After nine seasons, the American Basketball Association faded into history in 1976. Four teams were absorbed into the NBA as part of a merger agreement, while the rest folded. That group included the Kentucky Colonels, who had won the ABA title just a year earlier.
Their trainer and travel secretary was young Lloyd Gardner, who was in the right place at the right time when it came to the team’s memorabilia. At the time it wasn’t worth a lot but Gardner latched onto a treasure trove of jerseys, programs and other memorabilia.
“I had 135 uniforms at one time,” he recalled.
He’s also collaborated on books about the Colonels and ABA history, some published in recent years.
He discusses his experiences with the Colonels, how he got his nickname (Pink) and his collection of sports memorabilia with David Peterkofsky of the ‘For Keeps’ podcast about collecting. Listen below.
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Notes: Video Shows Newport Collection; SoCal Show; BBCE’s Charity Autograph Session
