Providence Steamrollers
From Hoopedia
The Providence Steamrollers were a Basketball Association of America (BAA) team based in Providence, Rhode Island. The Steamrollers were the last sports franchise from one of the four major professional sports leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB) to be based in Rhode Island. They were owned by Lou Pieri, the owner of the Providence Arena and the city's American Hockey League franchise.
The Steamrollers were one of the original eleven BAA franchises (the forerunner of the NBA). The franchise posted an all-time record of 46-122 (.274) before folding after three seasons.
The Steamrollers also hold the dubious honor of holding the NBA record for least games won in a season -- six -- in the 1947-48 season. (The team does not hold the record for lowest winning percentage – that distinction belongs to the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers.) Also during the 1947-48 season, the Steamrollers' Nat Hickey, at age 46, established a still-standing mark as the oldest player in NBA history.
On December 25, 1947, the Steamrollers lost to the New York Knicks in the first NBA Christmas Day game, played in Madison Square Garden.
The Steamrollers officially folded on August 3, 1949, the same day that the National Basketball League and the BAA announced they would merge to become the National Basketball Association.
Noteworthy Players
- Ernie Calverley - Second-team All-NBA and led league in assists during NBA's first season
- Ken Loeffler - Coach
- Dino Martin
- George Nostrand - Tallest NBA player in the BAA.
- Les Pugh
- Kenny Sailors
- Otto Schnellbacher - Better known as a National Football League defensive back.
- Howie Shannon - Leading NBA rookie in 1949.
- Jack Toomay - Better known as an Air Force general.
- Brady Walker
- Jake Weber
- Ray Wertis
