Ralph Kaplowitz 1946-47 Philadelphia Warriors Road Jersey

One of the greatest Jewish players in the history of basketball, Kaplowitz played in the NBA's inaugural contest when the league began in 1946. A collegian at New York University, Ralph was an All-America his first varsity season, and was then named captain of the NYU basketball team for the 1941-42 campaign. Ralph began his professional basketball career with a brief stint in the American Basketball League before joining the New York Knicks in 1946 -- the year the Basketball Association of America, which became the NBA, was formed. Ralph played in the league's first-ever game in November, 1946, won by the Knicks, 68-66. Later that season, he moved to the Philadelphia Warriors and was a member of the club when they captured the league's first Championship. This Philadelphia Warriors road jersey was worn by Ralph Kaplowitz in 1947, a year in which the Warriors won the league Championship. On the inside back tail is the "Horace Partridge" label with the size tag "40" adjacent. On the front of the shirt is "Phila" and below is the player number "9". This number appears on the back of the shirt as well. All the letters and numbers are made of gold felt. Accompanying the jersey is a letter from Kaplowitz stating that this is his Philadelphia Warriors Championship away uniform from 1947. The jersey shows considerable game use, yet it displays well. Additional LOAs from MEARS (A9) and Grey Flannel.