A Brief History of the Team

The Harlem Globetrotters have been entertaining basketball fans and the general public for over 80 years, by combining good ball playing, comedy, and audience participation. They have been honored by receiving a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and one of the few teams inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

They were founded in 1926, but not in New York, but Chicago, on the South Side.  The team was one of the main attractions of the Savoy Ballroom on 47th and South Parkway. They were purchased by Abe Sapetstein at the end of the 1920's and began to tour (or barnstorm).  The first game was not played in Harlem until 1968.  In the meantime the Globetrotters managed to beat the NBA's Minneapolis (now Los Angeles) Lakers in 1948 and 1949.  The team continued to play and entertain during the 1950's and 1960's, despite being criticized during the Civil Rights Era as Uncle Toms or negative stereotypes.  Most of us do not agree with that.   

During the 1970's and 1980's they have been featured in television shows, and even had their own cartoon show.  Their fortunes had started to decline after that but in 1993 they were purchased by former Globetrotter Mannie Jackson and have been thriving ever since.  They were inducted into the Basketball of Fame in 2002.

Several greats who wore the uniform include Meadowlark Lemon, Wilt Chamberlain, Reese Tatum, and Marques Haynes.

NBA legend Kareem Abdul Jabaar mentions the Globetrotters in his book, On the Shoulders of Giants and how they often played the Harlem Renaissance Five (the Harlem Rens). The Rens and the Globetrotters came out even.  Both teams are in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

I remember watching them on TV while when I was in elementary school and really enjoyed it.  They appeared at the 1964 New York World's Fair but did not get a chance to see them at the time.

But sadly, on December 28, 2015 Globetrotter great Meadowlark Lemon passed away at the age of 83.  He was a star with the team for over 20 years.  RIP Meadowlark, we will miss you.