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Ralph Kaplowitz 1940's Philadelphia Sphas Signed H

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Ralph Kaplowitz 1940's Philadelphia Sphas Signed Home Jersey
The Philadelphia Sphas were organized in 1918 as an amateur team by Eddie Gottlieb (Naismith Hall of Fame) among others. 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. The name "Spha" was originally an acronym, derived from South Philadelphia Hebrew Association, and naturally the team's players were primarily Jewish. Playing their home games in the Philadelphia Arena, the fate of the team was sealed once the Basketball Association of America (forerunner of the NBA) was formed in 1946 and the arena's owner got a new franchise (the Philadelphia Warriors). The 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 changed the name of the team to the Washington Generals. Worn by star Ralph Kaplowitz, this supremely rare Sphas home jersey was manufactured by the Horace Patridge Co.. The jersey is completely original and unaltered including all tagging, lettering and the number "10" on reverse. It has been signed by Kaplowitz largely across the front. LOAs from MEARS (A8) and Grey Flannel.

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