Ben Auerbach

Benjamin Auerbach


Born:
March 1, 1919
New York, NY

Died:
June 18, 1993
Delray Beach, FL


Career
1936-37 DeWitt Clinton High School - New York (High School)
1936-37 DeWitt Clinton High School - New York (High School)
1938-39 NYU (College)
1939-40 NYU (College)
1940-41 NYU (College)
1940-41 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1941-42 Brooklyn  (Independent)
1941-42 Saratoga (NYSL)
1943-44 Trenton Tigers (ABL)
1943-44 Wilmington Blue Bombers (ABL)
1944-45 Wilmington Bombers (ABL)
1945-46 Paterson Crescents (ABL)
1946-47 Paterson Crescents (ABL)
1948-49 Cohoes Mastadons (NYSL)

Auerbach was a member of the great NYU teams of the late 30's and early 40's. At the end of the 1940-41 season, Auerbach was declared ineligible and missed NYU's last two games. He joined the Kate Smith's Brooklyn Celtics, debuting in the pro game on March 15, 1941. He played basketball professionally through the 1940's, with an interruption to serve in the U.S. Army during World War 2.


Source:
Jews In Sports

Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/ben-auerbach/

1940-41 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)

1940-41 BROOKLYN CELTICS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE (II)
First Half:
4-7 .364, 4th place
Second Half:
11-4 .733, 1st place
ABL Championship: Lost to Philadelphia, 3-1


Head Coach: Barney Sedran (January 28, 1891 - January 14, 1969)

PLAYERS:

• Ben Auerbach (March 1, 1919 - June 18, 1993)

Biography 

• Pete Berenson (October 16, 1912 - January 6, 2000)

Biography 

• Frank Conaty (December 30, 1909 - May 13, 1970)

Biography 

• Harry Fitzpatrick (May 22, 1913 - November 19, 1979)

Biography

• Bernie Fliegel (May 13, 1918 - December 3, 2009)

Biography

• Moe Frankel (January 25, 1913 - March 9, 2008)

Biography

• Sam Kaplan (December 22, 1912 - July 1, 1998)

Biography

• Mickey Kupperberg (March 17, 1914 - February 11, 2003)

Biography

• Chick Reiser (December 17, 1914 - July 29, 1996)

Biography

• Nick Shaback (September 10, 1918 - January 5, 2010??)

Biography

Bernie Fliegel

Bernard Fliegel


Born:
May 13, 1918
New York, NY

Died:
December 3, 2009
Naples, FL


Career
1933-34 DeWitt Clinton - New York (High School)
1934-35 CCNY (College) Junior varsity
1935-36 CCNY (College)
1936-37 CCNY (College)
1937-38 CCNY (College)
1937-38 New York Celtics (ABL)
1938-39 Kingston Colonials (ABL)
1939-40 Kingston Colonials (ABL)
1939-40 Troy Celtics (ABL)
1940-41 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1941-42 Wilmington Blue Bombers (ABL)
1941-42 Glens Falls (NYSL)
1945-46 Wilmington Bombers (ABL)
1946-47 Jersey City Atoms (ABL)
1947-48 Jersey City Atoms (ABL) Head coach

One of the greatest Jewish players of his era, Fliegel played baseball and basketball at CCNY and a week after graduation joined Kate Smith's Celtics. He was voted the second best college player in 1938 as well as the best player in New York. He would also enrolled at Fordham Law School and would continue to play while going to school. He played in the ABL until joining the U.S. Army to serve during World War 2, and would return to the game after the war. He practiced law in New York for many years, even defending CCNY assistant coach Bobby Sand in the point-shaving scandal of the early 1950's. He eventually moved to Naples, Florida, where he practiced law part time before retiring for good in 1976. He was a skilled senior tennis player into his 70's, and he was 91 when he died in 2009.

He was married to Marcella.

Source:
Jews In Sports

Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/bernie-fliegel/

Harry Fitzpatrick

Harold F. Fitzpatrick


Born:
May 22, 1913
Yonkers, NY

Died:
November 19, 1979
Fort Lauderdale, FL


Career
1933-34 Yonkers Clintons (Independent)
1934-35 Yonkers Clintons (Independent)
1935-36 Brooklyn Americans (Independent)
1936-37 NY King Kong Kleins (Independent)
1936-37 Yonkers Caseys (Independent)
1937-38 New York Yankees (ABL)
1937-38 New York Celtics (ABL)
1937-38 New York Gaels (Independent)
1938-39 Troy Haymakers (ABL)
1938-39 Kingston Colonials (ABL)
1938-39 New York Yankees (Independent)
1939-40 Kingston Colonials (ABL)
1939-40 Jersey Reds (ABL)
1939-40 Troy Celtics (ABL)
1940-41 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1940-41 Troy (NYSL)
1940-41 Kingston (NYSL)
1941-42 Pittsfield (NYSL)
1941-42 New York Celtics (Independent)
1941-42 Yonkers Caseys (Independent)
1945-46 Boston Goodwins (NEBL)  - signed with team not sure he ever played with them

1945-46 Trenton Tigers (ABL)
1946-47 Troy Berkays (NYSL) Head coach / player

Born to Francis and Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Harry grew up in Yonkers and played pro basketball through the late 1930's and early 40's until serving in the military during World War 2. After the war, he returned to play for Trenton in the ABL and Troy in the New York State League.

Harry and his wife, Mary, had two sons and a daughter.

Source:


Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/harry-fitzpatrick/

Mickey Kupperberg

Irving "Mickey" Kupperberg


Born:
March 17, 1914
New York, NY

Died:
February 11, 2003



Career
1932-33 James Monroe High School - New York (High School)
1934-35 University of Minnesota (College)
1936-37 New York Jewels (ABL)
1937-38 New Haven / New York Jewels (ABL)
1937-38 Hazelton (NYPA)
1938-39 New York Jewels (ABL)
1939-40 Troy Celtics (ABL)
1940-41 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1941-42 Wilmington Blue Bombers (Independent)

Growing up the Bronx, Kupperberg went to college at the University of Minnesota where he dazzled fans as a sophomore until a hernia sidelined him for a while. He left school and eventually made his way back east where he played professionally for a few years.

Source:


Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/mickey-kupperberg/

Sam Kaplan

Samuel E. Kaplan


Born:
December 22, 1912
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
July 1, 1998
Miami, FL


Career
1929-30 James Madison High School - Brooklyn (High School)
1930-31 James Madison High School - Brooklyn (High School)
1931-32 Dux Club (AAU)
1932-33 Dux Club (AAU)
1933-34 Dux Club (AAU)
1934-35 Dux Club (AAU)
1935-36 Dux Club (AAU)
1935-36 New York Jewels (ABL)
1935-36 New York Whirlwinds (Independent)
1936-37 New York Whirlwinds (Independent)
1936-37 Tunnhannock (PSL)
1937-38 New York Celtics (ABL)
1938-39 Kingston Colonials (ABL)
1939-40 Kingston Colonials (ABL)
1939-40 Troy Celtics (ABL)
1940-41 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1941-42 Wilmington Blue Bombers (ABL)
1941-42 Glens Falls (NYSL)
1942-43 Camden Indians (ABL)
1942-43 New York Jewels (ABL)
1942-43 Brooklyn Indians (ABL)
1945-46 Wilmington Bombers (ABL)

Despite being highly recruited by colleges out of high school, Kaplan decided to go the professional route instead, playing for the Dux AAU club. This would turn into a very lengthy basketball career in the ABL.

For some reason, his name appears as "Chamberlain" in boxscore of a Kingston-Philly game printed in the Deceember 16, 1938 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Source:


Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/sam-kaplan/

Pete Berenson

Peter Berenson


Born:
October 16, 1912
New York, NY?

Died:
January 6, 2000
Clearwater, FL


Career
1931-32 CCNY (College)
1932-33 CCNY (College)
1933-34 CCNY (College)
1934-35 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1935-36 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1936-37 New York Celtics (ABL)
1937-38 New York Celtics (ABL)
1938-39 Kingston Colonials (ABL)
1939-40 Kingston Colonials (ABL)
1939-40 Troy Celtics (ABL)
1940-41 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1940-41 Washington Brewers (ABL)
1941-42 Washington Brewers (ABL)
1941-42 Pittsfield (NYSL)
1945-46 New York Gothams (ABL)

Standing at 5'9 and weighing 174 pounds, Berenson went to CCNY, and in his three years on the basketball team they went 43-3. An outstanding player on defense, he would eventually become on the bigger scorers in the ABL. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in July of 1942 to serve his country in World War 2, and returned from the war with one last season of basketball, with the Gothams in the ABL.

Source:
Jews In Sports
Enlistment Records

Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/pete-berenson/

Frank Conaty

Francis Joseph Conaty


Born:
December 30, 1909
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
May 13, 1970
Brooklyn, NY


Career
1927-28 St.Bernard Crowns (Independent)
1928-29 Brooklyn St.Lucy’s (Independent)
1929-30 Brooklyn St.Lucy’s (Independent)
1929-30 Greenpoint Tuths (Independent)
1929-30 Carbondale (PSL)
1930-31 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1930-31 Carbondale (PSL)
1931-32 Brooklyn Visitations (MBL)
1931-32 Brooklyn Americans (Independent)
1932-33 Brooklyn Visitations (MBL)
1933-34 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1934-35 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1935-36 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1936-37 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1937-38 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1938-39 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1939-40 Baltimore Clippers (ABL)
1940-41 Baltimore Clippers (ABL)
1940-41 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1940-41 Glens Falls (NYSL)
1941-42 Glens Falls (NYSL)

Born to Francis and Elizabeth Conaty in Brooklyn, Frank played nine seasons of pro basketball in the ABL, and also played for various other teams in the east. He is the younger brother of fellow pro basketball players Red Conaty and Ed Conaty

Frank was married to Margaret Tormey (1909-1971) and they had two sons and two daughters.

Source:


Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/frank-conaty/

Willie McDonald

Willie McDonald


Born:




Died:
Last saw he was alive in May 1941



Career
1924-25 Brooklyn Visitations (MBL)
1925-26 Brooklyn Visitations (MBL)
1926-27 Newburgh Hillsides / Jersey City Skeeters (NLN)
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1926-27 West Brooklyn Assumption Triangles (MBL)
1926-27 Youngstown Bentleys (CBL)
1927-28 Catskill Howitzers (MBL)
1928-29 Brooklyn Visitations (ABL)
1928-29 New York Hakoahs (ABL)
1928-29 New York Hakoahs (Independent)
1929-30 New York Celtics (ABL)
1929-30 Chicago Bruins (ABL) Did he play??
1929-30 Paterson Whirlwinds (ABL)
1930-31 Brooklyn Americans (Independent)
1931-32 Brooklyn Americans (Independent)
1932-33 Brooklyn Americans (MBL)
1933-34 Bronx Americans (ABL)
1934-35 Brooklyn Americans (Independent)
1935-36 Brooklyn Americans (Independent)
1936-37 Brooklyn Americans (Independent)
1937-38 New York Gaels (Independent)

McDonald played basketball at St. Francis Prep. After at least one year at St. Francis College, McDonald would player pro basketball for many years. Not much else to be found. Alive in December of 1949, appearing at at St Francis Prep reunion game.

UPDATE 1/23/2018
I thought maybe I had identified Willie, but an astute anonymous reader here told me I was wrong. Looking into it more, I agree. A player named "Squire McDonnell" has been confused with "Willie McDonald," mainly stemming from information I had the the McDonald who played in the ABL went by the name "Squire" and went to St. Francis Prep and St. Francis College. This is not the case. James "Squire" McDonnell went to those schools and played some teams around Brooklyn (lke the Columbus Caseys) but is NOT the same player as Willie McDonald who played for the Visitations and Americans. Near as I can tell, Willie McDonald never was called "Squire." So I have put McDonald back in the "unknown" category and separated his record from McDonnell. Sorry for any confusion, and thank you to the anonymous poster for the clarification and correction. Identifying these players is a group effort, so all comments, suggestions and leads are appreciated, even if they prove my wrong.

Source:


Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/willie-mcdonald/

Chris Leonard

Christopher Michael Leonard


Born:
February 10, 1890
Manhattan, NY

Died:
May 11, 1957
Manhasset, NY


Career
1911-12 Manhattan College (College)
1912-13 New York St.Gabriels Lyceun (Independent)
1913-14 New York St.Gabriels (Independent)
1913-14 Brooklyn (TSL)
1914-15 Rosedale - New Jersey (Independent)
1914-15 Paterson Crescents (Independent)
1915-16 Paterson Crescents (IBL)
1915-16 Danbury Wooster AC (Independent)
1915-16 Bridgeport Blue Ribbins (Independent)
1916-17 Danbury Danburians (IBL)
1916-17 Newark Turners (IBL)
1916-17 Jasper Jewels (EBL)
1916-17 Hazleton Mountaineers (PSL)
1917-18 Danbury–Jersey City Skeeters (CBL)
1917-18 Jasper Jewels (EBL)
1917-18 Carbondale Pioneers (PSL)
1917-18 Plymouth Shawnees (PSL)
1917-18 Newark Turners (Independent)
1917-18 New Brunswick Wright-Martin Aeroplane Co. (Independent)
1918-19 Newark Turners (Independent)
1918-19 Norwalk (Independent)
1918-19 Staten island Downey Shipyard (Independent)
1919-20 De Neri Daisies (EBL)
1919-20 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (EBL)
1919-20 Pittston (PSL)
1919-20 Troy Knights of Columbus (NYSL)
1919-20 New York Treat 'Em Roughs (IBL)
1919-20 Brooklyn Dodgers (IBL)
1919-20 New York Whirlwinds (Independent)
1919-20 Newark Turners (Independent)
1920-21 Original Celtics (Independent)
1920-21 Coatesville Coats (EBL)
1920-21 Pittston (PSL)
1920-21 Hartford Wyanokas (IL)
1921-22 Original Celtics (Independent)
1921-22 New York Celtics (EBL)
1922-23 Atlantic City Sandsnipers (EBL)
1922-23 New York Celtics (MBL)
1922-23 Original Celtics (Independent)
1923-24 Original Celtics (Independent)
1924-25 Original Celtics (Independent)
1925-26 Original Celtics (Independent)
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1927-28 New York Celtics (ABL)

A long time basketball player who made his largest mark on the Original Celtics, Leonard was already 36 years old when the Celts joined the ABL. He retired after the 1927-28 season, and died of a heart attack in 1957.

Source:
Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, MA), May 18, 1957

Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/chris-leonard/

Joe Lapchick

Joseph Bohomiel Lapchick


Born:
April 12, 1900
Yonkers, NY

Died:
August 10, 1970
Monticello, NY


Career
1917-18 Yonkers Hollywood Inn (Independent)
1918-19 Yonkers Hollywood Inn (Independent)
1919-20 Yonkers Hollywood Inn (Independent)
1920-21 Schenectady Dorpians (NYSL)
1920-21 Holyoke Co. E. (IL)
1921-22 Schenectady Doprians (NYSL)
1921-22 Troy Trojans (NYSL)
1921-22 Brooklyn Visitation (MBL)
1921-22 Holyoke Reds (IL)
1921-22 Mt.Vernon Armory Big Five (Independent)
1922-23 Troy Trojans (NYSL)
1922-23 Brooklyn Visitations (MBL)
1922-23 Holyoke Reds (IL)
1923-24 Original Celtics (Independent)
1924-25 Original Celtics (Independent)
1925-26 Original Celtics (Independent)
1926-27 New York Celtics (NLN)
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1927-28 New York Celtics (ABL)
1928-29 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL)
1929-30 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL)
1930-31 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL) Head coach / player
1930-31 Toledo Red Men (ABL)
1931-32 Original Celtics (Independent)
1932-33 Original Celtics (Independent)
1932-33 Yonkers (MBL)
1933-34 Original Celtics (Independent)
1933-34 Plymouth (PSL)
1934-35 Original Celtics (Independent)
1935-36 Original Celtics (Independent)
1936-37 Original Celtics (Independent)
1936-37 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1937-38 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1938-39 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1939-40 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1940-41 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1941-42 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1942-43 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1943-44 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1944-45 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1945-46 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1946-47 St. John's University (College) Head coach 
1947-48 New York Knicks (BAA) Head coach

1948-49 New York Knicks (BAA) Head coach
1949-50 New York Knicks (NBA) Head coach
1950-51 New York Knicks (NBA) Head coach
1951-52 New York Knicks (NBA) Head coach
1952-53 New York Knicks (NBA) Head coach
1953-54 New York Knicks (NBA) Head coach
1954-55 New York Knicks (NBA) Head coach
1955-56 New York Knicks (NBA) Head coach
1956-57 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1957-58 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1958-59 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1959-60 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1960-61 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1961-62 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1962-63 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1963-64 St. John's University (College) Head coach
1964-65 St. John's University (College) Head coach 

NATIONAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME, 1964

One of the first big-men in the game, 6'5 Lapchick was a star for the Original Celtics when that time was the highest-drawing professional team in the country. He would also four many teams at the same time, able to make a decent enough living at the game in an era where the term "professional" was not as independent as later days. He was on the Celtics when they took over the Brooklyn franchise in the ABL, and the Celtics were a dominant force. So dominant, in fact, the team was forced to disband by the other franchises. Lapchick and two other Celtics would join the Cleveland Rosenblums and they won two ABL titles. When the Depression ended the ABL in 1931, Lapchick and the others reformed the Celtics. Lapchick would retire as a play in 1937 when he took the head coaching job at St. John's.
As a coach, Lapchick lead St. John's to four NIT championships in his time there, which was interrupted by nine seasons coaching the Knicks. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1964, and died of heart failure in 1970.


Source:
Basketball Hall of Fame
NY Times Obituary, August 11, 1970
Philadelphia Inquirer, August 11, 1970
Asheville Citizen-Times, August 11, 1970

Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/joe-lapchick/

Walter Jamieson

Walter J. Jamieson


Born:
February 2, 1904
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
March 23, 1993
Manhasset, NY


Career
1922-23 Brooklyn Owls (Independent)
1923-24 Brooklyn Owls (Independent)
1924-25 Rockaway Veterans (Independent)
1925-26 Brooklyn St.Rose Owls (Independent)
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1926-27 Baltimore Orioles (ABL)
1926-27 Brooklyn St. Rose Owls (Independent)
1927-28 Brooklyn St. Rose Owls (Independent)
1928-29 Rockaway Pros (Independent)
1929-30 Brooklyn St. Rose Owls (Independent)
1931-32 Brooklyn St. Rose Owls (Independent)
1932-33 Brooklyn St. Rose Owls (Independent)
1933-34 Brooklyn St. Rose Owls (Independent)

Born to Charles and Rose Jamieson in Brooklyn, Walt played basketball for a dozen season around Brooklyn, save a partial season with the Baltimore Orioles.

Source:


Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/walter-jamieson/

Nat Holman

Nathan Holman


Born:
October 19, 1896
New York, NY

Died:
February 12, 1995
New York, NY


Career
Commerce High School - New York (High School)
1916-17 Savage School (College)
1916-17 Hoboken Hobs (IBL)
1917-18 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (CSL)
1917-18 Jersey City Greenvilles (Independent)
1918-19 Newark Whirlwind AA (Independent)
1918-19 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (Independent)
1919-20 Germantown Geraniums (EBL)
1919-20 Jersey City Skeeters / Brooklyn Dodgers (IBL)
1919-20 Scranton Miners (PSL)
1919-20 Albany Senators (NYSL)
1919-20 Newark Whirlwind AA (Independent)
1919-20 Brooklyn Van & Schneck (Independent)
1919-20 New York Whirlwinds (Independent)
1919-20 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (Independent)
1919-20 Danbury (Independent)
1919-20 Jersey City Greenvilles (Independent)
1919-20 Newark City AC (Independent)
1919-20 Passaic AA (Independent)
1919-20 CCNY (College) Head coach
1920-21 Germantown Geraniums (EBL)
1920-21 Norwalk Co. K (CSL)
1920-21 Pittsfield Hillies (NYSL)
1920-21 Westfield Whip City AC (IL)
1920-21 Original Celtics (Independent)
1920-21 CCNY (College) Head coach
1921-22 Original Celtics (Independent)
1921-22 New York Celtics (EBL)
1921-22 CCNY (College) Head coach
1922-23 New York Original Celtics (MBL)
1922-23 Atlantic City Sandsnipers (EBL)
1922-23 Original Celtics (Independent)
1922-23 CCNY (College) Head coach
1923-24 Original Celtics (Independent)
1923-24 CCNY (College) Head coach
1924-25 Original Celtics (Independent)
1924-25 CCNY (College) Head coach
1925-26 Original Celtics (Independent)
1925-26 CCNY (College) Head coach
1926-27 New York Celtics (NYN)
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1926-27 CCNY (College) Head coach
1927-28 New York Celtics (ABL)
1927-28 CCNY (College) Head coach
1928-29 New York Hakoahs (ABL)
1928-29 CCNY (College) Head coach
1929-30 New York Celtics (ABL)
1929-30 Syracuse All-Americans (ABL)

1929-30 Chicago Bruins (ABL)
1929-30 CCNY (College) Head coach
1930-31 CCNY (College) Head coach
1931-32 CCNY (College) Head coach
1932-33 CCNY (College) Head coach
1933-34 CCNY (College) Head coach
1934-35 CCNY (College) Head coach
1935-36 CCNY (College) Head coach
1936-37 CCNY (College) Head coach
1937-38 CCNY (College) Head coach
1938-39 CCNY (College) Head coach
1939-40 CCNY (College) Head coach
1940-41 CCNY (College) Head coach
1941-42 CCNY (College) Head coach
1942-43 CCNY (College) Head coach
1943-44 CCNY (College) Head coach
1944-45 CCNY (College) Head coach
1945-46 CCNY (College) Head coach
1946-47 CCNY (College) Head coach
1947-48 CCNY (College) Head coach
1948-49 CCNY (College) Head coach
1949-50 CCNY (College) Head coach
1950-51 CCNY (College) Head coach
1951-52 CCNY (College) Head coach
1954-55 CCNY (College) Head coach
1955-56 CCNY (College) Head coach
1958-59 CCNY (College) Head coach

NATIONAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME, 1964

Holman was one of the game's first true innovators, both as a player and as a coach. After attending the Savage School of Physical Education, he played professional basketball while coaching basketball at CCNY. He was best known on the court as a player for the famous Original Celtics, but played for many different teams both barnstorming and in leagues. As a coach, he started at CCNY in 1919 and would coach through the 1958-59 season, with a couple year gaps in the late 50's. He was one of the first proponents of the man-to-man defensive scheme, which helped his squad to become the first school to win the NIT and NCAA tournament in 1950. The point-shaving scandal that rocked CCNY and college sports in the 1950's virtually destroyed CCNY's athletic program. He would work with high school and junior high school teams as a mentor, and died at the age of 98

Source:
Jews In Sports
http://digital-archives.ccny.cuny.edu/exhibits/holman/intro.html
NY Times Obituary, February 13, 1995

Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/nat-holman/

Dutch Dehnert

Henry Gerard (George?) "Dutch" Dehnert, Jr.


Born:
April 5, 1898
New York, NY

Died:
April 20, 1979
Far Rockaway, NY


Career
1917-18 Danbury/Jersey City Skeeters (IBL)
1917-18 Norwalk 1st Home Guard (IBL)
1917-18 Wilkes Barre Barons (PSL)
1917-18 Nanticoke Nans (PSL)
1918-19 Newark Turners (Independent)
1918-19 Ansonia (Independent)
1918-19 Downey Shipyard (Independent)
1919-20 Nanticoke Nans (PSL)
1919-20 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (IBL)
1919-20 Utica Utes (NYSL)
1919-20 De Neri Daisies (EBL)

1919-20 North Philadelphia Americans (EBL)
1919-20 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (EBL)
1919-20 Thompsonville Big-Harts (IL)
1920-21 Philadelphia Phillies (EBL)
1920-21 Scranton Miners (PSL)
1920-21 Thompsonville Bigelow-Hartfords (IL)
1920-21 Johnny Beckman All Stars (Independent)
1920-21 Original Celtics (Independent)
1921-22 Original Celtics (Independent)
1921-22 Scranton Miners (EBL)
1921–22 New York Celtics (EBL)
1922-23 New York Celtics (MBL)
1923-24 Original Celtics (Independent)
1924-25 Original Celtics (Independent)
1925-26 Original Celtics (Independent)
1926-27 New York Celtics (NLN)
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1927-28 New York Celtics (ABL)
1927-28 Utica All-Utica (Independent)
1928-29 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL)
1929-30 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL)
1930-31 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL)
1930-31 Toledo Red Men (ABL) Head coach / player
1931-32 Original Celtics (Independent)
1932-33 Original Celtics (Independent)
1933-34 Original Celtics (Independent)
1933-34 Plymouth (PSL)
1934-35 New Britain Jackaways (ABL)
1934-35 Original Celtics (Independent)
1935-36 Original Celtics (Independent)
1936-37 Original Celtics (Independent)
1937-38 Original Celtics (Independent)
1938-39 Original Celtics (Independent)
1940-41 Detroit Eagles (NBL) Head coach
1941-42 Detroit Eagles (Independent) Head coach
1941-42 Saratoga (NYSL) Head coach
1942-43 Harrisburg Senators (ABL) Head coach
1943-44 Trenton Tigers (ABL) Head coach
1944-45 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL) Head coach
1945-46 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL) Head coach
1946-47 Cleveland Rebels (BAA) Head coach
1947-48 Chattanooga Majors (PBLA) Head coach
1947-48 Saratoga Indians (NYSL) Head coach
1948-49 Saratoga Indians (NYSL) Head coach

NATIONAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME, 1969

New York's Dutch Dehnert was an early star of the game. A long-time star with the legendary Original Celtics, Dehert played with many different teams in the late teens and early 1920's before finally latching on with the Celtics. The most popular barnstorming team, the stocky Dehnert made a name for himself as a player and a leader on the court. It was only natural that he would eventually become a player / coach, and then a head coach.

The Original Celtics joined a few leagues in the east as well as barnstorming, and when the Celtics took the place of the Brooklyn team early into the 1926-27 ABL season, Dehnert stayed with them through the 1927-28 season when he moved to the Cleveland Rosenblums. He would return to the Celtics when the ABL shutdown during the Great Depression. After playing through the 1930's, he quit playing and became a full-time head coach. He lead the Detroit Eagles of the NBL in 1940-41 season, and also the nexst year when the Eagles left the NBL to play independently. He headed back to New York in mid-season, finishing the Saratoga Indians season at the helm. He coached a couple seasons in the reborn ABL before returning to the NBL to lead the Sheboygan Redskins. This lead to him coaching the BAA's Cleveland team in that league's inaugural season in 1946-47, then the Chattamooga Majors in the PBLA in that ill-fated league. Once the PBLA disintegrated, he returned to Saratoga to coach two more seasons. Widely credited with developing the pivot play, Dehnert was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969.

He was 81 when he died of a heart attack in 1979.


Dutch married Anna Geier (1899-1996) and they had two daughters and one son.

Source:
San Bernadino County Sun, April 26, 1979
http://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/dutch-dehnert/

Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/dutch-dehnert/

Johnny Beckman

John Albert Beckman


Born:
October 26, 1892
New York, NY

Died:
June 22, 1968
Miami, FL


Career
1912-13 New York St.Gabriel’s (Independent)
1913-14 Union Hill (NJ) Troys (Independent)
1913-14 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (Independent)
1913-14 Sheepshead Bay Gabriels (Independent)
1913-14 Brooklyn (TSL)
1913-14 Kingston Colonials (NYSL)
1914-15 Paterson Crescents (NYSL)
1915-16 De Neri Duddies (EBL)
1915-16 Paterson Crescents (NYSL)
1915-16 Danbury Woosters AC (Independent)
1915-16 Union Hill Troys - New Jersey (Independent)
1915-16 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (Independent)
1916-17 Danbury Danburians (IBL)
1916-17 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (IBL)
1916-17 Newark Turners (IBL)
1916-17 Reading Bears (EBL)
1917-18 De Neri Duddies (EBL)
1917-18 Danbury/Jersey City Skeeters (CBL)
1917-18 Nanticoke Nans (PSL)
1917-18 New Brunswick Wright-Martin Aeroplane Co. (Independent)
1917-18 Newark Turners (Independent)
1918-19 Newark Turners (Independent)
1918-19 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (Independent)
1918-19 Nanticoke (Independent)
1918-19 Staten Island Standard Ship Yard (Independent)
1919-20 Nanticoke Nans (PSL)
1919-20 De Neri Daisies (EBL)
1919-20 Adams (NYSL)
1919-20 New York Treat 'Em Roughs / Paterson Silk Sox (IBL)
1919-20 Jersey City Skeeters / Brooklyn Dodgers (IBL)
1919-20 Thompsonville Big-Harts (IL)
1919-20 Brooklyn St. James Triangles (Independent)
1919-20 Jordan Bay Big-Five (Independent)
1919-20 Stamford (Independent)
1920-21 Nanticoke Nans (PSL) Head coach / player
1920-21 Stamford (CSL)
1920-21 Philadelphia Phillies (EBL)
1920-21 Trenton Bengals (EBL)
1920-21 Thompsonville Bigelow-Hartfords (IL)
1920-21 Original Celtics (Independent)
1920-21 Beckman All-Stars (Independent)
1921-22 Original Celtics (Independent)
1921-22 New York Celtics (EBL)
1922-23 Original Celtics (Independent)
1922-23 Atlantic City Sandsnipers (EBL)
1922-23 New York Original Celtics (MBL)
1923-24 Original Celtics (Independent)
1924-25 Original Celtics (Independent)
1925-26 Original Celtics (Independent)
1926-27 New York Celtics (NYN)
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1926-27 Baltimore Orioles (ABL) Head coach / player
1927-28 Paterson (MBL)
1927-28 Detroit Cardinals (ABL) Head coach / player
1927-28 Chicago Bruins (ABL)
1928-29 Rochester Centrals (ABL)
1928-29 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL)
1929-30 New York Celtics (ABL)
1929-30 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL)
1929-30 Fort Wayne Hoosiers (ABL)

NATIONAL BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME, 1973

Known as the "Babe Ruth of Basketball" during his playing career, Beckman was a drawing card wherever he played, and was once sold for an unheard amount of $10,000. His reputation on the court as a leader and skilled player, as well as a coach and youth educator, got him elected to the Hall of Fame in 1973, five years after his death at 75 years of age.



Source:
Miami News, August 31, 1947

Stats:
probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/johnny-beckman/

Pete Barry

John Peter "Pete" Barry


Born:
November 16, 1896
New York, NY

Died:
August 29, 1968
New York, NY


Career
1914-15 Original Celtics (Independent)
1915-16 Original Celtics (Independent)
1916-17 Original Celtics (Independent)
1917-18 Military Service
1918-19 Military Service
1919-20 Original Celtics (Independent)
1919-20 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (EBL)
1920-21 Original Celtics (Independent)
1920-21 Pittsfield Hillies (NYSL)
1920-21 Westfield Whip City AC (IL)  
1921-22 Original Celtics (Independent)
1921-22 New York Celtics (EBL)
1922-23 Original Celtics (Independent)
1922-23 Atlantic City Sandsnipers (EBL)
1922-23 New York Celtics (MBL)
1923-24 Original Celtics (Independent)
1924-25 Original Celtics (Independent)
1925-26 Original Celtics (Independent)
1926-27 New York / Hackensack (NYNL)
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1927-28 New York Celtics (ABL)
1928-29 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL)
1929-30 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL)
1930-31 Cleveland–Toledo (ABL)
1931-32 Original Celtics (Independent)
1932-33 Original Celtics (Independent)
1933-34 Original Celtics (Independent)
1934-35 Original Celtics (Independent)
1935-36 Paterson Panthers (ABL)
1936-37 New York Celtics (ABL)
1937-38 New York Celtics (ABL) Head coach
1944-45 Washington Capitols (ABL) Head coach

Pete played in over 2300 games over his 20+ years of pro basketball. He was known for being tough and scrappy, even playing one game with a broken collarbone.

After quitting basketball, Barry worked in the checking department of the Grace Lines until retiring in 1965. He died after suffering a heart attack in 1968.

He had at least one son, John.

Source:
Chicago Tribune, August 30, 1968

Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/pete-barry/

Davey Banks

David I. Banks


Born:
1901
New York, NY

Died:
August 24, 1952
Waterford, NY


Career
1919-20 Mt. Vernon Armory Big-Five (Independent)
1920-21 New York Celtics (Independent)
1921-22 New York Celtics (EBL)
1921-22 Ware Wonders (Interstate League)
1922-23 Brooklyn Visitations (MBL)
1922-23 Springfield Gunners (Interstate League)
1922-23 Holyoke Reds (Interstate League)  
1923-24 Brooklyn Visitations (MBL)
1923-24 Philadelphis SPHAs (PBL)
1924-25 Brooklyn Visitations (MBL)
1924-25 Philadelphis SPHAs (PBL)
1925-26 Brooklyn Visitations (MBL)
1925-26 Philadelphis SPHAs (EBL) 
1926-27 New York Celtics (NLN)
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1927-28 New York Celtics (ABL)
1928-29 New York Hakoahs (ABL)
1928-29 Philadelphis SPHAs (Independent)
1929-30 New York Celtics (ABL)
1929-30 Fort Wayne Hoosiers (ABL)
1930-31 Toledo Red Men (ABL)
1931-32 Original Celtics (Independent)
1932-33 Original Celtics (Independent)
1933-34 Original Celtics (Independent)
1934-35 Original Celtics (Independent)
1934-35 Boston Trojans (ABL)
1935-36 Original Celtics (Independent)
1936-37 Original Celtics (Independent)
1937-38 Original Celtics (Independent)
1938-39 Original Celtics (Independent)
1939-40 Original Celtics (Independent)
1940-41 Original Celtics (Independent)
1941-42 Original Celtics (Independent)
1942-43 Original Celtics (Independent)
1946-47 Chicago American Gears (NBL) Head coach
1946-47 Troy Celtics (ABL) Head coach

Born in the Lower East Side to Samuel and Rose Banks, Davey was a popular player who played for many years around New York and Philadephia before joining up with the Original Celtics. He would later retire and become the head coach for the American Gears for a season in the NBL.
In August of 1952, Banks was killed in an auto accident when the car he was in veered off the road and struck a tree.

Source:
Des Moines Register, August 25, 1952

Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/davey-banks/

1926-27 Brooklyn Arcadians / Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)

1926-27 BROOKLYN ARCADIANS / BROOKLYN CELTICS
AMERICAN BASKETBALL LEAGUE (I)
First Half:
13-8 .619, 4th place (Arcadians 0-5, Celtics 13-3)
Second Half:
19-2 .905, 1st place
Championship - Defeated Cleveland, 3-0

The Arcadians started the season by dropping their first five games. On December 3, 1926, the floundering Arcadians were kicked out of the league by League President Joe Carr. Carr has already arranged for the Original Celtics to leave their current New York league to take the Arcadian's place.  They went 13-3 to finish the first half in fourth place. In the second half they rolled to a 19-2 record and win the title by 4 games. The Celtics swept first place champions Cleveland in the ABL Championship.

Five of the seven Arcadian players went to other clubs in the league.

Worth noting is that the Original Celtics were supposed to join the ABL prior to the season, but decided to join the NBL instead. When the NBL began to fall apart not even a month into the season, luring them to replace the Arcadians was fairly simple.

• Head Coaches: 

Garry Schmeelk (March 23, 1891 - October 17, 1941) 0-5 Also played. See Below
Johnny Whitty (February 2, 1896 - December 26, 1965)  32-5



PLAYERS: 

ARCADIANS:

• Buddy Bushman (December 18, 1902 - August 9, 1961)

Biography 

• Walter Jamieson (February 2, 1904 - March 23, 1993)

Biography

• Willie McDonald

Biography

• Willie McWalters (October 25, 1891 - August 9, 1948)

Biography

• Gary Schmeelk (March 23, 1891 - October 17, 1941)

Biography 

• Dick Smyth (March 18, 1894 - September 11, 1967)

Biography

• Joe Wallace (May 15, 1901 - January 12, 1972)

Biography

CELTICS:

• Davey Banks (c.1901 - August 24, 1952

Biography

• Pete Barry (November 16, 1896 - August 29, 1968)

Biography

• Johnny Beckman (October 26, 1892 - June 22, 1968)

Biography

• Dutch Dehnert (April 5, 1898 - April 20, 1979)

Biography

• Nat Holman (October 19, 1896 - February 12, 1995)

Biography

• Joe Lapchick (April 12, 1900 - August 10, 1970)

Biography

• Chris Leonard (February 10, 1890 - May 11, 1957)

Biography

Gary Schmeelk

Garrett Eldert Schmeelk


Born:
March 23, 1891
Rockaway Beach, NY

Died:
October 17, 1941
Rockaway Beach, NY


Career
1911-12 St. John's University - New York (College)
1912-13 Utica Indians (NYSL)
1913-14 Paterson Crescents (NYSL)
1914-15 Paterson Crescents (NYSL)
1914-15 New York Nationals (Independent)
1915-16 Jasper Jewels (EBL)
1915-16 Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers (IBL) Head coach / player
1915-16 Schenectady Doprians (NYSL)
1916-17 Pittston (PSL) Head coach / player
1916-17 Paterson (IBL)
1916-17 Schenectady Doprians (NYSL)
1917-18 Pittston (PSL) Head coach / player
1917-18 Bridgeport Blue Ribbons (CSL)
1917-18 Ansonia Wrightlets (CSL)
1919-20 Pittston (PSL) Head coach / player
1919-20 Schenectady Doprians (NYSL)
1919-20 Ansonia Wrightlets (IBL)
1919-20 Brooklyn Dodgers (IBL) Head coach / player
1919-20 Germantown Geraniums (EBL)
1920-21 Pittston (PSL) Head coach / player
1920-21 Coatesville Coats (EBL)
1921-22 Coatesville Coats (EBL) Head coach / player
1921-22 Scranton Miners (EBL)
1921-22 New York Celtics (EBL)
1921-22 New York MacDowell (MBL)
1921-22 Utica Utes (NYSL)
1921-22 Gloversville Gloves (EBL)
1921-22 Worcester (IL)
1922-23 Reading Pretzels (EBL)
1922-23 Elizabeth (MBL)
1923-24 Yonkers Leaguers (MBL)
1923-24 Glen Falls Garries (NYSL) Head coach / player
1924-25 Washington Palace Five (Independent)
1925-26 Brooklyn Arcadians (ABL) Head coach / player
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL) Head coach / player
1926-27 Chicago Bruins (ABL) Head coach / player

Served in the U.S. Navy during World War 1.

After his days involved with basketball were over, he was a partner in a laundry company in New York. He married Mary "Mae" Smythe (1890-1983) in 1918 and had two sons.

Schmeelk died following a short illness in 1941 at 50 years of age.

Source:
Long Island Press, October 18, 1941

Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/Garry-Schmeelk/

Buddy Bushman

Adolph J. "Buddy" Buschmann (Bushman)



Born:
December 18, 1902
Brooklyn. NY

Died:
August 9, 1961



Career
1918-19 Far Rockaway High School - New York (High School)
1920-21 Far Rockway (Independent)
1921-22 Far Rockway (Independent)
1921-22 New York Celtics (EBL)
1923-24 Aloysius (Independent)
1945-25 Washington Palace Five (Independent) 
1925-26 Brooklyn Arcadians (ABL)
1926-27 Brooklyn Celtics (ABL)
1926-27 Baltimore Orioles (ABL)
1927-28 Detroit Cardinals (ABL)
1927-28 Cleveland Rosenblums (ABL)

Born in New York to Adolph and Josephine Buschmann. His name appears as "Bushman" in newspaper articles.

Source:


Stats:
http://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/Buddy-Bushman/