1929 ABL Championship Program – Cleveland Rosenblums (feat. Joe Lapchick) vs. Fort Wayne Hoosiers

The ABL was the first major league of professional basketball. It's glory years were from 1925-1931, after which it disbanded, only to be resumed in 1933 as a minor league operation. During its earliest seasons the leagues myriad teams included the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Whirlwinds, Brooklyn Arcadians, Brooklyn Celtics, Brooklyn Visitations, Buffalo Bisons, Chicago Bruins, Cleveland Rosenblums (Rosies), Detroit Cardinals, Fort Wayne Hoosiers, New York Hakoahs, and Philadelphia Warriors among others. Offered is a rare program from the 1929 ABL Championship Series, featuring a matchup between the Cleveland Rosenblums and Fort Wayne Hoosiers at Cleveland’s Public Auditorium. The Rosenblums, so named for Cleveland clothier and ABL pioneer Max Rosenblum, swept the Hoosiers in four straight games to take the title. The cover features a photo of Cleveland’s star and future Hall of Famer Joe Lapchick. The contents include player bios, photos and a scorecard (unmarked). A team photo appears on the back cover. A graphically appealing and historically significant program from the earliest years of pro basketball. Excellent condition with a light water stain affecting each page.