Founded: 1944 Folded: 1947 Location: Chicago, IL Arena: Chicago Coliseum/Cicero Stadium/Chicago International Amphitheatre Built in: Capacity: Titles: 1 |
The Gears played in the NBL for 3 seasons from 1944 until 1947. The team acquired local star George Mikan in 1946 and after a hold out he lead them to the 1947 NBL championship. Following the success and dominance of Mikan, Gears owner Maurice White decided to start his own league the Professional Basketball League of America which folded before finishing its inaugural season. One reason why the Gears and the PBLA failed was because George Mikan had not wanted to join the league and forced his way out, ultimately landing with the Minneapolis Lakers.
It is likely had the Gears not left the NBL in 1947 they would have been part of the merger with the BAA that ultimately formed the NBA. If this had happened than the Chicago Bulls may not exist today.
| Season | W | L | W/L% | Finish | Playoffs |
| 1947-48 | 8 | 0 | 1.000 | 1 | Disbanded |
| 1946-47 | 26 | 18 | .591 | 3 | Won NBL Championship |
| 1945-46 | 17 | 17 | .500 | 3 | |
| 1944-45 | 14 | 16 | .467 | 2 | Lost Western Division Semifinals |
1945 Gears
George Mikan
Max Zaslofsky
Ad featuring George Mikan as a member of the Gears. The Gems would eventually become the Lakers and Mikan one of their greatest players.
Bobby McDermott
Mikan battling in the paint
Gears Celebrate winning the NBL title.
Gears promo ad from the PBLA.
Stan Szukala
News story about the Chicago American Gears vs the Cleveland Allmen Transfers from Christmas Eve 1944.
Harry "Swede" Roos
George Mikan attempts to block a shot by an Oshkosh All-stars player.
George Mikan in his warmups.
Game Program for a game between Chicago American Gears and Toledo Jeeps
Two box scores vs the Chicago American Gears, including one of Detroit's 4 wins.
NBL game between the Chicago Gears and the Sheboygan Red Skins
Warm ups from first season
Bears vs Gears program cover.
George Mikan gets a rebound vs the Detroit Gems. Mikan would eventually play for the Gems after they relocated to Minneapolis and became the Lakers.
New Orleans player fouls Chicago's George Mikan
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