recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
4 February 1947

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nationals Clash With Detroit Tonight

Novak & Chaney Lead Syracusans; Borgmann Team Travels Fast Pace

The Syracuse Nationals basketball team, back home after its most successful road trip of the season, open a three-game home stand in the Jefferson St. Armory tonight facing the Detroit Gems. Benny Borgmann has his Syracuse cagers in high gear and the club has a chance to pass the .400 mark with a win over Detroit. On the road last week the club defeated Tri-Cities and Oshkosh while dropping a two-point decision to Chicago in league games. It also won an exhibition with St. Louis Blues. Envisioning a chance to insure themselves a fourth spot in the eastern Division chase and a chance to move into a contending position for third if they have a successful home stand the Nats are anxious to get off on the right foot tonight. John Chaney and Mike Novak were the stalwarts of the club on the road. Chaney seems to have found himself. Jack Dugger was given plenty of work on the road trip and while he didn’t figure heavily in the scoring his work off the boards was a valuable aid to Syracuse and he may see much action tonight. Injuries struck at the Nats in the final road game Sunday when they defeated the St. Louis team in an exhibition game with Bob Nugent and Chick Meehan being forced to the sidelines. Nugent suffered a shoulder injury which left him in much pain and it is doubtful that he will play tonight. Meehan suffered a recurrence of a leg ailment which was hit in several occasions during the season and he believes he will be ready for action tonight. Detroit, tonight’s opponent, has been the soft touch for teams in both sections of the loop this year but Syracuse has fared no better than an even break in two engagements with the Gems. In the first game at Detroit the Gems took a 61-54 decision, but in Syracuse the Nats scored a 60-40 triumph. Since the last game between the two teams Detroit has added two members of the Harlem Globe Trotters, Willie King and George Boswell. Curtis Henderson has also been added to the roster. Last night in the Youngstown game King proved his worth by leading Detroit in scoring with 15 points. Ed Parry, one-handed showman of the Gems, is the team’s leading scorer having totaled 158 points in the first 21 games of his team while Fred Campbell, who has taken over the managership of the Detroit club, follows him with 138 points in 22 games.
4 January

## 1951

Minneapolis Lakers 90, Syracuse Nationals 77

## 1953

Syracuse Nationals 93, Baltimore Bullets 68

## 1956

Philadelphia Warriors 88, Syracuse Nationals 87

## 1957

Syracuse Nationals 116, Boston Celtics 106

## 1958

Syracuse Nationals 115, Boston Celtics 106

## 1959

Syracuse Nationals 118, Detroit Pistons 94

## 1960

Boston Celtics 127, Syracuse Nationals 120

## 1961

Cincinnati Royals 134, Syracuse Nationals 126
4 February 1955

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nats-Celtics Shatter Tie At Boston

Rivals Are Booked For Battle Tonight

Boston- The first place tie existing between Boston and Syracuse in the
Eastern Division of the National Basketball Association will be broken tonight
when the clubs meet at Boston Gardens. The Nats dropped into the deadlock when
it suffered a 104-85 shellacking at Fort Wayne last night. It was the Zollners
first triumph over Syracuse at Fort Wayne this season and their second in six
starts. The Nats and Celts are 2½ games in front of New York as they clash for
the eighth time this season. Syracuse holds a 4-3 edge in the series but has
not won a game in Beantown. After a close first period in which the lead
changed hands 13 times Fort Wayne took command. The Zollners sank 36 to 38 free
throws and outscored Syracuse from the floor 34-28. Larry Foust collected 22
points for the Zollners who played without the services of Andy Phillip and
George Yardley while Mel Hutchins added 20. Syracuse’s tall men were
practically helpless. Limping Dolph Schayes was limited to five points while
Earl Lloyd failed to score. Top man for the Nats was Billy Kenville with 18
points.

FORT WAYNE: Hutchins (7-6-20), Meineke (1-0-2), Rosenthal (7-4-18), Foust
(5-12-22), Brian (6-4-16), Houbregs (3-4-10), Walther (1-2-4), Zaslofsky
(4-4-12) TOTALS (34-36-104). SYRACUSE: Schayes (1-3-5), Lloyd (0-0-0), Seymour
(3-6-12), Kenville (4-10-18), Rocha (7-2-16), Farley (2-2-6), King (2-2-6),
Kerr (7-3-17), Tucker (1-3-5) TOTALS (28-29-85).

Score at halftime- Fort Wayne 50, Syracuse 40. Officials- Serafin and
Blebul.
18 January 1947

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nats In Fort Wayne; Indianapolis Is Next

The Syracuse Nationals professional basketball team, idle last night, moved up into a fourth place tie in the eastern division standings as the Tri-City squad had been leading them by one-half game dropped a 53 to 30 decision to the Chicago Gears. This morning the Syracuse team of eight men and Coach Benny Borgmann, along with Business Manager George Mingin, departed for Fort Wayne where they engage the Zollners tomorrow afternoon in the first of two road games. Tuesday night the team will be in Indianapolis to meet the Western Division leading Kautsky team before returning home for Thursday night’s game with Rochester. Borgmann, obviously pleased over the results of his team’s showing Thursday night against Oshkosh, was jubilant as the squad boarded the train and said he hoped for an even break on the road trip, but would be gunning for both games. He was loud in his praise of the players, pointing out that they had filled their jobs to perfection in the Oshkosh game and that no one player could be singled out as a star for all played together as a team. “I believe that exhibition tour through the East about a week ago put the club into its best playing condition of the year and from now on Syracuse will be a tough club to beat,” Borgmann added just before train departure.
7 January

## 1920

All-Syracuse 10, Company I of Ogdensburg 3

## 1951

Syracuse Nationals 73, Baltimore Bullets 69

## 1953

Syracuse Nationals 114, New York Knicks 93

## 1954

Syracuse Nationals 79, Fort Wayne Pistons 67

## 1956

Boston Celtics 105, Syracuse Nationals 99

## 1959

Syracuse Nationals 111, Philadelphia Warriors 99

## 1960

Syracuse Nationals 132, Cincinnati Royals 114

## 1961

New York Knicks 120, Syracuse Nationals 117

## 1962

Syracuse Nationals 123, New York Knicks 116
October 14

## 1919

**Utica Daily Press**- Syracuse To Organize Team

Strong Professional Club To Entertain Salt City Fans

There is considerable talk in Syracuse of organizing a fast semi-professional basketball quintet this winter and possibly the Salt City may be represented in the New York State Basketball League. The only one drawback at present is a suitable hall for the game and spectators, such as would patronize league basketball. The city has a wealth of basketball material as it would appear from a glance that a representative team could rank well among the leaders in the league. Rafter, Schwarzer, Crisp, Tormey and several others are rated among the best men of the state and all would be available for a Syracuse team.

## 1954

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Jenkins And Costello Join Collegians Against Nats

Kerr, Besdin And Palazzi to Perform; Syracuse Pros To Play Saturday

Billy Jenkins, former LeMoyne College basketball star, and Larry “Ronnie” Costello, Niagara University ace, today were added to the roster of the College All-Americans who will oppose the Syracuse Nationals Sunday night, Oct. 24, on the War Memorial court. Jenkins and Costello join an All-American array that will include John Kerr of Illinois, Togo Palazzi, former Holy Cross cage captain, and Mel Besdin, ex-Syracuse University leader. Billy is a former LeMoyne captain and has the second highest scoring record as a Dolphin, with 1,062 points. Now on Army duty in Fort Dix, N.J., he will fly here for the game, as will Besdin, also in service at Fort Benning, Ga. Coach Tom Niland of the All-American also obtained Costello after Eddie Gottlieb, coach and owner of the Philadelphia Warriors, announced that “Ronnie,” a Minoa boy, had joined forces with the Quakertown N.B.A. representatives. Costello is the holder of the all-time scoring record at Niagara. Coach Al Cervi’s Nationals worked out this afternoon at the Manlius School training site after being honored at the “Welcome Nats” luncheon tendered by the Exchange Club in the Onondaga Hotel ballroom this noon. The Nats first exhibition game will be against the New York Knickerbockers Saturday night in Poughkeepsie.
March 27, 1963

**Twins Falls (ID) Times**- Cincinnati, St. Louis Win Semi-Final Rounds Of Pro Cage Playoffs

The Cincinnati Royals whipped the Syracuse Nationals, 131-127, in overtime Tuesday night, winning the best-of-five Eastern Division semifinals playoffs in the National Basketball Association three games to two. The Royals now move on to Boston for the opening game of the best-of-seven Eastern finals Thursday against the Celtics, who finished first in regular season play. The Eastern champion will then meet the Los Angeles-St. Louis Western Division winner for the league title. The Hawks moved into the Western final against the Lakers by downing Detroit, 104-100. Syracuse tied it in regulation time with 20 seconds left on a hook shot by Johnny Kerr, then had an opportunity to win it with 4 seconds left when the Royals' Oscar Robertson stepped out of bounds while driving for the basket. The Nats worked the ball down court quickly with Chet Walker getting off the last shot at the buzzer. It rimmed the basket. Jack Twyman put the Royals out front to stay as the 5-minute overtime session opened with a three-point play. With Arlen Bockhorn hitting for two baskets, and Twyman, Robertson and Wayne Embry for one each, the Royals moved out to a 127-119 lead. The Nats cut it down to 127-125 with 21 seconds remaining and had possession of the ball when they lost their last opportunity on a bad pass. Adrian Smith then scored for the Royals and put it out of reach. Robertson had pulled the Royals from behind in the final period, scoring 10 of his 32 points after Cincinnati went into the last quarter trailing, 88-83. Veteran Bob Pettit and rookie Zelmo Beatty and Bill Bridges paced the St. Louis Hawks past the Detroit Pistons. Pettit, who averaged just over 35 points for the series, dumped in eight straight shots in the first quarter to send the Hawks in front, 23-14. But the Pistons recovered, trailed only 25-24 at the period's end, and then Detroit moved in front 34-33 early in the second quarter. At this point, Bridges took over, dropping in two baskets and five free throws as the Hawks went on top, 52-39. Detroit again retaliated, reducing its deficit to 54-47 at halftime. Beaty struck for three quick baskets in the first 2 minutes of the third quarter as the Hawks zoomed in front, 65-50. When Pettit ran into foul trouble and had to be benched, Beaty and Bridges, with their scoring and rebounding, combined to keep the Hawks ahead, 83-74, after three quarters. The Pistons staged a last quarter spurt and, with Don Ohl leading the way with four baskets and a free throw, pulled to within two points with 6:30 left. Two minutes later, with St. Louis still clinging to a two-point edge, Pettit dropped in three straight free throws and Beaty a basket that put the Hawks seven points in front and they held on to the finish.
31 January 1955

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nats Playing Three Games On Road During Week

Opportunity once more knocked at the door of the Syracuse Nationals in
the Eastern Division pennant race, but the portal remained closed, as the
Philadelphia Warriors collected a 98-83 decision at the War Memorial last
night. The Milwaukee Hawks upset Boston and the Nats needed only a victory over
the last place Warriors to take a game lead. Instead, they bowed, to remain in
a tie. The Syracusans have engagements at Fort Wayne Thursday, Boston Friday
and Rochester Saturday before returning for a Sunday night tussle with the New
York Knicks. Inability to score in the second period proved disastrous to
Syracuse, as Philadelphia became the second team to win two games here this
season. Minneapolis has also won two of three decisions at the War Memorial.
The Nats suffered another injury blow as Dolph Schayes was forced to retire
from play with a Charley horse after being bumped by Paul Hoffman, who played
just three minutes. Dolph will see limited service on the road trip.
Philadelphia outscored the Syracusans by a 27-3 margin in the second period to
take a 54-36 half time advantage, but the Nats were not licked until late in
the final quarter. With 5:55 to play, John Kerr’s rebound basket pulled the
Syracusans within three points at 77-74. Then Jack George intercepted a pass
and fed Paul Arizin, who notched the bucket. After Syracuse missed a field
goal, Ken Murray, sank a long set to give the Warriors a commanding 81-74 edge.
The Nats never again recovered. Game scoring honors went to Arizin with 21
points, while Neil Johnston netted 16, even though he fouled out after only 19
minutes of action. Earl Lloyd was tops for Syracuse with 19. Jim Tucker played
nine minutes in his debut, but failed to hit a field goal in four attempts. He
appeared out of condition.

PHILADELPHIA: Arizin (6-9-21), Graboski (4-5-13), Zawoluk (2-5-9),
Murray (6-3-15), Johnston (7-2-16), George (5-0-10), Hoffman (0-0-0), Dempsey
(1-5-7), Finn (1-0-2) TOTALS (32-29-93). SYRACUSE: Schayes (3-4-10), Rocha
(3-5-11), Lloyd (8-3-19), Kerr (1-1-3), Tucker (0-1-1), Seymour (6-4-16), King
(3-2-8), Kenville (4-1-9), Farley (0-6-6) TOTALS (28-27-83).

Score at halftime- Philadelphia 54, Syracuse 36.
October 13

## 1954

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Schayes Huffs And Puffs At Inaugural Workout

Dolph Schayes today realizes more than ever that he must work to catch up in conditioning with the rest of the Syracuse Nationals training squad following his initial drill with the team. The Nats, through President Dan Biasone, and Schayes came to a “mutual agreement” over terms to end the lanky Syracusan’s extended holdout. Principals appeared to be satisfied with terms. Schayes had been seeking an increase to $15,000 after drawing $12,500 last year. In the inaugural drill Schayes was by far the slowest man on the floor and twice asked for breathing spells during the scrimmage session ordered by Coach Al Cervi. He missed nine practices before coming to terms. A total of 13 men participated in the Manlius School workout, with Earl Lloyd missing due to a stomach ailment. A surprise candidate was Ralph Moore of LaSalle, who reported to the Nats for a trial. George King and Al Masino were among the outstanding stars in the scrimmage. King set up several neat plays and sank corner shots with regularity. Masino netted five of the team’s 10 baskets.
October 2

## 1954

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- 4 Dropped By Nationals

After two workouts Coach Al Cervi has released Jack Davidson of U.C.L.A., Dan Solinsky of St. Bonaventure, Bob Mayes of Chicago, and Bill Bailey of Mississippi State, players trying out with basketball Nationals. Rookies remaining are Sid Dawson of Michigan, Fletcher Johnson of Duquesne, Dick Farley of Indiana, Ken McBride of Maryland Teachers, John Kerr of Illinois, along with holdovers Jim Neal, Wally Osterkorn, Earl Lloyd, George King, Paul Seymour, Bill Gabor, Al Masino and Bill Kenville are working out at Manlius. Dolph Schayes is still a holdout. Red Rocha will report Oct. 7.

## 1956

**Syracuse Post Standard**- Kerr Accepts Nats' Terms

Long John Kerr, who was a key man in the title drive of 1954-55 as a rookie, came to terms for his third season with the Syracuse Nationals yesterday as Al Cervi's holdovers joined the rookies in training at the Manlius School gymnasium. The gay young giant from Chicago arrived in town Saturday with mixed emotions. His father-in-law wants him to forego basketball for a place in his trucking firm and Johnny was thinking seriously of going right back to the proposition. However, he came to terms with President Danny Biasone emthusiastically and entered into training with a zest. Kerr, former U. of Illinois star, is back to his rookie weight after having been far under his normal poundage last season. Kerr was a standout the season before last but didn't measure up to that standard last year altho he scored 961 points and grabbed 607 rebounds. Ed Conlin and Bill Kenville are balking at contract terms. They began practice yesterday with the others, but will not be permitted to go with the team to Plattsburgh Thursday if they are not under contract. The Nats will play Rochester Friday and Saturday and will reside in PLattsburgh several days before training. Lanky Johnny Hogan, who was Fort Wayne's No. 1 draft choice pick from Dayton a year ago but failed to stay with the Pistons, decided to end his bid for a job with the Nats yesterday. Dick Kenyon, LeMoyne star who took time off from a New York job to try out did not appear yesterday.
May 1

## 1920

**Auburn Citizen**- All Set For Court Duel

Art Powell of Buffalo or Benzoni of Rochester will be the eleventh man
on the floor when the Owasco Canoe Club five stacks up against Jim Tormey’s
All-Stars of Syracuse this evening on the State Armory court. Either one of
these referees is fully versed in all departments of the game and both have
made a big hit with local fandom, particularly Benzoni. That the big drill hall
will be packed to capacity is a surety judging from the extraordinary demand
for reservations. Local enthusiasts have been clamoring to see Tormey, Rafter
and Casey in action here and at last they are about to have their desires
appeased. Tormey and his squad which besides Rafter and Casey is made up of
Barsha and Simons are eager for the setto and will leave nothing undone to cop
the laurels, particularly so as it would be a big feather in their hat to down
the Canoeists for the drubbing they administered to Wilbur Crisp and his
basketeers here last Tuesday. The fans can hardly wait for the battle to start
for it has all the earmarks of being the most sensational ever staged here. The
Paddlers had a stiff practice last evening and all the boys showed real class.
With Rafter and Casey on the floor it is figured that the local guards will
have the battle of their lives. Larry Weltman will also have a hard struggle as
he will be pitted against Tormey who will jump center. Tormey’s outfit might
well be called the All-Syracuse outfit, for only Crisp is lacking. Rafter was
the best point getter for Syracuse in field goals.
May 2

## May 2

**Syracuse Herald**- Syracuse Is Winner Over Auburn Team

With Schwarzer Back On Team, Locals Win By 18 To 11 Score; Takes
Crsip’s Place; Victorious Quintet Likely To Remain Intact For Next Season

The Syracuse All-Stars last night defeated the Owasco Canoe Club’s
basketball team in Auburn by a score of 18 to 11, the game being one of the
best ever played in the prison city. The victory for the local team was
featured by the return of Joe Schwarzer as a playing mate of Tormey, Casey,
Rafter, et al. Schwarzer left the All-Syracuse team early last winter after a
row with the management, mainly over money matters. He had been playing
indifferent and individual ball for several games but claimed it was due mainly
to misunderstandings with Wilbur Crisp whom he replaced in the lineup last
night. It is understood players of the team will endeavor to “stick together”
and take the floor for play at the start of next season with exactly the same
team as played last night. Auburn had the advantage in the early part of the
game and led at half by a score of 9 to 7. The Syracusans rallied early in the
second period and put up a brand of ball that swept the canoeists off their
feet. The score follows:

SYRACUSE: Rafter, rf (1-0-2), Tormey, lf (0-0-0), Schwarzer, c (2-2-6),
Casey, lg (1-0-2), Barsha, rg (4-0-8) TOTALS (8-2-18). AUBURN: Davis, lf
(1-0-2), Ogden, lf (2-5-9), Weltman, c (0-0-0), Harrop, c (0-0-0), King, rg
(0-0-0), Aubin, lg (0-0-0) TOTALS (3-5-11).

**Syracuse Post Standard**- Canoe Club Team Loses To Tormey’s Stars
From Syracuse By 7 Tallies

In one of the most brilliant basketball duels ever staged in Auburn
Tormey’s All-Stars from Syracuse defeated the Owasco Canoe Club tonight by the
score of 18 to 11. The crowd was the largest of the season, outnumbering the
record-breaking crowd that witnessed the downfall of Wilbur Crisp and the
official All-Syracuse five last Tuesday night.

CANOE CLUB: Davis, lf (1-0-2), Ogden, lf (2-5-9), Weltman, c (0-0-0),
Harrop, c (0-0-0), King, rg (0-0-0), Aubin, lg (0-0-0) TOTALS (3-5-11).
ALL-STARS: Rafter, rf (1-0-2), Tormey, lf (0-0-0), Schwarzer, c (2-2-6), Casey,
lg (1-0-2), Barsha, rg (4-0-8) TOTALS (8-2-18).
October 29

## 1946

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Borgmann Sends Eight To Uticans

The Utica basketball team of the New York State League had eight new players on its roster today after Bennie Borgmann made his first cut of the season with the Syracuse National’s entry in the National League. Among those optioned to Utica was Stan Kruze, former Syracuse University regular who will stay in Syracuse to coach the St. John the Baptist team in the Parochial League. Others released yesterday by Borgmann were James Clarke, Syracuse; Dale Wells, Avon; Stan Pelezarski, Pittsburgh; Bernie Hoffman, Jasper, Ind.; Harold Anderson, Munsing, Mich.; Mark Marlaire, Illinois, and Ted Wybernac, Jamestown. The squad has moved to the Y.M.C.A. for drills this week and instead of two hour sessions twice a day the drills are now on a three-hour basis just once a day. Owner Dan Biasone plans to take the squad to Schenectady Thursday night to witness an exhibition game between the Chicago Gears and the Rochester five so that his players may gain some idea of what to expect during the season.

## 1954

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Kerr Shines As Nats Win 6th In Row

With the exhibition season concluded following a 103-87 victory over the Baltimore Bullets in Spartansburg, S.C., the Syracuse Nationals today await the opening of the National Basketball Association pennant race here tomorrow night. Jim Neal played in his final game for the Nats and accounted for 15 points against the Bullets. He had been told he would be cut from the squad following the exhibition on his alma mater Wofford College floor. The Nats are attempting to sell Neal to the Bullets and if unsuccessful will place him on a waiver prior to handing him an outright release. In winning all six pre-season tilts the Nats averaged 96.67 points per game while the opposition accounted for 87. Four times the Nats exceeded 100 points per game. High scorer for Syracuse was Johnny Kerr with 18 points. his production was matched by Frank Selvy of Baltimore. The Nats were in front throughout. First home game for the Nats will be against Minneapolis Sunday night. The Lakers open in New York tomorrow.
SYRACUSE: King (5-1-11), Schayes (4-3-11), Seymour (6-0-12), Farley (3-2-8), Rocha (1-0-2), Neal (7-1-15), Gabor (6-3-15), Kenville (3-0-6), Osterkorn (3-0-6), Kerr (7-3-17) TOTALS (45-13-103). BALTIMORE: Henrickson (3-0-6), Hoffman (6-0-12), Selvy (4-10-18), Roges (3-0-6), Slaughter (1-3-5), Simmons (3-0-6), Houbregs (4-3-11), King (1-0-2), Tehaonick (2-0-4), McGuire (3-0-6), Smyth (4-3-11) TOTALS (34-19-87). Score at halftime- Syracuse 59, Baltimore 42. Free throws missed- Syracuse: Schayes, Farley 3, Neal. Baltimore: Henrickson, Selvy 3, Roges, Simmons, McGuire 2, Smyth. Attendance- 1,400 paid.
September 16

## 1958

**Kingston Daily Freeman**- Philly Warriors, Syracuse Nats Play In Kingston, October 17

American Legion To Sponsor Game At Field House

Two of the most colorful teams in the National Basketball Association—the Philadelphia Warriors and the Syracuse Nats will play an exhibition game at the Kate Walton Field House on Friday, Oct. 17. The contest will be sponsored by Kingston Post American Legion and replaces the annual American Legion Ball as fund raising project. Plans for the game were announced today by Andrew Murphy III. Both teams have guaranteed the appearance of the regular NBA lineups. Philadelphia will also show a new coach in Al Cervi, former dynamic leader of the Nats and one of the all-time great pro basketball coaches. Cervi recently signed a 2-year contract with the Warriors. He succeeds George Senesky, who piloted the Warriors against the Rochester Royals in a Legion exhibition here last year. Appearing with the Warriors will be, among others the fabulous Paul Arizin, Tom Gola, Woody Sauldsberry, Neil Johnston and others. Syracuse will show two great names in Dolf Schayes, the all-time NBA scoring leader, Ed Conlin and others. Further details will be announced later.
September 13

## 1961

**Yonkers Herald Statesman**- Syracuse Nationals Sign Up Draft Choice

Syracuse—The Syracuse Nationals of the National Basketball Association signed Rex Tippett, a 6-foot-4 graduate of Grambling (La.) College, yesterday. Tippitt, a draft choice last spring, was the 12th player to contract with the Nats for 1961-62. Joe Roberts, who played with Ohio State's national basketball champions two years ago, signed for his second season with the Nats. Sidelined with minor injuries early last season, Roberts wound up scoring 322 points in 68 games.
16 January 1955

**Syracuse Herald American**- Nats-Royals Resume ‘Unique’ Series

Syracuse Wins 3, Loses One; Yet Rochester Outscores Foe

One of the most unusual series in the
National Basketball Association this season is resumed at the War Memorial
tonight when the Syracuse Nationals entertain the Rochester Royals. The teams
have clashed four times this year and the Royals have outscored Syracuse by a
20-point margin. However, the Nats hold a 3-1 victory margin. Tonight is the
second game for the rivals at the war memorial. Syracuse was an 82-72 victor in
the previous start here. At Rochester, the Nats won by an 80-79 count and later
lost 105-78. The fourth meeting was at New York where the Cervi-men eked out an
84-82 decision. Bobby Davies, one of the all-time greats of the NBA, is
sparking the Royals in a drive to reach the .500 mark. Earlier in the campaign,
Bobby was relegated to a spot role as a reserve. It affected his play
considerably. When Coach Les Harrison decided to reinstate him to a starting
role, Davies began to click and has upped his scoring average two points per
game. This will be his last year in the loop. He has signed to coach the
Gettysburg College cagers next season. Two other members of the visiting cast will participate with the West All-Stars against a Cervi-coached team Tuesday. Bobby Wanzer and Arnie Risen have been honored. Wanzer is the team’s leading scorer with 447 points. Risen is recovering from an injured leg which forced him to miss three games. Cervi plans to use John Kerr in a starting role against the Royals. He has been particularly effective against Risen and played one of his best games at home against Fort Wayne Thursday. With Kerr will be George King, Paul Seymour, Dolph Schayes and Earl Lloyd. This will let Red Rocha be used in crucial spots.

Sinicola Nets 27; Nats Beaten, 106-96

The Lenox Merchants stopped Syracuse of the National Basketball
Association for the second time this year winning by a 106-96 count before
1,000 fans at the Armory here last night. Zeke Sinicola, ex-Niagara and Fort
Wayne star, netted 27 points to top game scorers while Dick Surhoff, a New York
Knick castoff, had 25. Dolph Schayes was high man for Syracuse with 21 while
Billy Hassett came out of retirement and finished with 14. The Nats started
Schayes, Dick Farley, John Kerr, Billy Kenville and Hassett. Ex-Nat Gerry Calabrese tallied seven points for Lenox.

LENOX: Surhoff (12-1-25), Mahoney (2-9-13), Kubachki (3-3-9), Daukas
(2-1-5), Sinicola (11-5-27), Knight (4-3-11), Harrell (3-3-9), Calabrese
(3-1-7) TOTALS (40-26-106). SYRACUSE: Schayes (7-7-21), Lloyd (1-4-6), Farley
(6-2-14) Seymour (6-1-13), Kerr (2-3-7),
Rocha (1-0-2), Kenville (7-5-19), King (0-0-0), Hassett (3-8-14) TOTALS
(33-30-96).
November 23

## 1919

**Syracuse Herald**- Tormey To Play With All-Syracuse

Jim Tormey, former star forward of the Georgetown University basketball quintet, yesterday joined the All-Syracuse five. Manager Wilber Crisp is elated over the addition of Tormey to his crack string of basketball tossers. Aside from playing with several winning teams during the past few years, Tormey has coached the Assumption Catholic Union quintet. Under his instruction the team has made a good record.

**Syracuse Post Standard**- Tormey Joins All-Syracuse Court Stars

All-Around Athlete To Play With Crisp’s Strong Team

Jim Tormey, one of the greatest all-around athletes Syracuse has developed in a decade, yesterday signed to play with the All-Syracuse basketball quintet during the 1919-1920 season, according to Manager Wilber Crisp. Tormey probably is one of the best known basket tossers in this section of the country. Tormey played with the Georgetown University quintet for three years and was regarded as one of the most accurate shooters in the big colleges during his career. Since leaving college Tormey has been playing with various teams and his work has been of a high order. He is tall and rangy and possesses an uncanny ability in shooting baskets or warding off the efforts of opponents. For the past three seasons Tormey has devoted considerable attention to the coaching of amateur teams and his work as instructor of the Assumption Catholic Union quintet has attracted much attention. Manager Crisp intends to use Tormey either at center of forward. His addition to the team leaves but one position vacant. Schwarzer has been secured to jump center, Rafter will play one of the forwards with Tormey at the other front line job, while Crisp will play a guard. Crisp is now looking for the services of another guard and probably will make an announcement within the next few days. The first home game of the season will be played at the State Armory on December 2 with the powerful Kodaks of Rochester furnishing the opposition. The Kodaks are rated as one of the best teams in this section of the country.
September 19

## 1954

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nats Basketeers Will Report Sept. 30

6 Rookies To Receive Hoop Tests; Schayes, Gabor Outside Fold

Six unsigned rookies have been invited to attend opening practice of the Syracuse Nationals basketball team Sept. 30 at Manlius School gymnasium. Coach Al Cervi will assemble the 1954 Nat aggregation at noon for a short talk, to be followed by a clambake with stockholders before settling down to actual drills. The six candidates invited to participate in the drills on a look-see basis are: Dan Solinsky, ex-St. Bonaventure teammate of Bill Kenville; Jack Davidson of California U.; Fletcher Johnson, Duquesne; Bobby Myers, Chicago; Bill Hoffer, West Virginia, and Rudy Valenzi of Utica. They will join with signed rookies Johnny Kerr and Dick Farley of Illinois, and Ken McBride, recently released from the Army. Regulars already under contract and due to report for the initial season include: Paul Seymour, George King, Wally Osterkorn, Jim Neal, Al Masino and Kenville. Dolph Schayes, Bill Gabor and Earl Lloyd are presently listed as holdouts. If they have not agreed to terms by the opening session they will not be allowed to drill with the squad. Schayes and Gabor are due for conferences with Leo Ferris, general manager, this week. Lloyd has been in telephone negotiations with Ferris.
16 January 1947

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nats Tackle Oshkosh At Armory Tonight

Locals Seek 5th Straight Home Victory: Visitors Boast Lanky Players
The Oshkosh All-Stars, loaded with height, and anxious to get back on the win path after losing to Rochester Tuesday, face Syracuse in a National Basketball game tonight at the Jefferson Street Armory. Syracuse itself is ready for the game and hopes to make Oshkosh its fifth straight home victim. The Syracuse team has been intact for a week in practice sessions and exhibition games in this area, and several players along with Coach Benny Borgmann scouted the All-Stars Tuesday night. John Chaney was absent from drills Tuesday with a slight cold, but he has recovered sufficiently to play tonight. Borgmann is convinced that Syracuse will be forced to make Oshkosh play the Nationals style of game rather than the deliberate technique practiced in the Midwest. He has been working his charges hard on methods of stopping the pivot and double pivot used by the All-Stars. LeRoy Edwards, six foot four inch forward, and Gene Englund, six-five center, have been the most effective inside men for Oshkosh this year, while the play of Clinton Wager in back court has been exceptionally good. Wager also tops the six foot mark by five inches and he specializes in set shots. Syracuse may have to use both John Gee and Mike Novak in the lineup at the same time to offset some of the height of the visitors who do not have a single player on the squad of nine men that fails to reach the six-foot mark. Novak will have the task of stopping Englund, who led the scorers in the Rochester game Tuesday night with 23 points, and if the big Syracusan lives up to his past performances here the visitor may be in for one of his toughest nights of the season. George Nelmark and Jerry Rizzo, both starters for the Nationals tonight, were members if the Syracuse delegation which went to Rochester to scout the All-Stars. Along with Novak, Nelmark and Rizzo, Coach Borgmann is expected to start John “Chick” Meehan and John Chaney but may switch to either Gee or Steve Sharkey if Chaney is not able to play.
March 27, 1948

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nationals Fight With Back Against Wall

The Syracuse Nationals basketball team tonight is faced with a "Do or Die" task as it faces the Anderson Packers at the Coliseum, in what may be the final National League game of the season here. Gaining a two-game edge in the best three-out-of-five series, the Packers are favored to sweep the Syracuse series tonight. Both of Anderson's previous triumphs in the post-season play were gained on the Indianans' home court. Members of the Syracuse squad took advantage of yesterday's idleness to become better acquainted with the Coliseum floor and put in a long shooting drill yesterday afternoon. One factor on Syracuse's side tonight is that Anderson has been a much weaker team on the road all year than when playing on its home court. The Packers were credited with 28 triumphs in 30 home contests, while dropping 16 of 30 on the road. Against Syracuse in schedule play, Anderson won 5 and lost only 1. The one loss was two weeks ago at the Armory here, while the Packers' victories on the Syracuse floor were by two and five-point margins. Jim Homer, the Nats' leading scorer for the year, has not been too effective in recent games, and he was missing from the Nats' workout at the Coliseum yesterday. He has been suffering for nearly a week with an aggravated injury on his right foot. He will play tonight. Set shots proved a valuable asset to the packers in the two earlier triumphs. The Anderson Court is only 74 feet in overall length, and several of its buckets were on shots from the midcourt line. This feat is not likely to be repeated on the longer Coliseum floor. In the event that Syracuse wins the game tonight, a fourth tilt will be scheduled tomorrow night at the Coliseum. Such a game would mark the first post-war Sunday night basketball attraction at the Fairgrounds, which at one time was noted for its Sabbath hockey attractions. League Commissioner Ward Lambert indicated the same officials who worked in the opening set of games would be see here. That means Kriznecky of Chicago and Chuckovits of Cleveland will be the whistle tooters.
Syracuse Nationals on the Other Court

**20 October 1952**- United States vs. Syracuse Professional Basketball Club, Inc.

21 October 1952, Gloversville Morning Herald- Basketball 5 Sued By U.S.; 'Overcharged'

Syracuse (AP)--The United States yesterday brought a treble-damage action against the Syracuse Professional Basketball Club, Inc.; for allegedly charging more than ceiling prices for Syracuse Nationals games last season. The Nationals are a member of the National Basketball Association. U.S. Atty. Edmund Port said the club charged $11,843.35 more than Office of Price Stabilization ceilings on ticket prices. The complaint, which Port said he filed yesterday with the clerk of U.S. District Court in Syracuse, alleges that the violations took place from Oct. 21, 1951, through April 3, 1952. A spokeman said the organization "denied any overcharges" but declined to comment further. The civil action, brought on request of the OPS, charges that the club allegedly overcharged on certain seats when it moved the Nats games from the State Fair Coliseum to the Onondaga County War Memorial Auditorium on Oct. 21, 1951. It further alleges that during 1952, the club continued to include in its ticket prices the 5 percent Syracuse City admissions tax which did not exist after Dec. 31, 1951.

8/25/54

6/11/60
October 5

## 1954

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Schayes Drilling Daily At Y.M.C.A. Gymnasium

Although the Syracuse Nationals and Dolph Schayes are seemingly far apart in contract negotiations, the big fellow is conditioning at the Y.M.C.A. daily. Leo Ferris, Nats general manager, asserts Schayes has been given a final offer and the club has no intention of revising his contract. Ferris said: “Schayes’ demands are unreasonable and beyond the limits of the financial structure of the Nats organization as well as beyond the limits in comparison with other teams within the National Basketball Association.” Dolph admits there is “quite a difference in our salary view-points,” but feels he is not unfair in his demands. Schayes, explaining the daily drills at the Y.M.C.A. said: “I know I’m usually in poor shape in early season and need plenty of work, so I have set myself a schedule which calls for at least two and sometimes three workouts a day.”
November 18

## 1946

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Bob Synnott Is Released By Nationals

Pointing for their next home game with Buffalo Thursday night, the Syracuse Nationals this afternoon resumed practice at the Armory, after losing to Rochester Saturday night in the Flower City. Coach Ben Borgmann is seeking new talent to bolster his charges, and announced the release of big Bob Synnott, a veteran pro who appeared to be near the end of the court trail in fast company. Borgmann made plans for Jerry Rizzo to take over coaching reins for four league games, after the next two contests, while the former attends the major-minor leagues baseball convention at Los Angeles as a St. Louis Cardinal scout. Ben will be at the helm against Buffalo Thursday night, but will leave for the coast following the game in Detroit, Nov. 27.

## 1954

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nats Play Fort Wayne Tonight

Bargain Bill At Memorial Auditorium; Warriors Oppose Knicks At 7:30

Basketball returns to the War Memorial tonight with an N.B.A. doubleheader involving leaders in both divisions of the loop. It is the only all N.B.A. twin bill carded here this season. The Nats, who have played six of eight games this season on foreign courts, will entertain Fort Wayne, current Western Division leaders, in the nightcap. At 7:30 o’clock, the Philadelphia Warriors, occupants of first place in the eastern chase, will play the runner-up New York Knicks. It will be the first appearance here this season of the three out of town teams, and it marks a return home after an 11-day absence for Syracuse. Several rookies and Charlie Eckman, the Fort Wayne coach, will be making their professional bows here. The Zollners have added rookie Dick Rosenthal, last year’s captain of Notre Dame to the roster, and have obtained Paul Walther from Philadelphia and Jim Fritsche from Baltimore. Larry Costello, Minoa native and former Niagara star, has earned a starting berth with Philadelphia and is averaging 8.33 points per game. Other new Warriors are Gene Shue and Tom Brennan, but perhaps the soundest addition to Ed Gottleib’s team is Paul Arizin, a returnee after two year’s service with the Marines. New York will offer rookie Jack Turner, Chuck Grigsby, Fred Christ and Bob Cook and in addition now has Ray Felix, a star in Baltimore last season. The five New York holdovers are: Harry Gallatin, Nat Clifton, Carl Braun, Dick McGuire and Jim Baechtold. Syracuse has managed to stay in contention in the loop race despite the fact it is next to the lowest scoring team in the league. Milwaukee is the only team in the race with a lower point per game average than the Nats. The same two clubs are the only ones who have failed to reach 100 points in one or more games. Syracuse tallied 97 against the Hawks who netted 95 in their best effort against Boston. Philadelphia and Fort Wayne have each been beaten but once this year and strangely enough their losses were to Syracuse. The Nats downed Philadelphia 86-85 and won from Fort Wayne 88-86. The Warriors beat New York 87-86 in their only engagement this season at Philadelphia.
October 21

## 1946

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Borgmann Opens Drill At Armory

Coach Bennie Borgmann greeted his Syracuse Nationals basketball squad in its first practice today at the W. Jefferson St. Armory. Borgmann came here last night from Paterson, N.J., to assume command of the squad which will represent Syracuse in the National Professional League. Daily drills will continue until the opener of the season, Nov. 7, at Youngstown. Two road games will be played at Youngstown and Buffalo, before the Syracusans open their home season, with Youngstown, Nov. 14.

## 1962

**Binghamton Press**- Long Winter In NBA: Celts Open With 149

Big Bill Russell got the Boston Celtics off to a fast start last night and the National Basketball Association champions crushed the New York Knicks, 149-116, before a record opening game crowd of 10,705 in Boston Garden. The Knicks, who had won two straight, never came close as the Celtics sprinted to a 26-13 lead after five minutes. In the first period Boston made 67 percent of its shots amd led 44-27. At the half Boston was out front 80-59. The Sam Jones went on a scoring rampage and the champions opened the bulge to 103-67 by the halfway mark of the third period. Jones came out of the game at that point but stillpaced Boston's scorers with 25 points, hitting on 12 of 13 shots. Russell, seeing less duty than usual, as he was spelled by ex-St. Louis star Clyde Lovellette, scored 10 of Boston's first 14 points as the Celtics jumped off to their big lead. The Syracuse Nationals came from behind in the final period and beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 108-102, in the Nats' opening game. The Lakers, led through all the early going, by as much as 11 points at times, and had a 78-76 margin at the end of three periods. Syracuse went ahead for the first time two minutes deep in the last quarter, 82-80, on a long set shot by Al Bianchi. The lead changed hands five times in the next few minutes before the Nats went ahead to sty, 90-87, on a 3-point play by rookie Len Chappell. Lee Shaffer with 22 points and Hal Greer with 21 paced the Nats attack, while Elgin Baylor poured in 42 for the defending Western Division champions.

LOS ANGELES: Barnett (3-1-7), Baylor (15-12-42), Ellis (1-1-3), Jolliff (2-0-4), Krebs (6-2-14), LaRusso (2-2-6), Selvy (2-1-5), West (6-9-21) TOTALS (37-28-102). SYRACUSE: Bianchi (2-2-6), Chappell (3-1-7), Costello (6-5-17), Gambee (7-0-14), Greer (8-5-21), Kerr (4-2-10), Neumann (0-0-0), Schayes (1-0-2), Shaffer (8-6-22), Walker (4-1-9) TOTALS (43-22-108).
November 10

## 1946

**Syracuse Herald American**- Pro Basketball League Opens Thursday

Youngstown To Perform At Armory; Syracuse Quintet Starts Home Play

Professional league basketball will make its first appearance in years here Thursday night when the Syracuse Nationals inaugurate the 1946 season against Youngstown at the Jefferson St. Armory. The big drillshed, which will be the basketball center of Syracuse this year, has improved facilities for spectators and after the university includes its football season more bleachers will be added so that turnouts of 5,500 can be accommodated. A new electric scoreboard has been installed and a permanent public address system put in operation. Glass backboards were ordered some time ago and delivery has been promised before the opening game. The floor has been lengthened four feet on each end. Bennie Borgmann, who formerly managed the Syracuse Chiefs and Rochester Red Wings in the International Baseball League, is coaching the Nationals this year and is fast molding a strong aggregation from the players supplied by owner Dan Biasone. One of the most able performers is Jerry Rizzo who starred in college days at Fordham University but Long John Gee starred in his start. John Chaney who was a member of an AA-Southern team when he played at Louisiana State, is another who has impressed critics in early games on the road. Bob Nugent and Chick Meehan have won starting assignments, Nugent having been particularly effective with his set shots. Two veterans of the National League play, Bob Synnott and Ed Erban, have also performed well. The balance of the squad is made up of Sam Lieberman, Bob Shaddock, Les Rothman and Eulogio Piro. Youngstown, like Syracuse, is playing in the league for the first time.

Nats Beaten
Buffalo- After playing on fairly even terms for the first half, which saw Buffalo leave the floor leading by a 23 to 22 score, the Bisons spurted in the second to hand the Syracuse National cagers a 50 to 37 defeat in the opening game of the National League season here. It was the second loss in as many starts for the Syracuse entry.

## 1954

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nats Flying To Ft. Wayne

The Syracuse Nationals were booked for an afternoon practice session at Manlius School, an annual welcome dinner at Bellevue Club followed by an airplane trip to Fort Wayne where the club will oppose the Zollners tomorrow. League statistics today reveal the Nats rank next to last in scoring averages. Defensively, the Syracusans are third best behind Fort Wayne and New York. Philadelphia, which has played only one game, and New York have committed fewer personal fouls than the Nats. Following the contest in Indiana the Syracusans play at Milwaukee Saturday and Minneapolis Sunday. A Sunday night tilt is scheduled with Philadelphia in New York.
Lee Shaffer

Lee Philip Shafer II (born 23 Feb 1939) is an American former professional basketball player.

A 6'7" forward born in Chicago, Illinois, Shaffer starred at the University of North Carolina, where he was the ACC Men's Basketball Player of the Year in 1960. He then played three seasons (1961–1964) in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers franchise. An NBA All-Star in 1963, Shaffer held career averages of 16.8 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game.

## Links

* North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame - basketball inductee list
* Career Statistics - Shaffer
10 February 1920

**Syracuse Herald**- Syracuse Faces Stern Opponent Wednesday Night

Goodyear Tire And Rubber Company Five Has Lost But One Game

All-Syracuse will face one of the strongest
teams of the season in the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company basketball team,
which appears here Wednesday night on the State Armory court. The visitors have
a record of 12 victories and one defeat, which was at the hands of the Chicago
University five. Elmer Kieb, former Syracuse University athlete, is a member of
the team. He is holding down the pivot position and is playing a splendid game
for the invaders. It is expected that a record crowd will turn out to see the
teams battle for supremacy.
November 5

## 1954

**Syracuse Herald Journal**- Nationals Resume Manlius Drills

The Syracuse Nationals had a drill scheduled today at Manlius School before leaving for Boston and a battle tomorrow night with the Celtics. Yesterday’s drill was cancelled to permit seven members of the squad to battle virus colds. Only John Kerr, Paul Seymour and Dick Farley managed to escape illness. Plans call for the Syracusans to leave here by plane early tomorrow afternoon and return home immediately afterwards. A Sunday doubleheader is carded at the War Memorial with the Harlem Globetrotters facing the Toledo Mercuries in the opener followed by the Nats-Milwaukee league contest.