Notables Who Got Their Starts In Upstart Leagues

Howard Ehmke
Famed winner of 1929 Series Game 1 for A's began 15-year career with Federal League's Buffalo Blues in '15.

Julius Erving
Prized prospect out of UMass in 1971 earned three MVP awards in five seasons with ABA's Virginia Squires and New York Nets.

Wayne Gretzky
Great One, then 17, played 60 games for WHA's Indianapolis Racers and Edmonton Oilers in 1978-79 before Oilers were absorbed by NHL.

Danny White
Third-round pick of Cowboys in 1974 opted for two years with WFL's Memphis Southmen; in '88 he and Gary Danielson were last WFLers to retire from NFL.

Reggie White
NFL career sack leader got 33� in two seasons with USFL's Memphis Showboats; Jim Kelly and Steve Young are among others whose trip to Canton began in star-studded, short-lived league.