SPORTS FRANCHISE

Founded 1923 as the Rochester Seagrams, a semi-pro basketball team sponsored by the Seagram & Sons distillery. After several years as an independent team, joined the old District Basketball Association for the 1932-33 season, then played in the District Basketball League from 1934-36. Returned to independent status from 1936-45. Renamed the Rochester Pros in 1943, and became the Rochester Royals in 1945. Played in the National Basketball League (NBL) from 1946-48, and in 1949 jumped to the Basketball Association of America, predecessor of the National Basketball Association (NBA). NBL champions in 1946; NBA champions in 1951. Relocated to become the Cincinnati Royals in 1957.

Location:
Rochester, NY

Name	Occupation	Birth	Death	Known for
Al Cervi	Basketball	12-Feb-1917	9-Nov-2009	NBA Hall of Famer
Bob Davies	Basketball	15-Jan-1920	22-Apr-1990	Rochester Royals, Hall of Famer
Otto Graham	Football	6-Dec-1921	17-Dec-2003	NFL Hall of Famer
Alex Hannum	Basketball	19-Jul-1923	18-Jan-2002	NBA Hall of Famer
Jack Twyman	Basketball	11-May-1934	30-May-2012	Cincinnati Royals forward, NBA Hall-of-Famer

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