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From 1946-49, Providence was home to the Steamrollers, one of the original 11 franchises of the Basketball Association of America, which evolved into today’s National Basketball Association.
The franchise posted an all-time record of 46–122 (.274) before folding after three seasons. The Steam Rollers were the last big time professional sports team to play in Rhode Island.
The Steamrollers still hold the dubious NBA record for the fewest games won in a season with six, in the 1947–48 season. However, the 2011-2012 Charlotte Bobcats hold the record for the lowest winning percentage in NBA history, with .106. Also during the 1947–48 season, the Steamrollers' coach Nat Hickey activated himself as a player for two games, the second of which was two days before his 46th birthday, setting a still-standing record as the oldest player in NBA history.
Offered is a first year 1946-47 Providence Steam Rollers team-signed program. The program was for March 29, 1947 vs. Chicago Stags. Program is in VG-EX condition with minor water marks, tape on back cover, and minor creasing. It comes with a letter from the original owner detailing provenance.
The program is signed by the entire team inside on the page with individual player photos. Total of 13 signatures: Includes:
Ernie Calverley (D. 2003) who became a legendary coach at Rhode Island and was one of the early stars of the BAA (also in the 1948 Bowman set)
Earl Shannon (D. 2002) in addition to being on the inaugural Steamrollers team; Earl also appeared in the 1948 Bowman basketball set.
Hank Beenders (D. 2003) a member of the 1941 NIT championship LIU basketball team under HOFer, Clair Bee. He also played for the Philadelphia Warriors and Boston Celtics
Bob Shea (D. 2015) co-captain of the 1946 Rhode Island squad that lost the NIT championship game to Kentucky. Shea’s pro claim to fame is that he scored the very first basket for the Steamrollers against the Boston Celtics on November 2, 1946.
Elmore Morgenthaler – (D. 1997) is recognized as the NBA’s very first 7 footer, topping the measuring stick at 7’1”. He also played for the Philadelphia Warriors and a bunch of minor league basketball teams. He died tragically in poverty.
Pop Goodwin (D. 2005) spent 2 years in Providence and another season playing for the Scranton Miners
WoodyGrimshaw (B. 1974 at age 50) born in England, Grimshaw played his college ball at Brown and became the first at his school to hit 1000 points. His professional career was cut short by stepping on a nail in the summer of 1947. Woody went on to become quite an accomplished college coach.
George Pastushok (D. 2003) a star at St. John’s University; he went off to join the effort in WW II and then came back and played in the ABL and EBL, before signing with Providence.
Jake Weber (D. 1990) a star at Purdue, Weber then played for some independent teams before signing with the NBL’s - Indianapolis Kautskys, New York Knicks (1946, and then finished out the season with the Providence Steamrollers.
Hank Rosenstein (D. 2010) a star at CCNY, he became a member of the inaugural NY Knicks team and played in the very first game in NBA history against Toronto. On January 6, 1947; Rosenstein was sold to the Providence Steamrollers in the middle of the first season. He finished up his pro career with the Scraton Miners and then coached the NY Tapers of the AAU NIBL in 1960-61 which would be absorbed into the ABL the following year.
George Mearns (D. 1997) played the first 2 seasons for Providence and was on the floor for the very first game against the Boston Celtics on November 2, 1946 (which would be the first game in NBA history for both teams)
Dino Martin (D. 1999) was the first player along with teammates, Buddy O’Grady and Al Lujack to play pro basketball. He played for the Steamrollers for their first 2 seasons. He became the head coach at Boston College from 1953-62.
Joe Fay (deceased) director of Basketball (the first and only General Manager of the club)
Perhaps the only one of its’ kind. Super duper rare with nice original owner Provenance.
Item: 10923
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