Ben Kerner

Ben Kerner
Born(1913-06-09)June 9, 1913
DiedNovember 22, 2000(2000-11-22) (aged 87)
Occupation(s)Businessman, sports-franchise founder and owner, basketball executive
Years active1946–1968, as owner of NBA's Tri-Cities Blackhawks, Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks
SpouseIma Jean Bilbrey (1934–2011)

Ben Kerner (June 9, 1913 – November 22, 2000) was an American professional basketball owner. He was the co-founder and owner of the St. Louis Hawks of the National Basketball Association, the present-day Atlanta Hawks. In 1946, Kerner co–founded with Leo Ferris a professional team in Buffalo, New York. The team then moved to become the Tri-Cities Blackhawks after a few games.[1] Kerner moved the franchise from Moline, Illinois, to Milwaukee in 1951 and to St. Louis in 1955. His 1958 St. Louis Hawks won the NBA Championship.[2][3]

  1. ^ "Team that's now Atlanta Hawks bailed on Buffalo 70 years ago". The Buffalo News. 2016-12-29. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  2. ^ Ray Cave. "Singing The Blues in St, Louis". SI.com. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  3. ^ "Ben Kerner". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved March 20, 2016.