Vintage Basketball Photos and Postcards

[Exhibitman]

I think Willie Scrill is a Sponge Bob character...

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I think Willie Scrill is a Sponge Bob character...

Willie Scrill (1907-1977)

Willie Scrill signed to play professional basketball right out of high school with his hometown Brooklyn Visitation at age 18. Depleted by the defections of veterans Rody Cooney and Red Conaty to the newly-formed American Basketball League, the Visitation thrust the youngster into the starting lineup. In his very first pro season, the youthful Scrill very quickly established two things that would remain constants throughout his career. First, he was a very talented, at times brilliant player. Second, he had a very short fuse that could be ignited in an instant. Scrill once got into a fight with an opponent while the teams were warming up before a game. During the 1930-31 ABL finals, Scrill attacked referee Chuck Solodare after a double overtime loss, but went unpunished. Season after season, Scrill ranked as the most aggressive, combative players in pro basketball. Scrill spent his first eleven seasons in pro basketball with the Visitation and was a member of three championship teams. In 1934-35, Scrill lost his job to 20-year-old phenom, Bobby McDermott, and signed with the rival Jersey Reds. In 1936-37, Scrill enjoyed the best season of career. He led Jersey to first place in the first-half of the split ABL season with a 14-4 record. Scrill continued his outstanding play through the playoffs, but the Reds lost to the Philadelphia SPHAS in a seven-game thriller decided in overtime by a single point. For his stellar play, he was named the MVP of the 1936-37 ABL season. Scrill, at the very pinnacle of his career, retired in the off- season to become a New York City fireman.

[Jewish-collector]

Michael - If I go to the National, where are we meeting up ? beer chug.gif

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Michael - If I go to the National, where are we meeting up ? Attachment 523173

Alan,

Other than getting a few items signed by Spencer Haywood I will either be Waldo (anywhere) or Elvis (everywhere). I find little to nothing at the show. The only booth I know I will visit is that of Rhys Yeakley (prewar sports on here) Let me know if you are going and I will send along my phone number.

I will be getting copies of photos from my archives signed by Haywood along with the following:

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Tickets from the gold medal basketball game 1968 Olympics.

ajman.jpg

Postal souvenir sheet issued in 1968. I picked up over 30 of these for dirt cheap. I will only get one signed. The rest will be for the remaining living players. Unfortunately there are only 5 members of the team still living - Bill Hoskett, Glynn Saulters, Charlie Scott and Jim King along with Haywood. Hoskett and Saulters are good TTM. I have not located Jim King. I usually send three of this type of item. Sign 2 keep 1. I do the same with photos in my collection. The Olympians appreciate getting photos they have never seen except for possibly in the newspaper.