Let's put this ultra-rare 1946-1947 Los Angeles Red Devils basketball program in its historic context, by pointing out Jackie Robinson is styled as "Great Colored Star" on the second page of this vintage gameday souvenir. An indication of how far we've come since Robinson's ground-breaking entry into professional sports, this caption heads a brief biographical passage, accompanied by two photos of Jackie in his Red Devils basketball uniform.



The Los Angeles Red Devils are regarded as the first pro basketball team based west of Chicago. Pre-dating the NBA, this integrated team existed for the brief period 1946-1947. Under owner and coach Jack Duddy, the Devils took on some of the top pro basketball teams in the country, including NBL squads, George Mikan’s Chicago American Gears, and the Harlem Renaissance.



Robinson was a busy guy at the time, having just come off his first AAA baseball season with the Montreal Royals. He also led a baseball barnstorming tour during this period, as he was preparing for his first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Among Robinson's Red Devil teammates listed in this program, are fellow MLB stars Irv Noren and George Crow, along with NBL basketball player Eddie Oram, and Harlem Globetrotter “Ziggy” Marcelle.



You may never see a finer example of this program, which has neatly recorded entries on the centerfold scoring grids, for a game versus the Sheboygan Redskins at the Olympic Auditorium in LA. Though a light vertical compacting fold limits the grade to (VG-EX+), this condition is fairly unobtrusive, and otherwise this program is very pleasing, with a clean cover, solid spine, and vibrant graphics.

Opening Bid $250.