .375, 7th place

Waterbury didn't play that poorly, but financially they couldn't piece it together and dropped on January 9, 1950.


Head Coach: 




PLAYERS:

• Mason Benson (May 11, 1927 - March 16, 2016)

• Kelly Brofman (June 15, 1923 - July 25, 2011)

• John Butler (December 9, 1930 - March 3, 2019)

• Ralph Dolgoff (October 24, 1917 - April 20, 2009)

• Norm Drucker (July 4, 1920 - February 6, 2015)

• Ike Dubow (January 15, 1922 - January 16, 1974)

• Phil Farbman (April 3, 1924 - September 6, 1996)

• Warren Fenley (February 8, 1922 - January 18, 2009)

• Sonny Jameson (November 9, 1926 - September 17, 1994)

• Mel Rothbart (April 11, 1928 - November 7, 2019)

• Spud Shapiro (January 1, 1925 - March 24, 2000)

1949-50 Wallingford Veterans (EBL-CT)

1949-50 WALLINGFORD VETS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 15-5 .750, 1st place

Semi-finals: Lost to Manchester, 2-0

Wallingford battled Meriden for the top spot all year, finally besting the Sons. They were upset in the playoffs by eventual champion Manchester.

Head Coach:

• Danny Finn (May 29, 1928 - February 18, 2007)

PLAYERS:

• Ralph Dolgoff (October 24, 1917 - April 20, 2009)

• George Feigenbaum (July 2, 1928 - December 25, 2000)

• George Ferrie (March 2, 1928 - October 18, 2011)

• Danny Finn (May 29, 1928 - February 18, 2007)

• Jack French (July 30, 1924 - November 29, 2004)

• Allen Friedman 

• Barry Kreisberg (January 7, 1925 - December 29, 1997)

• Jack Loache 

• Nat Miller 

• Dan Quinn 

• Johnny Riccitelli (June 21, 1920 - November 7, 2010)

• Edward Whelan  

1949-50 Torrington Howards (EBL-CT)

1949-50 TORRINGTON HOWARDS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 2-13 .133, 8th place


Coached by Hartford basketball figure Abe Silverman (he may not have been the coach at the start of the season but he was the coach in their fourth game of the season. I am not sure). Torrington got beaten on a regular basis until folding on January 29, 1950.

Coach Abe Silverman

Head Coach:   

• Abe Silverman  (April 5, 1906 - September 2, 1997)
  

PLAYERS:

• Ed Anderson 

• Johnny Cilfone (December 8, 1930 - March 12, 1973)

• Collins 

• Johnny Dobrutsky (Janusary 27, 1922 - March 1, 1996)

• Len Doctor (July 23, 1922 - November 10, 2008)

• Morris Felis 

• Jackie Foerst (June 8, 1927 - October 7, 2016)

• Slim Garrett 

• Jack Gimmler (July 27, 1927 - December 14, 1996)

• Hawran  

• Andy Hricko (April 16, 1930 - May 8, 2021)

• Henry Jacocks (January 11, 1928 - February 25, 2003)

• Ernie Johnson (June 16, 1924 - August 12, 2011)

• Arnold Jones (b. March 2, 1921)

• Marty Powers (March 27, 1928 - December 21, 1991)

• Rollie Spino (June 9, 1929 - July 31, 2017)

1949-50 New Britain Rios (EBL-CT)

1949-50 NEW BRITAIN RIOS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 6-8  .429, 6th place


The Rios won their first game and then proceeded to lose the next five. They recovered somewhat, and improved to 6-8 until February 7, 1950, when the club withdrew from the league.

Head Coach: 




PLAYERS:

• Brownie Carroll (January 27, 1919 - February 16, 2010)

• Tom Gallagher (April 1, 1925 - June 10, 2013)

• Bill Goebel (September 16, 1921 - December 25, 1998)

• Vic Hanson (February 29, 1928 - October 15, 1988)

• George Jarvis (August 6, 1923 - December 1, 2014)

• Don Kotter (December 29, 1920 - November 11, 1985)

• Dick Kraus (September 30, 1926 - February 2, 1995)

• Joe Kubachka (March 21, 1924 - January 23, 2012)

• Carmine Mele (July 28, 1924 - June 2, 1992)

• John Seagrist (August 12, 1923 - September 9, 2019)

• Red Speicher (September 20, 1923 - December 6, 2010) 

• Ken Walters (April 29, 1922 - February 13, 1992)

• Bill Warneke 

• Jimmy Weston (November 2, 1922 - February 6, 1997)

1949-50 Middletown Guards (EBL-CT)

1949-50 MIDDLETOWN LEGION

EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Frank Wenner

Finished: 9-11 .450, 5th place

Middletown got off to good start with victories in their first three games, but then stumbled the rest of the way, finishing in 4th place and missing the playoffs..

Head Coach:

PLAYERS:

• Frank Crisafi (April 9, 1923 - May 19, 2018)

• Lou Decsi (February 9, 1923 - November 19, 2018)

• Slim Garrett 

• Ernie Gomez (June 16, 1924 - June 19, 1963)

Al Surowiec

• Monyak Hmielewski (September 5, 1928 - March 25, 2004)

• Bob Hubbard (December 27, 1922 - August 27, 2011)

• Paul Klapprodt (July 10, 1923 - April 21, 2011)

• Chubby Malinconico (November 16, 1921 - March 14, 2007)

• Miller

• Bill Spiers 

• Jim Sullivan (November 29, 1921 - July 18, 2000)

• Al Surowiec (January 18, 1926 - November 16, 1992)

•  Frank Wenner (January 28, 1928 - October 24, 1998)

1949-50 Meriden Sons of Italy (EBL-CT)

1949-50 MERIDEN SONS OF ITALY
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 17-6 .739, 2nd place

Semi-finals: Defeated Bristol, 2-0
Championship: Lost of Manchester, 2-1

Meriden, new to the league, jumped out to a 6-1 start and battled Wallingford for first place the entire season. Lead by player / coach Coubly Gunther and containing a roster with many experienced professional players, the Sons defeated Bristol in the playoffs before falling to the upstart Manchester club in the championship series.

Head Coach:

• Coulby Gunther (February 5, 1923 - July 14, 2005)

PLAYERS:

• Ernie Calverley (January 30, 1924 - October 20, 2003)

• Len Doctor (July 23, 1922 - November 10, 2008)

• Bob Fitzgerald (March 14, 1923 - July 23, 1983)

• Coulby Gunther (February 5, 1923 - July 14, 2005)

• Tom Leverte (September 28, 1927 - May 23, 2011)

• Mike McCarron (March 2, 1922 - October 2, 1991)

• Bill Pless (June 3, 1928 - October 25, 2001)

• Joe Schiopucie (March 20, 1921 - June 12, 2001)

• Ed Schwartz 

• Earl Shannon (November 23, 1921 - July 8, 2002)

1949-50 Manchester Nassiff Arms (EBL-CT)

1949-50 MANCHESTER NASSIFF ARMS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 11-11 .500, 3rd place

Semi-finals: Defeated Wallingford, 2-0
Championship: Defeated Meriden, 2-1

Manchester finished the season with a .500 record, but caught fire in the playoffs, winning their first EBL championship over Meriden.

Head Coach:

• Earl Yost (August 14, 1921 - September 3, 2005) Also played. See below.

 

Bruno Bycholski

PLAYERS:

• Jack Allen (April 11, 1923 - August 24, 1966)

• Joe Bemer (February 21, 1930 - June 3, 2001)

• Bruno Bycholski (September 2, 1916 - May 28, 2010)

• John Bycholski (December 26, 1920 - October 18, 1982)

• Tee Collins (September 12, 1923 - November 20, 2000)

• Red Gavello (July 15, 1921 - August 5, 1984)

• Bruce Gehrke (September 12, 1924 - April 6, 1976

• Ken Goodwin (November 4, 1927 - October 8, 2013)

• Ernie Johnson (June 16, 1924 - August 12, 2011)

• Arnold Jones (b. March 2, 1921)

• Charlie LaChance (September 27, 1918 - December 21, 1975)

• Chuck Muzikevik (March 11, 1922 - November 5, 1972)

• Al Palmieri (September 7, 1922 - April 1, 2008)

• Pete Staum (May 28, 1916 - September 23, 2002)

• Bob Stefanowski (May 24, 1930 - November 27, 2022)

• Bob Tedford (September 9, 1928 - April 12, 2005)

• Bob Ulles (June 16, 1927 - July 18, 2016)

• Earl Yost (August 14, 1921 - September 3, 2005)

1949-50 Danbury Hatters (EBL-CT)

1949-50 DANBURY HATTERS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 1-7 (1-16) .125, 9th place


The Danbury Hatters took the slot previously held by the Danbury Fedoras, who had dropped out last season despite a first-place standing. This incarnation was nowhere near as good, and after 8 games, the Hatters folded on December 17, 1949.

Jerry Harris

Head Coach: 



PLAYERS:

• Johnny Barron (May 15, 1920 - November 28, 2017)

• Hank Dezonie (February 12, 1922 - January 2, 2009)

• Ernie Gomez (June 16, 1924 - June 19, 1963)

• Jerry Harris

Joe Maloney

• Ernie Johnson (June 16, 1924 - August 12, 2011)

• Ken Keller (August 16, 1922 - February 24, 1983)

• Joe Maloney (August 10, 1924 - February 22, 1959)

• McPherson 

• Miller 

• Marty Powers (March 27, 1928 - December 21, 1991)

• John Wilson (March 23, 1924 - July 1, 1986)

1949-50 Bristol Tramps (EBL-CT)

1949-50 BRISTOL TRAMPS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Finished: 11-9 .550, 3rd place

Semi-finals: Lost to Meriden, 2-0

The three-time defending champions saw a marked drop-off this season. Only a few players returned from the previous season, and owner / coach Larese went through a lot of different players to try and find a winning combination. They did qualify for the playoffs, but were swept by Meriden in the semi-finals.

Head Coach: 

• Julie Larese (July 16, 1917 - May 17, 1998)

PLAYERS:

• George Amsden (November 19, 1923 - October 3, 1974)

• Puggy Bell  (November 26, 1914 - February 19, 1985)

• Frank Bores (October 15, 1920 - January 7, 1982)

• Aud Brindley (December 31, 1923 - November 19, 1957)

• John Derderian (b. September 30, 1926)

• Johnny Dobrutsky (Janusary 27, 1922 - March 1, 1996)

• Ray Dombrowsky (January 1, 1927 - December 9, 1982)

• Jackie Foerst (June 8, 1927 - October 7, 2016)

• Vic Hanson (February 29, 1928 - October 15, 1988)

• Gene Hayes (July 21, 1920 - June 21, 2009)

• Tom Henry   

• Paul Kartluke (February 15, 1918 - January 11, 1985)

• Walt Kresge (September 25, 1920 - August 14, 2000)

• Tom Markham (August 12, 1921 - December 13, 1998)

• Pat Mazzarella (June 18, 1923 - July 19, 1989)

• Freddie Pericas (May 2, 1925 - May 24, 2008)

• Bob Rafaniello (August 4, 1928 - May 26, 2016)

• Rosen 

• Fred Rossi   

• Sal Sclafani (January 8, 1928 - May 19, 1990)

• John Seagrist (August 12, 1923 - September 9, 2019)

• Tony Sisti 

• Johnny Slab (May 1, 1920 - August 20, 1980)

• Red Speicher (September 20, 1923 - December 6, 2010)  

1949-50 EBL-CT

As the Eastern League of Connecticut entered the 1949-50 season, the league expanded to nine teams, despite waning interest. Gone were Bridgeport and New Haven, and the Manchester Guards merged franchises with Middletown. Danbury re-entered the league under different management, renamed the Hatters, and new additions to the league came from Manchester, Meriden, Waterbury and New Britain. Attendance was down even more, and four teams (Waterbury, Danbury, New Britain and Torrington) withdrew before the end of the season. The league was lucky to be able to crown a champion, since so many things had fallen apart that winter. Bristol was finally dethroned in the playoffs as the Manchester Nassiff Arms would be named the champion courtesy of defeating Meriden in the championship series.


Bristol Tramps
Danbury Hatters *
Manchester Nassiff Arms
Meriden Sons of Italy
Middletown Guards
New Britain Rios *
Torrington Howards *
Wallingford Vets
Waterbury Coppers *

* - dropped before season's end

1948-49 Wallingford Veterans (EBL-CT)

1948-49 WALLINGFORD VETS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT
Colonial Division
Finished: 12-8 .600, 3rd place

Playoff Round Robin: 4-2, T-1st place

The Wallingford Vets dropped their first four league games before running off five straight victories and finished the season 12-4. Their slow start kept them from climbing out of third place, and would have missed the playoffs had first-place Danbury not withdrawn with two games left to play. This opened the way for Wallingford to enter the round robin, and after winning 4 of six games, tied Bristol in the round robin and were declared co-champions.

Head Coach: 




PLAYERS:

• Frank Crisafi (April 9, 1923 - May 19, 2018)

• George Feigenbaum (July 2, 1928 - December 25, 2000)

Joe Stepanski

• Fenton 

• Freddie Ferrie (April 2, 1917 - April 14, 1995)

• George Ferrie (March 2, 1928 - October 18, 2011)

• Pat Mazarella (June 18, 1923 - July 19, 1989)

• Johnny Riccitelli (June 21, 1920 - November 7, 2010)

• Luke Sapan (December 7, 1920 - August 21, 1977)

• Alex Semenkovich (November 16, 1923 -December 30, 2009)

• Al Skiff 

• Joe Stepanski (April 9, 1928 - May 28, 2012)

• Walt Yaskot (July 1, 1925 - December 7, 2022)

1948-49 Torrington Howards (EBL-CT)

1948-49 TORRINGTON HOWARDS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT
Yankee Division
Finished: 13-6 .684, 1st place

Playoff Round Robin: 3-3, 3rd place

Torrington came in with an entirely different roster from the previous year, save for Frank Samele. The result was a mediocre start, alternating wins and losses for the first ten games. Then, the Howards won 8 or nine games down the stretch to win the Yankee Division. In the round robin, they split the six contests, finishing third.


Head Coach:  

• Frank Samele (January 8, 1923 - July 15, 1990)

PLAYERS:

• Hank Baietti (October 1, 1920 - June 26, 2006)

• 

  Win Dinnie

  Win Dinnie (March 17, 1923 - March 13, 2015)

• Jack Doherty (February 27, 1921 - November 14, 1995)

• Jackie Foerst (June 8, 1927 - October 7, 2016)

• Slim Garrett 

• Jack Gimmler (July 27, 1927 - December 14, 1996)

• Henry Jacocks (January 11, 1928 - February 25, 2003)

• Red Ryan (Septembe 22, 1924 - July 10, 2005)

• Frank Samele (January 8, 1923 - July 15, 1990)

• Tommy Sheehan (August 12, 1922 - July 4, 2003)

• Rollie Spino (June 9, 1929 - July 31, 2017)

1948-49 New Haven Hulls Red Devils (EBL-CT)

1948-49 NEW HAVEN HULLS RED DEVILS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT
Yankee Division
Finished: 4-16 .200, T-3rd place

New Haven were continually beaten all season long. finishing with nine straight losses and tied for last place.


Head Coach: 

Lenny Margolis

PLAYERS:

• Ronnie Block (June 26, 1923 - June 7, 2004)

• Camp  

• George Collins (January 17, 1925 - March 25, 1974)

• Frank Iwanski (October 11, 1914 - October 29, 2003)

• Dolly King (November 15, 1916 - January 29, 1969)

• Lenny Margolis (November 25, 1926 - December 23, 2009)

• Joe St. John (February 14, 1920 - October 4, 2003)

• Hy Shendell (March 11, 1920 - April 27, 2000)

• Vince Verdeschi (March 24, 1925 - August 16, 1965)

1948-49 Middletown Legion (EBL-CT)

Coach Creighton Magoun

1948-49 MIDDLETOWN LEGION

EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT

Colonial Division

Finished: 7-12 .368, 4th place

Middletown was never able to get a good winning streak rolling and finished in 4th place.

Head Coach:

• Creighton Magoun (December 27, 1908 - March 23, 1969)

PLAYERS:

• Sal Bafuma (September 18, 1922 - April 15, 2009)

• Larry DePalma (January 17, 1923 - December 7, 2002)

• Phil Dundas (August 16, 1921 - August 30, 2008)

• Monyak Hmielewski (September 5, 1928 - March 25, 2004)

• Stu Johnson (November 7, 1925 - May 2, 2005)

• Chubby Malinconico (November 16, 1921 - March 14, 2007)

• Chick Marino (November 8, 1923 - February 13, 2010)

• Al Massini (July 23, 1916 - July 19, 1955)

• Al Masztel (June 23, 1925 - June 4, 1985)

• John McQueeney (September 26, 1920 - November 22, 1988)

• Milewski  

• Miller  

• Ted Mrozowski (May 19, 1923 - January 26, 2014)

• Nolan  

• Johnny Pringle (April 29, 1916 - March 1, 1990)

• John Riccitelli (June 21, 1920 - November 7, 2010)

• Bill Spiers  

• Jim Sullivan (November 29, 1921 - July 18, 2000)

1948-49 Manchester Guards (EBL-CT)

1948-49 MANCHESTER GUARDS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT
Yankee Division
Finished: 12-8 .600, 2nd place

Playoff Round Robin: 1-5, 4th

The Guards started off with four wins, and then a stretch of mediocre play followed for a couple months before finishing off the season with four wins. They entered the round robin with high hopes, but only won one game (although two losses were within a basket of being a win.)

Head Coach:

• Earl Yost (August 14, 1921 - September 3, 2005) Also played. See below.

PLAYERS:

Bruno Bycholski

• Bruno Bycholski (September 2, 1916 - May 28, 2010)

• John Bycholski (December 26, 1920 - October 18, 1982)

• Ike Cole (September 21, 1921 -  September 19, 2006)

• Tee Collins (September 12, 1923 - November 20, 2000)

• Red Gavello (July 15, 1921 - August 5, 1984)

• John Hazen (March 2, 1927 - October 21, 1998)

• Tommy Mason (b. July 12, 1927)

• Fred Server (January 30, 1919 - January 15, 1993)

Ike Cole

• Hank Sheridan (March 5, 1927 - March 8, 2015)

• Pete Staum (May 28, 1916 - September 23, 2002)

• Al Surowiec (January 18, 1926 - November 16, 1992)

• Bob Tedford (September 9, 1928 - April 12, 2005)

• Lloyd Wilson (July 18, 1929 - January 21, 2008)

• Earl Yost (August 14, 1921 - September 3, 2005)

Tommy Mason

1948-49 Danbury Fedoras (EBL-CT)

1948-49 DANBURY FEDORAS
EASTERN BASKETBALL LEAGUE - CONNECTICUT
Colonial Division
Finished: 13-5 .722, 1st place


The improved Danbury team started the season with ten-straight victories and 13 wins in 15 games. Despite the hot start and talented players like Butch Schwartz and Aud Brindley, Danbury could not get fans to attend their games. With two games left, owner Joe Minitti (or Minetti) pulled the plug on the whole season.

I am not sure when Gunther quit the team, but he did sign with the St. Louis Bombers in the BAA on January 4, 1949, after a short tour with the Troy Celtics in the NYSL.

Head Coach: 

• Coulby Gunther (February 5, 1923 - July 14, 2005)

• Joe Minitti  (  )  Owner, took over as coach when Gunther left for BAA

Jerry Harris

PLAYERS:

• Aud Brindley (December 31, 1923 - November 19, 1957)

• Len Doctor (July 23, 1922 - November 10, 2008)

• Coulby Gunther (February 5, 1923 - July 14, 2005)

• Jerry Harris

• Bill Pless (June 3, 1928 - October 25, 2001)

• Steve Salata (August 25, 1923 - June 5, 2012)

• Butch Schwartz (February 14, 1919 - May 22, 2008)

• Billy Smith 

• Jim White (July 14, 1920 - June 18, 1990)