Carl Shaeffer
Carl Edgel Shaeffer (October 25, 1924 – October 25, 1974) was an American professional basketball player. He played for the Indianapolis Olympians in the National Basketball Association between 1949–50 and 1950–51 after a collegiate career at the University of Alabama.[1] Shaeffer was Alabama's first-ever professional basketball player.[2] He became a businessman in Indianapolis, Indiana after his short-lived NBA career.[2]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 25, 1924 Delphi, Indiana |
| Died | October 25, 1974 (aged 49) Delphi, Indiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Delphi (Delphi, Indiana) |
| College | Alabama (1945–1949) |
| NBA draft | 1949 / Undrafted |
| Position | Forward |
| Number | 18 |
| Career history | |
| 1949–1950 | Indianapolis Olympians |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
Personal life
Shaeffer served in the United States Army during World War II and was taken prisoner of war by German forces in Belgium on January 18, 1945.[3] Initially reported missing in action, he was later found to be a prisoner and was released at the end of the war.[3] Following his basketball career, Shaeffer operated a tavern in Brookston, Indiana.[3] He committed suicide by shooting himself on his 50th birthday in 1974.[3]
References
- "Carl Shaeffer NBA/ABA stats". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
- Millburg, Steve (2013). Gone Pro Alabama: Crimson Athletes Who Became Pros (2nd ed.). Covington, Kentucky: Clerisy Press. p. 311. ISBN 978-1-57860-525-5.
- "Carl Shaeffer". Peach Basket Society. Retrieved January 25, 2021.