Chicago Studebaker Flyers

The Chicago Studebaker Flyers (also known as the Chicago Studebakers) were a National Basketball League team from 1942 to 1943.^[1] They were funded by the United Auto Workers and replaced George Halas' Chicago Bruins, who folded in 1942.^[2]

During the 1942–1943 NBL season, the Studebakers and the Toledo Jim White Chevrolets became the first teams in the league to integrate. The Studebakers did so by signing six former Harlem Globetrotters: Tony Peyton, Duke Cumberland, Bernie Price, Sonny Boswell, Roosie Hudson, and Hillary Brown. Though some claimed that the former Globetrotters experienced racism from their white teammates, coach Johnny Jordan insisted that "there was no strife", adding, "All the blacks were treated well by players and fans. People knew the Globetrotters were great ballplayers. They were well received."^[2]

References

1. ^ Charley Rosen. The First Tip-Off. McGraw-Hill, 2008. 105.
2. ^ ^{a b} Douglas Stark. "Paving the Way - history of integration of African Americans into professional basketball league". Basketball Digest. February 2001. Retrieved on October 2, 2008.