The American Basketball League played one full season, 1961–1962, and part of the next season until the league folded on December 31, 1962. The ABL was the first basketball league to have a three point shot for baskets scored far away from the goal. Other rules that set the league apart were a 30-second shooting clock and a wider free throw lane, 18 feet instead of the standard 12.
In their first season, 1961–1962, the Steers were (54–25) under Coach Jack McMahon and were owned by Kenneth A. Krueger. They lost in the Finals to the Cleveland Pipers who were coached by John McLendon. After winning the first two games at Municipal, they lost the next two in Cleveland. The Steelers then lost in the Final game at Rockhurst University (Municipal Auditorium was booked) 106–102.[2][3]
In their final season, 1962–1963, their General Manager was Mike Cleary (for whom John Carroll University's Sports Studies Program is named), who had left George Steinbrenner's Cleveland Pipers the year before. When the ABL folded, 5 Kansas City Steers basketball players, including Bill Bridges and Larry Staverman, transitioned to the NBA.
The Steers folded along with the ABL on December 31, 1962. They were declared to be the ABL Champions based on their 22–9 record under Coach John Dee.[4]
The arena
The Steers played in Municipal Auditorium and Memorial Hall. Historic Municipal Auditorium is still in use today. The address is 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Memorial Hall is also still in use and is located at 600 North 7th Street Kansas City, Kansas 66101.[5]