Newark Bears (basketball)

Newark Bears/Mules
GameBasketball
Founded1933
Folded1935
LeagueAmerican Basketball League
Team historyNewark Bears (1933-1934)
Newark Mules (1934-1935)
Based inNewark, New Jersey, USA

The Newark Bears (also known as the Joe Fays and Newark Mules) was a short lived American basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey, that was a member of the American Basketball League (ABL). The team was renamed as the Newark Mules in 1934, and folded on January 18, 1935, following a merger with the New Britan Jackaways to become the New Britain Mules.

History

The Bears began play in the 1933-34 season, with head coach Abe Schartoff. In the Bears first season, they finished with a record of 13 wins and 22 losses. Bennie Borgmann led the team in points with 321.[1] Their second and final season, they Bears were renamed as the Newark Mules was led by head coach John "Honey" Russell.[2] Borgmann again led the team in points, with 258. On January 18, 1935, the Newark Mules folded following a merger with the New Britan Jackaways to become the New Britain Mules.[3][4]

Season-by-season record

Source:[5][6]

Year League GP W L Finish Playoffs
1933-34 ABL 35 13 22 7th (1st half); 5th (2nd half) Did not qualify
1934-35 ABL 24 12 12 4th (1st half) N/A (Team folded)

Head coaches

Source:[7]

References

  1. ^ "1933-34 Newark Bears Roster". February 10, 2026.
  2. ^ "1934-35 Newark Mules Roster". February 10, 2026.
  3. ^ Society, Peach Basket (2018-01-25). "Peach Basket Society: 1934-35 Newark / New Britain Mules (ABL)". Peach Basket Society. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  4. ^ "Hartford Courant Archive". Newspapers.com. 1943-03-24. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  5. ^ "American Basketball League II - 1933-34 ABL Season Overview". RetroSeasons. 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  6. ^ "American Basketball League II - 1934-35 ABL Standings". RetroSeasons. 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  7. ^ Society, Peach Basket (2018-01-25). "Peach Basket Society: 1934-35 Newark / New Britain Mules (ABL)". Peach Basket Society. Retrieved 2026-02-10.