The 1921 Cincinnati Celts

by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 4, 2009 10:26 AM EDT in Veterans of Cincinnati

Football in the state of Ohio has such a rich history and influence on the game itself, that fathers, innovators, creators, progressionists, words that define creativity and originality, were either born, played or coached in the Buckeye State. We're proud that men like Paul Brown and Sid Gillman -- among so much more -- influenced the sport coming through the state. The first professional football league was founded in Canton, along with teams in Canton, Cleveland, Dayton, Akron and Cincinnati -- who took on the name the Cincinnati Celts.

The Cincinnati Celts played one season, recording a 1-3 record under head coach Mel Doherty -- also the team's center.

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
1	10.2.1921	@ Akron Pros	L, 41-0
2	10.16.1921	@ Muncie Flyers	W, 14-0
3	10.23.1921	@ Cleveland Indians	L, 28-0
4	11.27.1921	@ Evansville Crimson Giants	L, 48-0

The 1921 Cincinnati Celts team roster.

Name	Position
Ferris Beekley	G
Ken Crawford	BB
Dane Dastillung	G
Fred Day	T
Mel Doherty	C
Guy Early	G
Earl Hauser	E
Shiner Knab	WB
Art Lewis	T
Lynch	G
Frank McCormick	FB
Tommy McMahon	FB
Tom Melvin	E
George Munns	TB
Ohmer	WB
Henry Orth	G
Walt Schupp	T
Dave Thompson	WB
Pete Volz	E

When the American Professional Football Association formed in 1920, the Traveling Team wasn't originally invited, joining a year later in 1921. Before the league was renamed as the National Football League, the Celts withdraw from the league, remaining an amateur team until 1923.

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We sure could use a good wingback like Shiner Knab now.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 4, 2009 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

I was practicing chipping during a lunch break at Triangle Park in Dayton and saw a sign that said it was the site of the first NFL game. It looks like the Dayton Triangles kind of became the Indianpolis Colts according to wikipedia.

http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/10/03/loc_ohiodate1003.html

by kirby28 on Apr 6, 2009 2:56 PM EDT reply actions