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Maynard's First Professional Basketball Team - 1901

s1209e.jpg

Dublin Core

Title

Maynard's First Professional Basketball Team - 1901

Description

Two sepia photos of Maynard's first professional basketball team, dated 1901.
l to r
Front: Matt Campbell, Jack Punch, __Smith
Center: Allie Knox, __Marshall, Albert Axford
Back: George Lynch ("Cubie") , James Haire (Manager), William Knox


According to the Pro Basketball Encyclopedia the 1901-1902 Massachusetts State Basketball League's Maynard basketball team consisted of the following people (and hometowns, ** if they appear in the photograph):

Joe Cullen (Fitchburg)
Charles Noonan
George Lynch (Maynard) **
Charlie Burt (Millbury)
Ducky Holmes (Worcester)
Matty Keevers (Fitchburg)
Jack Punch (Maynard) **
### Kennedy
Bruce Harley (Fitchburg)
Billie Knox (Everett) **
Bill Horne (Everett)
Jimmy Harrington (Lowell)
Fred Paine (Millbury)
George Dorman (Worcester)
Emil Dionne (Lawrence)
Johnny Sheehan (Worcester)
Jake Sweeney (Fitchburg)

Games were played at the Music Hall ("The Rink")

According to another sports statistics website two Maynard players were placed in the 100 Top Ranked Basketball Players of All-Time from Massachusetts:
Jack Punch (57)
George Lynch (93)

Author Chris Boucher's book, "The Original Bucky Lew" profiles Harry "Bucky" Lew, basketball's first Black professional. Jack Punch both competed with and played on the same team as Lew. While some objected to Lew playing, Punch was one of the silent majority who supported his right to do so which led to the full integration of pro sports a generation later.

Punch and Lew were opposing players on Nov, 6 1902, the historic night of the first integrated pro basketball game. Lew played left guard for Lowell and Punch was playing right forward for Marlboro.

Punch and Lew actually played for the same team once, although the circumstances are a little strange. (Lew dislocated his shoulder in the opening game of the 1904 season and Punch replaced him. Punch was on the opposing team, but apparently switched sides in an act of sportsmanship.)

Date

1901

Contributor

Donated by Mrs. Barbara Primiano

Identifier

1999.1209
1999.2780

Source

Still Image Item Type Metadata

Original Format

Photo print

Physical Dimensions

7.5 x 9.5 in.; 2 prints

Storage

PB14
SU18-4