Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons

From Hoopedia

The Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons began as a National Basketball League (NBL) team in 1941. They met with immediate success, advancing to the league championship series their first four years in the league. They came up short in 1942 and 1943, but took the title in 1944 and 1945. They remained an NBL power through 1948, but never won another NBL title.

The Zollner Pistons won the World Professional Basketball Tournament three years running, 1944-1946. That invitational tournament brought together the best basketball teams in America, regardless of their league affiliation or the skin color of their players. A different Zollner Pistons player was selected tournament MVP in each of those tournaments.

In 1948 the Pistons jumped leagues and joined the young Basketball Association of America, the forerunner of the National Basketball Association. At the same time, they dropped the "Zollner" and become the "Fort Wayne Pistons."

After a weak first season, they made the playoffs every year, making it all the way to the NBA Finals in 1955 and 1956.

While the team was successful on the court and in the hearts of many fans, owner Fred Zollner made the difficult decision that Fort Wayne was just not big enough for his NBA team. After the 1957 season, the Pistons moved to nearby Detroit, Michigan, where the Detroit Pistons continue to play.

For more details, go to Detroit Pistons Franchise History.