Carl Shaeffer

Carl Edgel Shaeffer (October 25, 1924 – October 25, 1974) was an American professional basketball player. He played for the Indianapolis Olympians in the National Basketball Association between 1949–50 and 1950–51 after a collegiate career at the University of Alabama.^[1] Shaeffer was Alabama's first-ever professional basketball player.^[2] He became a businessman in Indianapolis, Indiana after his short-lived NBA career.^[2]

Carl Shaeffer

Personal information
Born	(1924-10-25)October 25, 1924 Delphi, Indiana
Died	October 25, 1974 (aged 50) Delphi, Indiana
Nationality	American
Listed height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight	185 lb (84 kg)
Career information
High school	Delphi (Delphi, Indiana)
College	Alabama (1945–1949)
NBA draft	1949: undrafted
Position	Forward
Number	18
Career history
1949–1950	Indianapolis Olympians
Stats at NBA.com
Stats at Basketball Reference

Personal life

Shaeffer served in the United States Army during World War II and was taken prisoner of war by German forces in Belgium on January 18, 1945.^[3] Initially reported missing in action, he was later found to be a prisoner and was released at the end of the war.^[3] Following his basketball career, Shaeffer operated a tavern in Brookston, Indiana.^[3] He committed suicide by shooting himself on his 50th birthday in 1974.^[3]

Career statistics

Legend

GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high

NBA

Source^[4]

Regular season

Year	Team	GP	FG%	FT%	RPG	APG	PPG
1949–50	Indianapolis	43	.369	.561		.9	3.5
1950–51	Indianapolis	10	.273	1.000	1.0	.6	1.5
Career		53	.357	.583	1.0	.9	3.1

Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	FG%	FT%	APG	PPG
1949–50	Indianapolis	6	.333	.000	1.2	3.5