Continental Basketball Association (1986-1989)
Tombstone
Born: 1986 – The Florida Stingers relocate to Charleston, WV
Moved: 1989 (Columbus Horizon)
First Game: December 4, 1986 (W 98-95 @ Cincinnati Slammers)
Last Game: March 12, 1989 (W 124-120 @ Topeka Sizzlers)
CBA Championships: None
Arena
Charleston Civic Center (12,266)11986-87 Continental Basketball Association Official Guide & Register
Opened: 1958
Marketing
Team Colors: Blue & Gold21986-87 Continental Basketball Association Official Guide & Register
Ownership
Owner: Jack Catalano
Attendance
The Gunners ranked last in the 12-team CBA in attendance during their final season in 1988-89.
Tap (mobile) or mouse over chart for figures. Tilting your mobile device may offer better viewing.
Sources:
- Rapid City Journal, March 19, 1989 (1988-89 season)
- Rapid City Journal, May 25, 1988 (1987-88 season)
Background
The Charleston Gunners were a West Virginia-based minor league basketball team that played in the Continental Basketball Association during the late 1980’s.
The Gunners were a bust both on the court and at the box office. The team posted a CBA-record 17-game losing streak during the 1987-88 season. In three years, the Gunners never finished with a winning record.
The franchise was sold off and moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1989.
Voices
“Instead of having the announcer introduce the players, I should have had him introduce the fans.”
– Jack Catalano, Gunners Owner 1986-1989 (1988 Media Quote)3WIRE REPORTS. “Gunners empty”. The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR). December 7, 1988
Charleston Gunners Shop
OUR FAVORITE STUFF
Continental Basketball Association
Logo T-Shirt
This Old School Shirts release is strictly for the hardcore hoop heads.
Before the NBA had the G-League, it had the CBA with teams stretched from Puerto Rico to Honolulu. During the CBA’s 1980’s and 90’s heyday, the league provided a launching pad for future NBA All-Stars such as John Starks and Michael Adams as well as coaching legends Phil Jackson and George Karl.
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Life On The Rim: A Year in the Continental Basketball Association
by David Levine
Available Now at Amazon
Charleston Gunners Video
Gunners on the road against the Pensacola Tornados circa 1987.
In Memoriam
Former Gunners owner Jack Catalano died after a battle with leukemia on November 1, 2011 at the age of 76.
Links
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