Ohio Bootleggers Tickets

Basketball in Ohio has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Known for producing talented players and successful teams, Ohio has become a hub of basketball culture over time. However, there was a time when basketball in Ohio was intertwined with illegal activities like bootlegging.

The prohibition era in the United States lasted from 1920 to 1933, and during this period, alcohol production, transportation, and sale were strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, people found ways to get their hands on booze, and those who made and sold it were known as bootleggers. Ohio was no exception to this trend, and many bootleggers operated within its borders.

Interestingly, some of these bootleggers were also involved in basketball. They saw basketball as a means of promoting their alcohol business, and they used their influence to support local teams and players. Some even sponsored recreational leagues and tournaments, providing cash prizes and trophies to winners. It was a way for them to attract more customers and create goodwill in the community.

Moreover, some of these bootleggers came to own or run basketball teams themselves. For example, Nat Pierce, a notorious Cincinnati bootlegger, owned the Cincinnati Reds basketball team in the late 1920s. He used his team's success to promote his bootlegging business further. Similarly, Al Sibert, another Cincinnati bootlegger, established the Sibert A.C. basketball team and financed his team through his illicit dealings.

Besides financing teams and tournaments, bootleggers were also known to influence the outcome of games. They would bribe referees, pay off opposing players, or threaten violence to secure a win for their team. Although the extent of their involvement is not entirely clear, reports suggest that it was prevalent enough to affect the integrity of the game.

In conclusion, basketball in Ohio has had its share of bootleggers who sought to profit and promote their illicit business. It is a little-known but fascinating piece of basketball history that speaks to the sport's long-standing ties with American culture and society. While these bootleggers may have tarnished the game's integrity, they also played a crucial role in promoting it during a time when it was still gaining popularity.