Chicago Majors
A short-lived ABL franchise owned by Abe Saperstein.
The Chicago Majors were a basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, that competed in the American Basketball League from 1961 to 1963.
Quick Facts
- Leagues
- American Basketball League (1961–1962)
- Founded
- 1961
- Folded
- 1963
- Arena
- Chicago Stadium
Facts from the source article.
History
The American Basketball League was formed after Abe Saperstein failed to obtain an NBA franchise in Los Angeles. He recruited Paul Cohen of the Tuck Tapers and George Steinbrenner of the Cleveland Pipers to bring top NABL and AAU teams into a new league. The ABL introduced innovations such as a three-point shot, a 30-second shot clock, and an 18-foot free throw lane. The Chicago Majors were owned by Saperstein, with former Globetrotter Ermer Robinson serving as business manager. Chicago native Ron Sobieszczyk came out of retirement to play for the team. In 1961 the Majors were coached by Andy Phillip and finished 38–42, placing third in the ABL Eastern Division. The following season, under player-coach Ron Sobieszczyk, the team went 8–19 before the league folded on December 31, 1962.
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