Friday, October 30, 2015

Jim Currie

James Alexander Currie


Born:
December 15, 1916
Cook County, IL

Died:
November 16, 1987
Sisters, OR


Career
1932-33 Evanston Township High School (High School)
1933-34 Evanston Township High School (High School)
1934-35 Evanston Township High School (High School)
1935-36 Northwestern University freshmen (College)
1936-37 Northwestern University (College)
1937-38 Northwestern University (College)
1938-39 Northwestern University (College)
1939-40 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)
1942-43 Great Lakes (Navy)

After Northwestern, he played one season for Hammond. Entered the Navy and played basketball at Great Lakes. Rank got as high as Chief Petty Officer.



-1/4/2016-
Through information from fellow researchers John Graso and Dan Peterson, I was able to fill in a few more blanks about where he went to high school and a middle initial.

I found a Currie family in Evanston . Alexander (b.1881) and Helen D. (b.1882) in Scotland. Agnes born in Canada in 1910.  James born c. 1917.

http://www.mocavo.com/1920-United-States-Census/126212/004964669/305#row-12

-8/11/2016-Got it narrowed down to John Alexander Currie via ancestry. Fits the data.


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/curriji01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=curriji01

Gene Cramer

Crawford Eugene Cramer


Born:
July 13, 1915   
Washington Township, IN   

Died:
October 17, 1983
Brazil, IN   


Career
1931-32 Martinsville High School - Indiana (High School)
1932-33 Martinsville High School - Indiana (High School)
1933-34 Fort Wayne Oilers (Independent)
1935-36 Noblitt Sparks - Columbus  (Independent)
1936-37 Indianapolis Inland (Independent)
1938-39 Stewart-Warner- Indianapolis (Independent)
1939-40 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1939-40 Stewart-Warner- Indianapolis (Independent)
1939-40 Indianapolis Secos (Independent)
1940-41 Stewart-Warner- Indianapolis (Independent)

Cramer later worked at United Oil Company.

Source:
Indianapolis Star, February 19, 1940
Indianapolis Star, February 23, 1940


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/cramebi01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=cramebi01
https://probasketballencyclopedia.com/player/gene-cramer/

Marv Colen

Marvin Wilmer Colen


Born:
March 8, 1915  
Chicago, IL  

Died:
May 14, 1989
Aurora, CO  


Career
Roosevelt High School - Chicago (High School)
1934-35 Loyola University of Illinois (College)
1935-36 Loyola University of Illinois (College)
1936-37 Loyola University of Illinois (College)
1937-38 Chicago Duffy Florals (Independent)
1938-39 Chicago Rands (Independent)
1939-40 Chicago Bruins (NBL)
1939-40 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)



Colen served in the Army during World War 2, stationed at Fort Custer in Michigan. He married  Berenice McNeill (1916-2009) on June 14, 1942. They had a daughter, Janet (b. 1944) , and two sons, Dale (1947-1978) and Timothy (b.1958)



Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/colenma01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=colenma01

Chuck Chuckovits

Charles H. Chuckovits


Born:
July 10, 1912  
Akron, OH     

Died:
August 12, 1991
Sylvania, OH   


Career
St Vincent's High School - Akron, OH (High School)
1936-37 University of Toledo (College)
1937-38 University of Toledo (College)
1938-39 University of Toledo (College)
1938-39 Toledo Collegians (Independent)
1939-40 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans  (NBL)
1940-41 Toledo White Huts (Independent)
1941-42 Toledo Jim White Chevrolets (NBL)
1942-43 Detroit Eagles (Independent)
1945-46 Toledo White Huts (Independent) 
1945-46 Toledo Pros (Independent)


Chuck was the NBL MVP in 1941-42. We served in the Army during World War 2, and after his playing days, he worked as an official in the NCAA and NBA.

He was married to Margaret McClure (1909-1999).




Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/chuckch01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=chuckch01

Tony Carp

Anthony J. Carp



Born:
May 2, 1911  
Illinois     

Died:
May 29, 1960
Chicago, IL   


Career
1933-34 Chicago Lifschultz Fast Freights (AAU)
1934-35 Chicago Lifschultz Fast Freights (AAU)
1935-36 Chicago Englewood (Independent)
1936-37 Whiting Ciesar All-Stars (MBC)
1937-38 Chicago (Independent)
1938-39 Chicago Cavaliers (AAU)
1939-40 Chicago Bruins (NBL)
1946-47 Chicago Shamrocks (Independent)


He played one game for the Chicago Bruins,  and died in 1960. 

This article refers to a "giant of giants" named Carp, who also played for Loyola and at one time with the Chicago Bruins.

Kokomo Tribune, Nov 21, 1946, page 43

Below is Anthony J Carp's obituary from the Chicago Tribune, June 1, 1960




Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/c/carpan01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=carpto01

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Connie Berry

Connie Mack Berry


Born:
April 19, 1915  
Greenville, SC

Died:
June 24, 1980
Fayetteville, NC  


Career
Parker High School - Spartanburg, SC (High School)
1936-37 North Carolina State University (College)
1937-38 North Carolina State University (College)
1938-39 North Carolina State University (College)
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 Chicago American Gears (NBL)
1945-46 Chicago American Gears (NBL)
1945-46 Anderson Chiefs (Independent)


Berry was a multi-sport star at NC State, lettering in basketball, football and baseball. After graduation, he played 7 years in the NBL, and 8 season in the NFL. A herniated disc ended his athletic career, so he worked for Riddell and later the NC Highway Department.
Berry died in 1980 following a series of strokes. He was married to Virginia (1920-2002) and they had two sons and a daughter.
Berry allegedly played minor-league baseball for a couple years in the Cubs organization, but I cannot find such a record.


NFL Stats:
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BerrCo20.htm

Grave:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=89667253&PIpi=127182298

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/berryco01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=berryco01

Buck Batterman

Virgil Hugo "Buck" Batterman


Born:
April 1, 1918
Oshkosh, WI    

Died:
January 5, 1999
Wautoma, WI  


Career
1935-36 Oshkosh High School - Wisconsin (High School)
1936-37 Oshkosh High School - Wisconsin (High School)
1937-38 University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (College)
1938-39 Oshkosh Chris-Crafts (Independent)
1939-40 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1940-41 Oshkosh All-Stars (Independent)
1940-41 Clintonville Truckers (Independent)


Born to William and Betterman in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Batterman went to college in Oshkosh, and played one season for the All-Stars. In the late 40's, Batterman purchased and ran Camp Waushara on Big Silver Lake in Wisconsin. He later became the sheriff of Waushara County.
He married Pearl Wichman (1916-1992) and had a son, Kenneth (d.2008) and a daugher, Patty Nett.





Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/battevi01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=battebu01

Lou Barle

Louis Peter "Fats" Barle



Born:
June 23, 1916  
Gilbert, MN    

Died:
December 30, 1996
Duluth, MN  


Career
Gilbert High School - Minnesota (High School)
1936-37 University of Minnesota-Duluth (College)
1939-40 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1940-41 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1941-42 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1942-43 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)


He played one game with the Detroit Lions in the NFL in 1938, and three games with the Cleveland Rams in 1939. After that stint with the Rams, he joined up with Oshkosh to play basketball, and was a member on two NBL championship teams.


Pro Football Stats:
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BarlLo20.htm


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/b/barlelo01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=barlelo01

Ernie Andres

Ernest Henry Andres, Jr.


Born:
January 11, 1918 
Jeffersonville, IN   

Died:
September 19, 2008
Bradenton, FL 


Career
1932-33 Jefferson High School - Indiana (High School)
1933-34 Jefferson High School - Indiana (High School)
1934-35 Jefferson High School - Indiana (High School)
1936-37 Indiana University (College)
1937-38 Indiana University (College)
1938-39 Indiana University (College)
1939-40 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1940-41 Indianapolis Kautskys (Independent)
1941-42 Great Lakes (Navy) 
1945-46 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1946-47 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1947-48 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1948-49 Indiana University (College) - Assistant Coach
1949-50 Indiana University (College) - Assistant Coach
1950-51 Indiana University (College) - Assistant Coach
1951-52 Indiana University (College) - Assistant Coach
1952-53 Indiana University (College) - Assistant Coach
1953-54 Indiana University (College) - Assistant Coach
1954-55 Indiana University (College) - Assistant Coach
1955-56 Indiana University (College) - Assistant Coach
1956-57 Indiana University (College) - Assistant Coach
1957-58 Indiana University (College) - Assistant Coach


Born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Andres went on to notable careers  in both basketball and baseball. Out of Indiana University where he starred at both sports, he signed with the Boston Red Sox in 1939 and was assigned to the Louisville Colonels. In the off-season he joined the Kautskys for a season. His career was interrupted, like so many of his generation, by World War 2. He joined the US Navy and served in the Pacific. He was discharged in early 1946, and rejoined the Kautskys. He also made it to the Red Sox' opening day roster. but his time in the major leagues was brief as only played in 15 games and batted .098. He returned to the minor leagues, never to return to majors, but he did continue to play basketball for Indianapolis for a few more seasons. He finally quit playing baseball in 1947 to take the head baseball coach job at IU, where he stayed until 1973. He also put in a few seasons as assistant basketball coach at IU, under Branch McCracken.


Sources:
http://www.baseballinwartime.com/player_biographies/andres_ernie.htm

Baseball Stats:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/andreer01.shtml

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/a/andreer01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=andreer01

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Gene Anderson

Eugene Irving Anderson 



Born:
October 5, 1917  
Crothersville, IN   

Died:
June 11, 1999
Franklin, IN 


Career

1932-33 Franklin High School - Indiana (High School)
1933-34 Franklin High School - Indiana (High School)
1934-35 Franklin High School - Indiana (High School)
1936-37 Purdue University (College)
1937-38 Purdue University (College)
1938-39 Purdue University (College)
1938-39 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (Independent)
1939-40 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)
1940-41 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)
1941-42 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)
1942-43 Akron Collegians (Independent)


Born to Irving (1882-1965) and Grace (1886-1946) Anderson, Gene went on to captain the basketball team at Purdue before working for Goodyear and playing three seasons on Wingfoots. He enlisted in the Navy Reserves in 1943 and served as a gunnery officer in both Europe and the Pacific. He went on to serve as Director of Irwin Union Bank and Trust, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
He married Rosemary Tulley on October 9, 1940 and they had two sons; David and John, and two daughters, Carol Hippensteel and Judy Deiwert.

Grave:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=anderson&GSfn=eugene&GSby=1920&GSbyrel=before&GSdy=1976&GSdyrel=after&GSst=17&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=19134340&df=all&

Source:
Franklin Evening Star, February 3, 1939


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/a/anderge01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=anderge01

1939-40 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)

1939-40 SHEBOYGAN REDSKINS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 15-13 .536, Tied for 1st place

Western Division Championship - Lost to Oshkosh, 2-1









  • Head Coach: Frank Zummach (January 28, 1911 – April 30, 2012)
PLAYERS: 
  • Sparky Adams (April 4, 1917 - March 31, 2011)
Biography

  • Marvin Colen (March 8, 1915 - May 14, 1989)
Biography

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

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

  • 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

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

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

  • Duane Swanson  (August 23, 1913 - September 13, 2000)
Biography

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

1939-40 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)

1939-40 OSHKOSH ALL-STARS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 15-13 .536, Tied for 1st place

Western Division Championship - Defeated Sheboygan, 2-1
NBL Championship - Lost to Akron Firestone, 3-2



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

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

  • Louis Barle (June 23, 1916 - December 30, 1996)
Biography

  • Virgil Batterman (April 1, 1918 - January 5, 1999)
Biography

  • Connie Berry (April 19, 1915 - June 24, 1980)
Biography

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

  • Buzz Knoblauch (April 22, 1912 - May 7, 1984)
Biography

  • Karl Lillge (July 17, 1917 - April 17, 1994)
Biography

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

  • Tex Mueller (July 29, 1916 - May 22, 2012)
Biography

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

  • Oscar Olson (November 2, 1917  - August 31, 1997)
Biography

  • Willard Pederson (October 28, 1910  - September 8, 1982)
Biography

  • Wilton Putnam (September 8, 1912 - June 8, 1996)
Biography

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

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

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

1939-40 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)

1939-40 INDIANAPOLIS KAUTSKYS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Eastern Division
Finished: 9-19 .321, 4th place



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

PLAYERS: 
  • Ernest Andres (January 11, 1918 - September 19, 2008)
Biography

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

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

  • James Birr (August 22, 1916 - June 8, 2006)
Biography

  • George Chestnut (September 27, 1911 - September 18, 1983)
Biography

  • Gene Cramer (July 13, 1915 - October 17, 1983)
Biography

  • Garland Lewis (April 27, 1912 - December 6, 2009)
Biography

  • Ward Myers (April 19, 1908 - April 6, 1987)
Biography

  • Ruben Reiswerg (August 10, 1912 - March 22, 1998) 
Biography

  • Eddie Sadowski (February 2, 1915 - March 11, 1992)
Biography

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

  • Marvin Stout (August 6, 1915 - December 12, 1991)
Biography

  • Sally Suddith (December 26, 1910 - September 14, 1984)
Biography

  • Homer Thompson (January 18, 1916 - June 19, 2007)
Biography

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

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

1939-40 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)

1939-40 HAMMOND CIESAR ALL-AMERICANS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 9-19 .321, 4th place



  • Head Coaches: 
Lou Boudreau (July 18, 1917 - August 10, 2001) - 1-4
Eddie Ciesar  (March 18, 1910 - June 15, 1995) - 0-2
Leo Bereolos (October 20, 1910 - January 15, 1992) -  8-13

PLAYERS: 
  • Charles Chuckovits (July 10, 1912 - August 12, 1991)
Biography

  • Jim Currie (December 15, 1916 - November 16, 1987) 
Biography

  • Glynn Downey (September 1, 1915 - January 30, 1976)
Biography

  • James Goff (May 13, 1912 - February 28, 1980)
Biography

  • Dale Hamilton  (August 16, 1919 - August 12, 1994)
Biography

  • Al Hanisko (July 25, 1909 - September 9, 1976)
Biography

  • George Hogan (April 12, 1915 - January 19, 1965)
Biography

  • Darwin Hutchins (December 9, 1915 - October 9, 1985)
Biography

  • Gordon McComb (February 21, 1917 - June 14, 2007)
Biography

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

  • Robert Neu (June 28, 1917  - February 7, 1971)
Biography

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

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

  • Joe Spudic (December 24, 1912 - June 21, 1999)  
Biography

  • Harold Swanson (September 6, 1914 - April 9, 1990)
Biography

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

John Townsend

John Frederick Townsend, Sr.


Born:
September 20, 1916 
Indianapolis, IN  

Died:
December 4, 2001
Indianapolis, IN


Career
1931-32 Arsenal Tech - Indianapolis (High School)
1932-33 Arsenal Tech - Indianapolis (High School)
1933-34 Arsenal Tech - Indianapolis (High School)
1935-36 University of Michigan (College)
1936-37 University of Michigan (College)
1937-38 University of Michigan (College)
1938-39 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)
1939-40 Rochester (Independent)
1940-41 Michigan All-Stars (Independent)
1940-41 Toledo (Independent) 
1941-42 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1942-43 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1942-43 Toledo Jim White Chevrolets (NBL)



Born to Earl and Bess, Townsend was a basketball star at Michigan and played three seasons in the NBL before becoming a lawyer. He served in the Army during World War 2. His grandson is NBA player Eric Montross.


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/t/townsjo01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=townsjo01

1939-40 Detroit Eagles (NBL)

1939-40 DETROIT EAGLES
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Eastern Division
Finished: 17-11 .607, 2nd place

Western Division Championship - Lost to Akron Firestone, 2-1


PLAYERS: 
  • Nat Frankel (November 3, 1913 - March 14, 2006)
Biography

  • Laddie Gale (April 22, 1917 - July 29, 1996)
Biography

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

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

  • Louis Jagnow (July 31, 1910 - March 26, 2007)
Biography

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

  • Bud Moodler (September 21, 1912 - August 7, 1977)
Biography

  • Bernard Opper (September 1, 1915 - February 24, 2000)
Biography

  • Eddie Parry (January 29, 1918 - February 23, 2016)
Biography

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

  • Irv Torgoff (March 6, 1917 - October 21, 1993)
Biography

  • Urgel Wintermute (July 9, 1917 - October 1977)
Biography

1939-40 Chicago Bruins (NBL)

1939-40 CHICAGO BRUINS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Western Division
Finished: 14-14 .500, 3rd place




  • Head Coach: Sam Lifschultz (born January 7, 1905)
PLAYERS: 
  • Tony Carp (May 2, 1911 - May 1960)
Biography

  • Marvin Colen (March 8, 1915 - May 14, 1989)
Biography

  • Hal Dembo (December 24, 1915 - May 24, 2006)
Biography

  • Ray Hayes (December 17, 1905 - July 30, 1986)
Biography

  • George Hogan (April 12, 1915 - January 19, 1965)
Biography

  • Elmer Johnson (January 23, 1910 - July 7, 1988)
Biography

  • Wibs Kautz (September 7, 1915 - May 25, 1979)
Biography

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

  • Robert MacLeod (October 15, 1917 - January 13, 2003)
Biography

  • Mike Novak (April 23, 1915 - August 15, 1978)
Biography

  • Edwin Oram (October 5, 1914 - December 18, 2004)
Biography

  • Willie Phillips  
Biography

  • Riskind 
Biography

  • George Wilson (February 3, 1914 - November 23, 1978)
Biography

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

1939-40 Akron Goodyear Wingfoots (NBL)

1939-40 AKRON GOODYEAR WINGFOOTS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Eastern Division
Finished: 14-14 .500, 3rd place





  • Head Coach: Ray Detrick (March 7, 1899 - December 23, 1971)

PLAYERS: 
  • Gene Anderson (October 5, 1917 - June 11, 1999)
Biography

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

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

  • Wilbur Fox (January 19, 1919 - January 26, 1991
Biography

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

  • Joel Hitt (December 30, 1916 - June 2, 2003)
Biography

  • Bill Lloyd (December 16, 1915 - December 24, 1972) 
Biography

  • John McAdams (April 15, 1912 - October 18, 1975)
Biography

  • Jim Montgomery (April 13, 1915 - June 13, 1982)
Biography

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

  • Jacob Nagode (July 11, 1915 - January 31, 1976)
Biography

  • Ben Stephens (November 27, 1916  - April 6, 1966)
Biography

  • Howard Vocke (March 16, 1915 - September 8, 1998)
Biography

1939-40 Akron Firestone Non-Skids (NBL)

1939-40 AKRON FIRESTONE NON-SKIDS
NATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Eastern Division
Finished: 19-9 .679, 1st place

Eastern Division Championship - Defeated Detroit, 2-1
NBL Championship - Defeated Oshkosh, 3-2 

Johnny Moir, Paul Nowak, Tom Wukovits

  • Head Coach: Paul Sheeks (October 18, 1889 – September 17, 1968) 
PLAYERS: 
  • Jerry Bush (September 6, 1914 - October 27, 1976)
Biography

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

  • Robert Hassmiller (December 17, 1916 - September 8, 1980)
Biography

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

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

  • Tommy O'Brien (February 16, 1916 - November 17, 1955)
Biography

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

  • Harry Sorensen (March 27, 1914 - April 28, 1991)
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




Monday, October 26, 2015

Stanley Zadel

Stanley R. Zadel


Born:
April 8, 1916
Chicago, IL

Died:
October 21, 1982
Clear Lake, MN 


Career
Harrison Tech High School - Chicago (High School)
1935-36 DePaul University (College)
1936-37 Oshkosh Aces (Independent)
1937-38 Chicago Harmons (Independent)
1938-39 Chicago Harmons (Independent)
1938-39 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1939-40 Chicago Bruins (NBL)
1943-44 Rochester Wings (Independent)


Zadel served in the army during World War 2. He was married to Marie (1915-2006).


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/z/zadelst01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=zadelst01

Jewell Young

Jewell Isaac Young


Born:
January 18, 1913
Hedrick, IN  

Died:
April 16, 2003
Bradenton, FL 


Career
1929-30 Jefferson High School - Lafayette, IN (High School)
1930-31 Jefferson High School - Lafayette, IN (High School)
1931-32 Jefferson High School - Lafayette, IN (High School)
1935-36 Purdue University (College)
1936-37 Purdue University (College)
1937-38 Purdue University (College)
1938-39 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1938-39 Southport High School - Indianapolis (High School) - Head coach
1939-40 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1939-40 Southport High School - Indianapolis (High School) - Head coach
1940-41 Indianapolis Kautskys (Independent)
1940-41 Southport High School - Indianapolis (High School) - Head coach
1941-42 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1941-42 Southport High School - Indianapolis (High School) - Head coach
1942-43 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1942-43 Southport High School - Indianapolis (High School) - Head coach
1945-46 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1945-46 Southport High School - Indianapolis (High School) - Head coach
1946-47 Southport High School - Indianapolis (High School) - Head coach
1947-48 Southport High School - Indianapolis (High School) - Head coach
1948-49 Southport High School - Indianapolis (High School) - Head coach
1949-50 Southport High School - Indianapolis (High School) - Head coach

Young was an All-American basketball player at Purdue, and followed that with a career as a professional player, interrupted like so many of his time to serve the country in World War 2. He taught at Southport High school in Indianapolis, where he was also basketball coach and later athletic director. He was a manager for the Wandell & Reid mutual fund firm before retiring. He died in 2003 at the age of 90.
He was married to Helen and had one son, Richard.


Obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldtribune/obituary.aspx?n=Jewell-I-Young&pid=86273100

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/y/youngje01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=youngje01

Nick Yost

Nicholas Yost


Born:
April 1, 1915
  

Died:
December 1980
San Antonio, TX 


Career
DePaul Academy - Chicago (High School
1934-35 DePaul University (College)
1935-36 DePaul University (College)
1936-37 DePaul University (College)
1937-38 Chicago Demons (Independent)
1938-39 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)
1938-39 Chicago Harmons (Independent) 
1939-40 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)

Last known residence: San Antonio, Texas. Need to tighten things up a little bit. Found a John Anthony Yost (1905-1975) who was born in Illinois and is buried in San Antonio. Perhaps a brother? The Illinois-to-San Antonio thing matches up.




Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/y/yostni01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=yostni01

Dave Williams

David Boyer Williams


Born:
February 7, 1913 
Auburn, IN

Died:
March 6, 1983
Mount Dora, FL 


Career
1935-36 Central Normal - Indiana (College)
1938-39 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1939-40 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1940-41 Indianapolis Kautskys (Independent)
1941-42 Toledo Jim White Chevrolets (NBL)


Another one that I had no information, but came back a few months later with fresh eyes. Seeing that he went to Central Normal College, I found an article that said he was from Auburn, Illinois. A search into census records lead to a possible identification, but considering how common his name is, I needed more confirmation. I checked the parents of the suspected-Dave and found his mother's obituary. From Auburn herself, it mention her son was a Central Normal student. Bingo.

Born in Auburn, Indiana, to Grover (1885-1918) and Martha (1887-1936) Williams, Dave was only five years old when his father died of pneumonia. His mother Martha remarried in 1934, but she was tragically killed in a house fire just two years later.


Source:
Rushville Republican, February 15, 1939
Garrett Clipper (Indiana), January 27, 1936
Garrett Clipper (Indiana), December 12, 1918

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/w/willida01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=willida01

Willett

Willett


Born:
 
  

Died:

 


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



Played two games for Hammond. Who is he?

In December of 1938, there were two brothers named Willett playing for Cincinnati Roths. Irving, a 6-1 center, and Dick.



Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/w/wille01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=wille01

Bill Wendt

William Lester Wendt


Born:
March 20, 1915
Chicago, IL

Died:
March 12, 1966
Arlington Heights, IL 


Career
DePaul Academy - Chicago (High School)
1935-36 DePaul University (College)
1937-38 Chicago Demons (Independent)
1938-39 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)
1940-41 DePaul University (College) - Head Coach
1941-42 DePaul University (College) - Head Coach


Took over as head coach at DePaul when Tom Haggerty left to go on military leave. Wendt resigned after the 1941-42 season.

Source:
Pentagraph, March 13, 1966

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/w/wendtwi01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=wendtbi01

Bob Weigandt

Robert George Weigandt


Born:
February 5, 1914
Oshkosh, WI  

Died:
February 26, 2008
Whitewater, WI 


Career

1936-37 University of Wisconsin (College)
1937-38 University of Wisconsin (College)
1938-39 University of Wisconsin (College)
1938-39 Oshkosh All-Stars (NBL)
1950-51 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1951-52 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1952-53 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1953-54 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1954-55 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1955-56 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1956-57 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1957-58 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1958-59 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1959-60 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1960-61 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1961-62 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1962-63 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1963-64 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1964-65 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)
1965-66 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (College)

Born in Oshkosh to George and Elizabeth Weigandt, Bob was co-captain of the Wisconsin team in 1938 and appeared in one game for Oshkosh. He served in the US Navy during World War 2, and afterwards taught at the high school and college level. He served as head basketball coach at UW-Whitewater, as well as golf coach and teacher, before retiring from the university in 1980.
Bob married Gloria Plonsky on July 30, 1949, and had two sons, David and Paul.

Obituary:
http://janesville.www.clients.ellingtoncms.com/obits/2008/feb/28/robert-bob-weigandt/

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/w/weigaro01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=weigabo01

Chub Watson

Charles Frederick "Chub" Watson


Born:
August 5, 1915 ??
Jane Lew, WV

Died:
June 28, 1971 ??
West Virginia ??


Career
Jane Lew High School - West Virginia (High School)
1934-35 Davis & Elkins (College)
1935-36 Marshall University (College)
1936-37 Marshall University (College)
1937-38 Marshall University (College) 
1938-39 Pittsburgh Pirates (NBL)
1938-39 Clarksburgh Oilers (Independent)
1939-40 Clarksburgh Oilers (Independent)
1940-41 Clarksburgh Oilers (Independent) - Head coach / player



Played one game for Pittsburgh, putting up 16 points.

Were there two Watsons at Marshall at the same time?

Chub played basketball at Marshall, as well as being a catcher on the baseball team. He played football there, too, despite having never played prior. After college, he played professional basketball and also coached high school football at St. Mary's Catholic School in Clarksburg, WV, in 1940. He coached at Marshall University for a while before becoming an FBI agent in Fairmont, West Virginia. Married to Maxine Watson.



- Update 8/17/16 -
Thanks to a family member, I got his full name and that he was definitely born in Jane Lew.


Source:
Cumberland Evening Times, August 1, 1941
Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY), February 25, 1941
Beckley Post-Herald, February 11, 1962

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/w/watsoch01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=watsoch01

Friday, October 23, 2015

Jack Thornton

Jack Thornton 



Born:
August 31, 1914 
Leon Junction, TX  

Died:
December 13, 2007
Fort Worth, TX 


Career
1932-33 Gatesville High School - Texas (High School)
1933-34 Gatesville High School - Texas (High School)
1934-35 Gatesville High School - Texas (High School)
1938-39 Hammond Ciesar All-Americans (NBL)
1938-39 Texas Wesleyan (College)
1939-40 Texas Wesleyan (College)
1940-41 Texas Wesleyan (College)
1941-42 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)

Born in Texas to George (1891-1956) and Sarah Brumbalow Thornton (1889-1971). After his time in Sheboygan, Thornton served in the Air Corps in World War 2. He received a Master's Degree from Texas Wesleyan in 1952, and coached and taught in Fort Worth until his retirement in 1982.
He had one son, Larry.

Grave:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=31575460


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/t/thornja01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=thornja01

Rip Terjesen

Irving Bernhard "Rip" Terjesen


Born:
March 4, 1915
Brooklyn, NY

Died:
April 12, 1990
Akron, OH 


Career
1931-32 James Madison High School - Brooklyn (High School)
1932-33 James Madison High School - Brooklyn (High School)
1933-34 James Madison High School - Brooklyn (High School)
1934-35 NYU (College)
1935-36 NYU (College)
1936-37 NYU (College)
1937-38 NYU (College)
1938-39 Akron Firestone Non-Skids (NBL)
1939-40 Akron Firestone Non-Skids (NBL)
1940-41 Akron Firestone Non-Skids (NBL)


Son of Norwegian immigrants Ole (1880-1956) and Anna Berta Terjesen (1882-1975). His brother Ole played basketball in the ABL.

Married Ruth Alice Pedersen (1919-1987). They had one son, Barry Erik Terjesen (b.1941)





Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/t/terjeir01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=terjeri01

Kenneth Suesens

Kenneth Glenn Suesens


Born:
October 23, 1916
Des Moines, IA   

Died:
May 29, 1992
Sheboygan, WI 


Career
Burlington High School - Iowa (High School)
1935-36 University of Iowa (College)
1936-37 University of Iowa (College)
1937-38 University of Iowa (College)
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)
1945-46 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1946-47 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1947-48 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1947-48 Seattle Athletics (PCBL)
1948-49 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL) - Player/Head Coach
1949-50 Sheboygan Redskins (NBA) - Head Coach
1950-51 Sheboygan Redskins (NPBL) - Head Coach
1951-52 Valparaiso University (College) - Head Coach
1952-53 Valparaiso University (College) - Head Coach
1953-54 Valparaiso University (College) - Head Coach
1954-55 Valparaiso University (College) - Head Coach
1955-56 Valparaiso University (College) - Head Coach
1956-57 Valparaiso University (College) - Head Coach
1957-58 Valparaiso University (College) - Head Coach

Born in Iowa to John F. Suesens (1885-1930) and Martha Duran. He played basketball at Iowa, and during his senior year he ruptured a blood vessel at practice and spent four days in the hospital. He went on from Iowa to a long successful career with Sheboygan, leading them through the 1943 NBL championship. He requested and was granted a released from the Redskins in December of 1948 so he could join the Seattle Athletics of the Pacific Coast League, but the team (and the league) folded after the season, and Suesens returned to the Redskins, this time as the head coach and part-time player. He coached the team as it joined the NBA in the following season, and one more as the team moved to the smaller NPBL. From there, he spent seven seasons as the head coach at Valpo. An avid golfer, Suesens was the golf pro at the Pine Hills Country Club in Sheboygan until retiring in 1982. It was on a journey to said golf club to play a round of the game in 1992 that he suffered a fatal heart attack.

He served in the navy during World War 2, spending his days on the Yorktown.

Source:
Herald and News (Klaman Falls, OR), December 31, 1947
Sheboygan Press, May 30, 1992

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/s/sueseke01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=sueseke01

Reno Strand

Reno O. Strand


Born:
May 14, 1909
Erie, PA 

Died:
June 27, 1988
Erie, PA


Career
1931-32 House of David (Independent)
1932-33 Warren Transits (independent)
1933-34 Union City Ritz Pennsylvanians (Industrial League)
1934-35 Erie General Electrics (Independent)
1934-35 Warren Hyvis Oils (Independent)
1935-36 Warren Hyvis Oils (Independent)
1936-37 Warren Hyvis Oils (Independent)
1937-38 Warren Penns (NBL)
1938-39 Warren Penns/Cleveland White Horses (NBL)
1942-43 Strong Vincent High School - Erie, PA (High School) - Head Coach
1943-44 Strong Vincent High School - Erie, PA (High School) - Head Coach
1946-47 Corry Vets (Independent)
1952-53 National Transits - Warren, PA (Independent) 


One of nine children born to Andrew Gustav (1882-1942) and Anna Katherine Broberg Strand (1882-1979). Aside from being an excellent basketball player, Strand was also a champion diver and semi-pro baseball player. A local legend in Warren, Strand joined the Penns late in the 1937-38 season.
After his playing days, the 6'4 Strand stayed active in basketball by running a well-renown basketball camp at the Erie Boys Club in Erie, Pennsylvania, known for its rugged training regiment. He also owned and operated a construction company
He was married to Ann D. Strand (1909-1993).

Source:
Oil City Derrick (Oil City, PA), March 6, 1934


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/s/stranre01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=stranre01

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Edward Spotts (Spotovich)

Edward S. Spotovich 
aka Edward S. Spotts


Born:
May 6, 1916
Pittsburgh, PA

Died:
September 7, 2002
Uniontown, PA   


Career
1931-32 South High School - Pittsburgh (High School)
1932-33 South High School - Pittsburgh (High School)
1933-34 South High School - Pittsburgh (High School)
1935-36 Pittsburgh University (College)
1936-37 Pittsburgh University (College)
1937-38 Pittsburgh University (College)
1938-39 Pittsburgh Pirates (NBL)
1938-39 Uniontown Cougars (Independent)
1939-40 Uniontown Cougars (Independent)
1940-41 Clarksburg Oilers (Independent) 
1944-45 New Britain Pros (Independent)
1945-46 Connellsville High School - Pennsylvania (High School) - Head Coach
1946-47 Connellsville High School - Pennsylvania (High School) - Head Coach
1947-48 Connellsville High School - Pennsylvania (High School) - Head Coach
1948-49 Connellsville High School - Pennsylvania (High School) - Head Coach
1949-50 Connellsville High School - Pennsylvania (High School) - Head Coach

Born to Adam and Mary Spotts, Edward  was an athletic prodigy on the south side of Pittsburgh, playing baseball, football and basketball at South High School. In an exhibition game at 16 years of age, he threw a no-hitter against the Homestead Greys of the Negro Leagues.He then went on to play briefly in the NBL, and then played semi-pro basketball in Connecticut and Massachusetts,
He served in the Coast Guard in World War 2, and worked with boxing champ Jack Dempsey as a physical training instructor. He worked as a teacher at Connellsville High School for 42 years before retiring in 1980.
He married Helen (1922-2009) in June of 1946 and they had a son, Edward, and two daughters, Linda Witt and Salley Rock.

Middle initial may originally have been "J"


Source:
Piitsburgh Post-Gazette, September 10, 2002
Obit:
http://triblive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_90663.html#axzz3pK0Q1UqV

Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/s/spotoed01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=spotoed01

Paul Sokody

Paul Sokody, Jr.


Born:
August 18, 1914
Elgin, IL   

Died:
May 12, 1992
Elgin, IL 


Career
1931-32 Elgin High School - Illinois (High School)
1932-33 Elgin High School - Illinois (High School)
1933-34 Elgin High School - Illinois (High School)
1935-36 Marquette University (College)
1936-37 Marquette University (College)
1937-38 Marquette University (College)
1938-39 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1939-40 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1940-41 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1941-42 Sheboygan Redskins (NBL)
1942-43 Chicago Studebaker Flyers (NBL)
1942-43 Detroit Eagles (Independent)
1943-44 Chicago Gears (Independent)
1943-44 Rochester Wings (Independent) 


Born in Elgin, Illinois, Sokody excelled on the court and the gridiron at Elgin High School. He played basketball at Marquette, and then moved on to the professional game where he played five seasons in the NBL. After his playing days, he went on to work at Hardy Salt Company for 35 years as well as a referee at the High School and Collegiate level.
He married Lucille (1915-2000) and they had three daughters, Linda Seybold (b.1937), Janice Asp  (b.1938) and Karen Chambers, and a son Philip (b.1939).



Obit:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-05-15/news/9202120961_1_referee-ymca-league-harlem-globetrotters


Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/s/sokodpa01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=sokodpa01

John Sines

John Alfred Sines


Born:
August 13, 1914 
Flora, IN  

Died:
April 16, 1978
Manatee, FL  


Career
Jefferson High School - Lafayette, IN (High School)
1935-36 Purdue University (College)
1936-37 Purdue University (College)
1937-38 Purdue University (College)
1938-39 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1939-40 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1940-41 Indianapolis Kautskys (Independent)
1941-42 Indianapolis Kautskys (NBL)
1943-44 Indianapolis Pure Oils (Independent)
1943-44 Dayton Bombers (Independent)
1946-47 Lawrence University- Appleton,WI (College) Head Coach
1947-48 Lawrence University- Appleton,WI (College) Head Coach
1948-49 Lawrence University- Appleton,WI (College) Head Coach
1949-50 Lawrence University- Appleton,WI (College) Head Coach
1950-51 Lawrence University- Appleton,WI (College) Head Coach
1951-52 University of Tennessee (College) - Asst Coach
1952-53 University of Tennessee (College) - Asst Coach
1952-54 University of Tennessee (College) - Asst Coach
1954-55 University of Tennessee (College) - Asst Coach
1955-56 University of Tennessee (College) - Asst Coach
1956-57 University of Tennessee (College) - Asst Coach
1957-58 University of Tennessee (College) - Asst Coach
1958-59 University of Tennessee (College) - Head Coach
1959-60 University of Tennessee (College) - Head Coach
1960-61 University of Tennessee (College) - Head Coach
1961-62 University of Tennessee (College) - Head Coach
1961-62 University of Tennessee (College) - Head Coach
1963-64 Palmetto High School - Florida (High School) - Head Coach
1964-65 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1965-66 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1966-67 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1967-68 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1968-69 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1969-70 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1970-71 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1971-72 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1972-73 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1973-74 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1974-75 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1975-76 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach
1976-77 Manatee Community College (College) - Head Coach

Born to Earl (1883-1957) and Luna Bell Sines in Flora, Indiana, Sines was a star basketball player at Jefferson High School in Lafayette, IN, before moving on to Purdue. After college he played semi-pro and pro basketball before a knee injury ended his career. He also served in the Navy during World War 2. Sines moved on to coach at Tennessee, and after a quick stint as a high school coach, he moved over to Manatee Community College where stayed until retiring in 1977. Sines died in 1978 of a brain tumor.
Sines married Virginia (1916-2004) and had three sons; Ted, Tom, and John, who went by "Chip" and was a decent basketball player and coached at Manatee a few years after his father.




Stats:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/nbl/players/s/sinesjo01n.html
http://www.justsportsstats.com/basketballstatsindex.php?player_id=sinesjo01