Decades later, Pittsburgh Pipers finally got championship rings

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Decades later, Pittsburgh Pipers finally got championship rings

Chuck Curti | Saturday, April 21, 2018 11:54 p.m.

Submitted

Steve Vacendak, a reserve guard for the 1967-68 Pittsburgh Pipers, spearheaded the effort to get belated championship rings made.

The Pittsburgh Pipers won the ABA championship in the league's inaugural season of 1967-68 but had little tangible evidence.

“I think I got $4,000 and a plastic trophy,” said Jim Jarvis, a reserve guard, “and I have no idea where that trophy is.”

About 15 years ago, Steve Vacendak, another reserve from the Pipers title team, figured it was about time for the players to get championship rings. He contacted his former teammates and asked them if they were interested in having rings made.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, so Vacendak spearheaded the effort to get rings made. Several players, he said, purchased them as a belated memento of their championship season.

Chuck Curti is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at ccurti@tribweb.com or via Twitter @CCurti_Trib.

Details

Roster

Members of the 1967-68 Pittsburgh Pipers:

Craig Dill; Calvin Graham; Ira Harge; Connie Hawkins; Art Heyman; Bob Hogsett; Jim Jarvis; Arvesta Kelly; Tom Kerwin; Barry Liebowitz; Bill Meyer; Richard Parks; Willie Porter; John Postley; Herschel Turner; Steve Vacendak; Chico Vaughn; Trooper Washington; Dexter Westbrook; Charlie Williams; Leroy Wright

Pipers reunion

For ticket information on the Pittsburgh Pipers 50th reunion activities May 4-5, visit pghsforgottenchamps.com.

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