Philadelphia Sphas
Encyclopedia
The Philadelphia Sphas, also written SPHAs and SPHAS, were a team that competed in the Eastern Basketball League and then the American Basketball League 1925-55. They played their home games in social halls and, from 1938, in the ballroom of the Broadwood Hotel. After World War II
they also played some games in the Philadelphia Arena
.
The name "Spha" was originally an acronym, derived from South Philadelphia Hebrew Association, and naturally the team's players were primarily Jewish. Many pundits of the time tried to explain this on the basis of genetics
, stating that Jews were naturally more dexterous, had better rhythm, and more intrinsic athletic ability, exactly the same sort of comments that would later be made about basketball
with regard to African American
s in later years. At times writers used more specifically (and derogatory) Jewish stereotypes: Paul Gallico
stated that they did well because "the game places a premium on an alert, scheming mind". The team was doomed once the National Basketball Association
was formed and the owner of the Sphas got an NBA franchise (the Philadelphia Warriors) for the same arena. Essentially, the NBA destroyed the following of the entire league, which did not compete after 1953
although it did not formally cease to exist until 1955
.
honoree), Harry Passon, and Hughie Black shortly after their high school graduation. Always a team of considerable prowess whether the competition was amateur or professional, from 1933 to 1946 the Sphas were the most dominant team in the professional American Basketball League (ABL), capturing 7 league championships in 13 seasons.
Called the Sphas because the South Philadelphia Hebrew Association bought the players uniforms, the team featured many eastern U.S. top college graduates, including Harry Litwack
(IJSHOF honoree), Cy Kaselman, Davey Banks, Moe Goldman (ABL MVP 1937-38), Shikey Gotthofer, Mendy Snyder, Irv Torgoff
, Red Wolfe, Max Posnack, Gil Fitch, Jerry Fleishman
and many others. All but a few Sphas players were Jewish during the club's many years of amateur and professional existence.
Originally an independent team sponsored by the Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA), the players found a new home in 1921 at the South Philadelphia Hebrew Association when the YMHA withdrew its sponsorship. Soon, their local skills earned them a spot in the Philadelphia League, where they won two consecutive championships, after which the league disbanded. The Sphas then joined the Eastern League for 1925-26, but it went out of business that same season.
Refusing to keep his team idle, owner-coach Gottlieb, the consummate basketball entrepreneur, promoted a series of exhibition games against leading pro teams from New York's Metropolitan League and the new ABL, then in its first year of operation. When the Sphas won five of six games, losing only to the ABL's top team, the Cleveland Rosenblums
, Gottlieb arranged for best-of-three series against both the Original Celtics
and the New York Renaissance
(an all-Black team). The Sphas defeated the fabled Celtics in three games, and the Rens twice by scores of 36-33 in overtime and 40-39. Within approximately six weeks, the minor league Sphas had won 9 of 11 matches against the most celebrated teams in professional basketball.
When the Eastern League found new life in 1929, the Sphas once again joined its ranks, winning three championships in four seasons. This success led to an invitation from the newly reorganized ABL, which had been dormant for two Depression years.
In 1933, the Sphas were Eddie Gottlieb's ABL franchise entry. The team promptly captured three League championships in four years, eventually winning seven titles in 13 years (1933–34, 1935–36, 1936–37, 1939–40, 1940–41, 1942–43, 1944–45), and they were runners-up twice. The team's uniform tops featured samach, pey, hey, and aleph—Hebrew letters spelling Sphas—and a Jewish star. In case opponents or spectators did not understand, the back of the team's road uniforms said "Hebrews"!
In 1946, following World War II
, the Basketball Association of America
, forerunner of the NBA
, debuted, and the ABL ceased to be a major league. With Gottlieb establishing the Philadelphia Warriors as his BAA franchise, his Sphas continued with the minor league ABL and as a touring opponent of the Harlem Globetrotters
. Gottlieb sold the team in 1950 to former Sphas star Red Klotz
, who retired the old name of the Globetrotters' regular opponents, replacing them with the Washington Generals
.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
they also played some games in the Philadelphia Arena
Philadelphia Arena
The Philadelphia Arena was an arena used mainly for sporting events located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.The building, originally named the Philadelphia Ice Palace and Auditorium, was located at 4530 Market Street, next to what would become the WFIL TV Studio which broadcast American Bandstand. ...
.
The name "Spha" was originally an acronym, derived from South Philadelphia Hebrew Association, and naturally the team's players were primarily Jewish. Many pundits of the time tried to explain this on the basis of genetics
Genetics
Genetics , a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms....
, stating that Jews were naturally more dexterous, had better rhythm, and more intrinsic athletic ability, exactly the same sort of comments that would later be made about basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
with regard to African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
s in later years. At times writers used more specifically (and derogatory) Jewish stereotypes: Paul Gallico
Paul Gallico
Paul William Gallico was a successful American novelist, short story and sports writer. Many of his works were adapted for motion pictures...
stated that they did well because "the game places a premium on an alert, scheming mind". The team was doomed once the National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
was formed and the owner of the Sphas got an NBA franchise (the Philadelphia Warriors) for the same arena. Essentially, the NBA destroyed the following of the entire league, which did not compete after 1953
1953 in sports
1953 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.-American football:* NFL Championship – Detroit Lions won 17–16 over the Cleveland Browns-England:* First Division – Arsenal win the 1952–53 title....
although it did not formally cease to exist until 1955
1955 in sports
-American football:* NFL Championship – Cleveland Browns won 38-14 over the Los Angeles Rams* Oklahoma Sooners - college football champions.-England:* First Division - Chelsea win the 1954-55 title.* FA Cup - Newcastle United beat Manchester City 3-1....
.
History
The Sphas were organized in 1917 as an amateur team by Eddie Gottlieb (Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and International Jewish Sports Hall of FameInternational Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame was opened July 7, 1981, in Netanya, Israel. It honors Jewish athletes and their accomplishments from anywhere around the world....
honoree), Harry Passon, and Hughie Black shortly after their high school graduation. Always a team of considerable prowess whether the competition was amateur or professional, from 1933 to 1946 the Sphas were the most dominant team in the professional American Basketball League (ABL), capturing 7 league championships in 13 seasons.
Called the Sphas because the South Philadelphia Hebrew Association bought the players uniforms, the team featured many eastern U.S. top college graduates, including Harry Litwack
Harry Litwack
Harold "Chief" Litwack was a college men's basketball coach. He served as head coach of Temple University from 1947 to 1973, compiling a 373-193 record....
(IJSHOF honoree), Cy Kaselman, Davey Banks, Moe Goldman (ABL MVP 1937-38), Shikey Gotthofer, Mendy Snyder, Irv Torgoff
Irv Torgoff
Irving Torgoff was an American basketball player of the 1930s and 1940s.Torgoff was born in Brooklyn, New York and played basketball at Tilden High School. He attended Long Island University from 1935 to 1939 and was a two-time All-American for coach Clair Bee...
, Red Wolfe, Max Posnack, Gil Fitch, Jerry Fleishman
Jerry Fleishman
Jerome Fleishman was an American former professional basketball player.A 6'2" guard/forward from New York University, Fleishman played five seasons in the Basketball Association of America/National Basketball Association as a member of the Philadelphia Warriors...
and many others. All but a few Sphas players were Jewish during the club's many years of amateur and professional existence.
Originally an independent team sponsored by the Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA), the players found a new home in 1921 at the South Philadelphia Hebrew Association when the YMHA withdrew its sponsorship. Soon, their local skills earned them a spot in the Philadelphia League, where they won two consecutive championships, after which the league disbanded. The Sphas then joined the Eastern League for 1925-26, but it went out of business that same season.
Refusing to keep his team idle, owner-coach Gottlieb, the consummate basketball entrepreneur, promoted a series of exhibition games against leading pro teams from New York's Metropolitan League and the new ABL, then in its first year of operation. When the Sphas won five of six games, losing only to the ABL's top team, the Cleveland Rosenblums
Cleveland Rosenblums
The Cleveland Rosenblums was an American basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio that was one of the original members of the American Basketball League...
, Gottlieb arranged for best-of-three series against both the Original Celtics
Original Celtics
The Original Celtics were a barnstorming professional basketball team in the 1920s. There is no relation to the modern Boston Celtics. The Original Celtics are often credited with extending the reach of basketball across America and for establishing the importance of aggressive defensive play...
and the New York Renaissance
New York Renaissance
The New York Renaissance, also known as the Renaissance Big Five and as the Rens, was an all-black professional basketball team established February 13, 1923, by Robert "Bob" Douglas in agreement with the Renaissance Casino and Ballroom...
(an all-Black team). The Sphas defeated the fabled Celtics in three games, and the Rens twice by scores of 36-33 in overtime and 40-39. Within approximately six weeks, the minor league Sphas had won 9 of 11 matches against the most celebrated teams in professional basketball.
When the Eastern League found new life in 1929, the Sphas once again joined its ranks, winning three championships in four seasons. This success led to an invitation from the newly reorganized ABL, which had been dormant for two Depression years.
In 1933, the Sphas were Eddie Gottlieb's ABL franchise entry. The team promptly captured three League championships in four years, eventually winning seven titles in 13 years (1933–34, 1935–36, 1936–37, 1939–40, 1940–41, 1942–43, 1944–45), and they were runners-up twice. The team's uniform tops featured samach, pey, hey, and aleph—Hebrew letters spelling Sphas—and a Jewish star. In case opponents or spectators did not understand, the back of the team's road uniforms said "Hebrews"!
In 1946, following World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the Basketball Association of America
Basketball Association of America
The Basketball Association of America was a professional basketball league in North America, founded in 1946. The league merged with the National Basketball League in 1949, forming the National Basketball Association ...
, forerunner of the NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
, debuted, and the ABL ceased to be a major league. With Gottlieb establishing the Philadelphia Warriors as his BAA franchise, his Sphas continued with the minor league ABL and as a touring opponent of the Harlem Globetrotters
Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism, theater and comedy. The executive offices for the team are currently in downtown Phoenix, Arizona; the team is owned by Shamrock Holdings, which oversees the various investments of the Roy E. Disney family.Over...
. Gottlieb sold the team in 1950 to former Sphas star Red Klotz
Red Klotz
Louis Herman "Red" Klotz is a former NBA point guard with the original Baltimore Bullets, who is best known for forming the teams that play against and tour with the Harlem Globetrotters: the Washington Generals and the New York Nationals.-Background:Klotz was born in Philadelphia on October 21,...
, who retired the old name of the Globetrotters' regular opponents, replacing them with the Washington Generals
Washington Generals
The Washington Generals are an American exhibition basketball team, best known for their spectacular losing streak in exhibition games against the Harlem Globetrotters.-History:...
.
Year-by-year
| Year | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1925/26 | EBL | 3rd (1st half); 1st (2nd half) | No playoff |
| 1929/30 | EBL | 2nd (1st half); 1st (2nd half) | Champion |
| 1930/31 | EBL | 1st (1st half); 2nd (2nd half) | Champion |
| 1931/32 | EBL | 2nd (1st half); 1st (2nd half) | Champion |
| 1932/33 | EBL | 1st (1st half); 3rd (2nd half) | Finals |
| 1933/34 | ABL | 3rd (1st half); 1st (2nd half) | Champion |
| 1934/35 | ABL | 2nd (1st half); 1st(t) (2nd half) | 2nd Half Playoff |
| 1935/36 | ABL | 1st (1st half); 5th (2nd half) | Champion |
| 1936/37 | ABL | 2nd (1st half); 1st (2nd half) | Champion |
| 1937/38 | ABL | 4th (1st half); 3rd (2nd half) | Did not qualify |
| 1938/39 | ABL | 2nd | Playoffs |
| 1939/40 | ABL | 1st(t) | Champion (Round Robin) |
| 1940/41 | ABL | 1st (1st half); 4th (2nd half) | Champion |
| 1941/42 | ABL | 2nd (1st half); 3rd (2nd half) | No playoff |
| 1942/43 | ABL | 2nd | Champion |
| 1943/44 | ABL | 4th (1st half); 1st (2nd half) | Finals |
| 1944/45 | ABL | 1st | Champion |
| 1945/46 | ABL | 2nd | Finals |
| 1946/47 | ABL | 2nd, Southern | 2nd Round |
| 1947/48 | ABL | 6th | Did not qualify |
| 1948/49 | ABL | 8th | Did not qualify |