The Criterion in Time: Basketball Team At The Michigan Ave, “ Y”

Published Criterion article on November 7th, 1985

This basketball team goes back to the mid ‘30s, and was organized at the Michigan Avenue YMCA. George Sarsnett, center, was the founder. He was the first Black on the Buffalo Police force.

He died shortly after, and the “Y” founded the George Sarsnett Basketball League.

Among those shown in the photo are: Leon Hall, trainer and swimming instructor; Eddie Carter; Ninnie Baker; Sam Guthrie, manager; Harold Robinson; King Peoples: and Eddie Walker. Roy Dixion, seated in the front of Mr. Sarsnett, was the mascot.

The Team was very popular and won most of its games and caused the League to be formed in the honor of the popular policeman.