In 1902, 18 year old Bucky Lew made history in nearby Marlboro when he took the court with Lowell’s Pawtucketville Athletic Club of the New England Basketball League, becoming the first Black professional player in the country.

Maynard star Jack Punch was his first opponent. Over the years, they would face off numerous times, both in the New England League and then when they played for independent teams after it folded. While some objected to Lew playing, Punch was one of the majority of players who supported his right to do so.

Beyond that first game, Lew continued in the pro game for 25 years. He further became the first Black coach, manager, referee, and team owner in integrated pro hoops. Lew's teams frequently played in Maynard and throughout New England. He became the first Black coach of an integrated college basketball team at Lowell Textile Institute, now UMass Lowell.

While Lew's achievements are largely forgotten today, they were well documented in the newspapers of his day, and the digitization of those papers is bringing his fame back to light. Although the full integration of sports didn't happen until a generation after his retirement, evidence suggests some of the key players involved in that effort were likely inspired by Lew's incredible success.

Join author Chris Boucher as he shares pictures and stories about Lew’s career and old-time basketball in general. Copies of Chris' book will be available for purchase and signing.