Mid-1960s NIBL Akron Goodyears Worn Warm-Up Jacket

The Akron Goodyears NIBL Jacket: A Piece of Basketball History

Introduction to the NIBL and Akron Goodyears

Founded in 1947, the National Industrial Basketball League (NIBL) provided a platform for mill workers to showcase their basketball prowess. Emerging from the industrial teams of the National Basketball League (NBL) that chose not to join the NBA, the NIBL became a beacon for competitive basketball. Among its esteemed members were the Akron Goodyears, a team that proudly represented the Eastern division of the league.

Details of the Akron Goodyears Jacket

This exquisite light blue satin-like jacket is a testament to the rich history of the Akron Goodyears. Inside the left seam, the jacket bears the distinguished “MacGregor” manufacturer’s tag, indicating a size “46”. Adjacent to this is a blank white label and the “All-Ohio” distributor’s tag, both showing signs of fraying, which adds to the jacket’s vintage charm. The outer rear cape is adorned with “GOODYEAR” in white tackle twill block letters, a bold declaration of the team’s identity. Although a patch has been removed from the sleeve, the jacket remains in beautiful overall condition.

Significance and Condition

The jacket is properly tagged and was presented to us as worn, and in our opinion, it shows wear, indicative of its storied past. Other than the mentioned alterations, there appear to be no further modifications, preserving its authenticity and historical value. This piece is not just a garment; it is a relic of a bygone era in basketball history, offering a tangible connection to the legacy of the NIBL and the Akron Goodyears.

• Historical Significance: Represents the Akron Goodyears, a key team in the NIBL.
• Authenticity: Properly tagged with original manufacturer and distributor labels.
• Condition: Shows wear consistent with its age and use, with minimal alterations.

Why This Jacket Matters

This jacket is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of the rich history and tradition of industrial basketball. The Akron Goodyears were a formidable team in the NIBL, and this jacket serves as a reminder of their contributions to the sport. For collectors and enthusiasts of basketball memorabilia, this jacket represents an opportunity to own a piece of history that is both rare and significant.

At Grey Flannel Auctions, we are proud to offer such unique and historically significant items. If you are interested in exploring more about our offerings or wish to consign sports memorabilia, we invite you to visit our website. Our appraisal services are also available for those looking to understand the value of their own treasured items.

In conclusion, the Akron Goodyears NIBL jacket is a remarkable artifact that captures the essence of a pivotal era in basketball history. Its authenticity, condition, and historical significance make it a must-have for any serious collector of sports memorabilia.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.