Basketball
Paul "Twister" Steinberg
Jacob Paul Steinberg
Steinberg, who also played professional football in the early years of the sport, was the first known Jewish professional basketball player; he turned pro with Little Falls, New York, in 1900. At the age of 18, Steinberg fought with Theodore Roosevelt at San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War.
Birth and Death Dates:
b. July 4, 1880 - d. Feb. 1964
Career Highlights:
Steinberg played as a professional for many teams from 1900-1910. He later coached at Cornell University from 1910-1912, and officiated college games. His coaching record at Cornell was 13-13.
Origin:
New York City
Steinberg, who also played professional football in the early years of the sport, was the first known Jewish professional basketball player; he turned pro with Little Falls, New York, in 1900. At the age of 18, Steinberg fought with Theodore Roosevelt at San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War.
Birth and Death Dates:
b. July 4, 1880 - d. Feb. 1964
Career Highlights:
Steinberg played as a professional for many teams from 1900-1910. He later coached at Cornell University from 1910-1912, and officiated college games. His coaching record at Cornell was 13-13.
Origin:
New York City