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Bessemer
Whiz Kids

 Team and League History

 
  

December 1947

  
         
    Southern Professional Basketball League commissioner Raymond Johnson announces in Nashville that Bessemer has replaced Gadsden as home city for the Whiz Kids. No reasons were given for the move, but a 0-8 record and low fan interest no doubt played a large role in the move. Plans are for the team to split their games at the Bessemer High School gym and Birmingham's National Guard Armory.

The three Spitzer brothers, Raymond, Lloyd and Herbert will follow the club to Bessemer and Clifford Kyle will remain as head coach.

  
         
     
 

1947-48 Southern Professional Basketball League

 
 

Bessemer Whiz Kids (formerly the Gadsden Whiz Kids)

 
 

Birmingham Vulcans

 
  Jackson Senators  
  Memphis Legionnaires  
  Montgomery Rebels  
  Nashville Vols  
  
         
   January 1948   
         
    The Southern Professional Basketball League announces the Memphis Legionnaires franchise will move to Mobile and become the Mobile Bears. Games will be played in Mobile's Recreation Center.   
         
   March 1948   
         
    League commissioner Raymond Johnson announces that Birmingham, Montgomery and Nashville will form the playoff teams after Jackson withdraws due to injuries to three of their players. The three teams will play one another until one team has lost three games. The remaining two teams will play a best three out of five series for the championship.   
         
 
 
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Last Update: May 24, 2008