Harlem Globetrotters

Introduction

American exhibition basketball team The Harlem Globetrotters are an American exhibition basketball team.American exhibition basketball team The Harlem Globetrotters are an American exhibition basketball team.

They combine athleticism, theater, entertainment, and comedy in their style of play.They combine athleticism, theater, entertainment, and comedy in their style of play.

Over the years, they have played more than 26,000 exhibition games in 124 countries and territories, mostly against deliberately ineffective opponents, such as the Washington Generals (1953–1995, since 2015) and the New York Nationals (1995–2015).Over the years, they have played more than 26,000 exhibition games in 124 countries and territories, mostly against deliberately ineffective opponents, such as the Washington Generals (1953–1995, since 2015) and the New York Nationals (1995–2015).

The team's signature song is Brother Bones' whistled version of "Sweet Georgia Brown", and their mascot is an anthropomorphized globe named "Globie".The team's signature song is Brother Bones' whistled version of "Sweet Georgia Brown", and their mascot is an anthropomorphized globe named "Globie".

The team is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment.The team is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment.

History

The Globetrotters originated in 1926, on the South Side of Chicago, where all the original players were raised.The Globetrotters originated in 1926, on the South Side of Chicago, where all the original players were raised.

They began as the Savoy Big Five, one of the premier attractions of the Savoy Ballroom, opened in January 1928, a basketball team of Black American players that played exhibitions before dances due to declining dance attendance.They began as the Savoy Big Five, one of the premier attractions of the Savoy Ballroom, opened in January 1928, a basketball team of Black American players that played exhibitions before dances due to declining dance attendance.

In 1928, several players left the team in a dispute.In 1928, several players left the team in a dispute.

That autumn, those players formed a team called the "Globe Trotters" and toured southern Illinois that spring.That autumn, those players formed a team called the "Globe Trotters" and toured southern Illinois that spring.

Abe Saperstein became involved with the team as its manager and promoter.Abe Saperstein became involved with the team as its manager and promoter.

By 1929, Saperstein was touring Illinois and Iowa with his basketball team called the "New York Harlem Globe Trotters".By 1929, Saperstein was touring Illinois and Iowa with his basketball team called the "New York Harlem Globe Trotters".

Saperstein selected the name Harlem because it was then considered the center of Black American culture and the name Globetrotter to mythologize the team's international venues.Saperstein selected the name Harlem because it was then considered the center of Black American culture and the name Globetrotter to mythologize the team's international venues.

The Globetrotters were perennial participants in the World Professional Basketball Tournament, winning it in 1940.The Globetrotters were perennial participants in the World Professional Basketball Tournament, winning it in 1940.

In a heavily attended matchup a few years later, the 1948 Globetrotters–Lakers game, the Globetrotters made headlines when they beat one of the best white basketball teams in the country, the Minneapolis Lakers.In a heavily attended matchup a few years later, the 1948 Globetrotters–Lakers game, the Globetrotters made headlines when they beat one of the best white basketball teams in the country, the Minneapolis Lakers.

The Globetrotters continued to easily win games due to Harlem monopolizing the entire talent pool of the best black basketball players in the country.The Globetrotters continued to easily win games due to Harlem monopolizing the entire talent pool of the best black basketball players in the country.

Once one of the most famous teams in the country, the Globetrotters were eventually eclipsed by the rise of the National Basketball Association, particularly when NBA teams began recruiting black players in the 1950s.Once one of the most famous teams in the country, the Globetrotters were eventually eclipsed by the rise of the National Basketball Association, particularly when NBA teams began recruiting black players in the 1950s.

In 1950, Harlem Globetrotter Chuck Cooper became the first black player to be drafted in the NBA by Boston and teammate Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton became the first black player to sign an NBA contract when the New York Knicks purchased his contract from the Globetrotters for $12,500 (12500.0 in 1950 is equivalent to about <calculated amount> in recent years), with Harlem getting $10,000 and Clifton getting $2,500.In 1950, Harlem Globetrotter Chuck Cooper became the first black player to be drafted in the NBA by Boston and teammate Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton became the first black player to sign an NBA contract when the New York Knicks purchased his contract from the Globetrotters for $12,500 (12500.0 in 1950 is equivalent to about <calculated amount> in recent years), with Harlem getting $10,000 and Clifton getting $2,500.

The Globetrotters gradually worked comic routines into their act —a direction the team has credited to Reece "Goose" Tatum, who joined in 1941—and eventually became known more for entertainment than sports.The Globetrotters gradually worked comic routines into their act —a direction the team has credited to Reece "Goose" Tatum, who joined in 1941—and eventually became known more for entertainment than sports.

The Globetrotters' acts often feature incredible coordination and skillful handling of one or more basketballs, such as passing or juggling balls between players, balancing or spinning balls on their fingertips, and making unusually difficult shots.The Globetrotters' acts often feature incredible coordination and skillful handling of one or more basketballs, such as passing or juggling balls between players, balancing or spinning balls on their fingertips, and making unusually difficult shots.

In 1952, the Globetrotters invited Louis "Red" Klotz to create a team to accompany them on their tours.In 1952, the Globetrotters invited Louis "Red" Klotz to create a team to accompany them on their tours.

This team, the Washington Generals (who also played under various other names), became the Globetrotters' primary opponents.This team, the Washington Generals (who also played under various other names), became the Globetrotters' primary opponents.

The Generals are effectively stooges for the Globetrotters, with the Globetrotters handily defeating them in thousands of games.The Generals are effectively stooges for the Globetrotters, with the Globetrotters handily defeating them in thousands of games.

In 1959, the Globetrotters played nine games in Moscow after Saperstein received an invitation from Vasily Grigoryevich, the director of Lenin Central Stadium.In 1959, the Globetrotters played nine games in Moscow after Saperstein received an invitation from Vasily Grigoryevich, the director of Lenin Central Stadium.

and collectively received the Athletic Order of Lenin medal.and collectively received the Athletic Order of Lenin medal.

According to one report; however, spectators were initially confused: "A Soviet audience of 14,000 sat almost silently, as if in awe, through the first half of the game.According to one report; however, spectators were initially confused: "A Soviet audience of 14,000 sat almost silently, as if in awe, through the first half of the game.

It warmed up slightly in the second half when it realized the Trotters are more show than competition."It warmed up slightly in the second half when it realized the Trotters are more show than competition."

The Globetrotters brought their own opponent—not the Washington Generals, but the San Francisco Chinese Basketeers.The Globetrotters brought their own opponent—not the Washington Generals, but the San Francisco Chinese Basketeers.

A review in Pravda stated, "This is not basketball; it is too full of tricks" but praised the Globetrotters' skills and suggested that "they have some techniques to show us".A review in Pravda stated, "This is not basketball; it is too full of tricks" but praised the Globetrotters' skills and suggested that "they have some techniques to show us".

The American press —particularly Drew Pearson— made note of the fact that the Globetrotters were paid (per game) the equivalent of $4,000 (4000.0 in 1959 is equivalent to about <calculated amount> in recent years), which could be spent only in Moscow.The American press —particularly Drew Pearson— made note of the fact that the Globetrotters were paid (per game) the equivalent of $4,000 (4000.0 in 1959 is equivalent to about <calculated amount> in recent years), which could be spent only in Moscow.

The games were used as evidence that U. S.–Soviet relations were improving, that Moscow was backing off its criticism of race relations inside America, and that the USSR was becoming more capitalist (Pearson suggested that the games were held because Lenin Stadium needed money).The games were used as evidence that U. S.–Soviet relations were improving, that Moscow was backing off its criticism of race relations inside America, and that the USSR was becoming more capitalist (Pearson suggested that the games were held because Lenin Stadium needed money).

In May 1967, New York City–based Metromedia announced that it would acquire the Globetrotters for $1 million, but the deal was never completed and the team was later sold to George N. Gillett Jr., who soon formed a new company called Globetrotter Communications in 1968.In May 1967, New York City–based Metromedia announced that it would acquire the Globetrotters for $1 million, but the deal was never completed and the team was later sold to George N. Gillett Jr., who soon formed a new company called Globetrotter Communications in 1968.

Nine years after the company's attempted acquisition in 1976, Metromedia announced that it would re acquire the Globetrotters for $11 million from Globetrotter Communications.Nine years after the company's attempted acquisition in 1976, Metromedia announced that it would re acquire the Globetrotters for $11 million from Globetrotter Communications.

Many famous basketball players have played for the Globetrotters.Many famous basketball players have played for the Globetrotters.

Greats such as "Wee" Willie Gardner, Connie "The Hawk" Hawkins, Wilt "the Stilt" Chamberlain, and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton later joined the NBA.Greats such as "Wee" Willie Gardner, Connie "The Hawk" Hawkins, Wilt "the Stilt" Chamberlain, and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton later joined the NBA.

The Globetrotters signed their first female player, Olympic gold medalist Lynette Woodard, in 1985.The Globetrotters signed their first female player, Olympic gold medalist Lynette Woodard, in 1985.

Because nearly all of the team's players have been black, and as a result of the buffoonery involved in many of the Globetrotters' skits, they drew some criticism during the Civil Rights era.

The players were accused by some civil rights advocates of "Tomming for Abe," a reference to Uncle Tom and owner Abe Saperstein.The players were accused by some civil rights advocates of "Tomming for Abe," a reference to Uncle Tom and owner Abe Saperstein.

However, prominent civil rights activist Jesse Jackson (who would later be named an honorary Globetrotter) came to their defense by stating, "I think they've been a positive influence They did not show blacks as stupid.However, prominent civil rights activist Jesse Jackson (who would later be named an honorary Globetrotter) came to their defense by stating, "I think they've been a positive influence They did not show blacks as stupid.

On the contrary, they were shown as superior."On the contrary, they were shown as superior."

In 1993, former Globetrotters player Mannie Jackson purchased the team from the International Broadcasting Corporation, which was on the verge of bankruptcy.In 1993, former Globetrotters player Mannie Jackson purchased the team from the International Broadcasting Corporation, which was on the verge of bankruptcy.

In 1995, Orlando Antigua became the first Hispanic player on the team.In 1995, Orlando Antigua became the first Hispanic player on the team.

He was the first non black player on the Globetrotters' roster since Bob Karstens played with the squad in 1942–43.He was the first non black player on the Globetrotters' roster since Bob Karstens played with the squad in 1942–43.

While parts of a modern exhibition game are pre planned, the games themselves are not fixed.While parts of a modern exhibition game are pre planned, the games themselves are not fixed.

While their opponents do not interfere with the Globetrotters' hijinks while on defense, they play a serious game when in possession of the ball and about 20 to 30 percent of a game is "real."While their opponents do not interfere with the Globetrotters' hijinks while on defense, they play a serious game when in possession of the ball and about 20 to 30 percent of a game is "real."

This once led to an infamous defeat at the hands of the Washington Generals in 1971, to the distress of the watching crowd, after the Globetrotters lost track of a big lead with their tricks and the Generals hit a game winning buzzer beater.This once led to an infamous defeat at the hands of the Washington Generals in 1971, to the distress of the watching crowd, after the Globetrotters lost track of a big lead with their tricks and the Generals hit a game winning buzzer beater.

In September 2005, Shamrock Holdings purchased 80% stake in the Globetrotters.In September 2005, Shamrock Holdings purchased 80% stake in the Globetrotters.

In October 2013, Herschend Family Entertainment announced that it would acquire the Globetrotters from Shamrock Holdings.In October 2013, Herschend Family Entertainment announced that it would acquire the Globetrotters from Shamrock Holdings.

In June 2021, the Globetrotters filed a petition to join the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an expansion franchise.In June 2021, the Globetrotters filed a petition to join the National Basketball Association (NBA) as an expansion franchise.

Draft

Starting in 2007, the Globetrotters have conducted an annual "draft" a few days before the NBA draft, in which they select players they feel fit the mold of a Globetrotter.Starting in 2007, the Globetrotters have conducted an annual "draft" a few days before the NBA draft, in which they select players they feel fit the mold of a Globetrotter.

Being drafted by the Globetrotters does not guarantee a spot on the team, although several drafted players have gone on to become Globetrotters: Anthony "Ant" Atkinson (2007), Brent Petway (2007), William "Bull" Bullard (2008), Tay "Firefly" Fisher (2008), Charlie Coley III (2009), Paul "Tiny" Sturgess (2011), Jacob "Hops" Tucker (2011), Darnell "Spider" Wilks (2011), Bryan "B Nice" Narcisse (2012), Tyrone Davis (2013), Corey "Thunder" Law (2013), Tyler "Iceman" Inman (2014) Devan "Beast" Douglas (2016), and AJ "Money" Merriweather.Being drafted by the Globetrotters does not guarantee a spot on the team, although several drafted players have gone on to become Globetrotters: Anthony "Ant" Atkinson (2007), Brent Petway (2007), William "Bull" Bullard (2008), Tay "Firefly" Fisher (2008), Charlie Coley III (2009), Paul "Tiny" Sturgess (2011), Jacob "Hops" Tucker (2011), Darnell "Spider" Wilks (2011), Bryan "B Nice" Narcisse (2012), Tyrone Davis (2013), Corey "Thunder" Law (2013), Tyler "Iceman" Inman (2014) Devan "Beast" Douglas (2016), and AJ "Money" Merriweather.

Other notable draft picks by the Globetrotters include: Sun Mingming (2007), Patrick Ewing Jr. (2008), Sonny Weems (2008), Taylor Griffin (2009), Tim Howard (2009), Mark Titus (2010), Lionel Messi (2011), Jordan McCabe, then 12 years old (2011), Andrew Goudelock (2011), Usain Bolt (2012), Mariano Rivera (2013), Brittney Griner (2013), Johnny Manziel (2014), Landon Donovan (2014), Mo'ne Davis (2015), Dude Perfect (2015), Kevin Hart (2016), Neymar (2016), Missy Franklin (2016), Jordan Spieth (2016), Craig Sager (2016), Gal Gadot (2017), Aaron Judge (2017), Tim Tebow (2017), Paul Pogba (2018), Joseph Kilgore (2018), Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (2018), Mahershala Ali (2019), Mookie Betts (2020), and Chadwick Boseman (2020).Other notable draft picks by the Globetrotters include: Sun Mingming (2007), Patrick Ewing Jr. (2008), Sonny Weems (2008), Taylor Griffin (2009), Tim Howard (2009), Mark Titus (2010), Lionel Messi (2011), Jordan McCabe, then 12 years old (2011), Andrew Goudelock (2011), Usain Bolt (2012), Mariano Rivera (2013), Brittney Griner (2013), Johnny Manziel (2014), Landon Donovan (2014), Mo'ne Davis (2015), Dude Perfect (2015), Kevin Hart (2016), Neymar (2016), Missy Franklin (2016), Jordan Spieth (2016), Craig Sager (2016), Gal Gadot (2017), Aaron Judge (2017), Tim Tebow (2017), Paul Pogba (2018), Joseph Kilgore (2018), Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (2018), Mahershala Ali (2019), Mookie Betts (2020), and Chadwick Boseman (2020).

Featured

The Harlem Globetrotters, a 1951 feature film starring Marques Haynes and other Globetrotters, also featuring Thomas Gomez, Dorothy Dandridge, Bill Walker, and Angela Clarke.

Young Bill Townsend drops out of college to join the famous independent Trotter team.Young Bill Townsend drops out of college to join the famous independent Trotter team.

He also finds romance along the way.He also finds romance along the way.

"Goose" Tatum and fancy dribbler Haynes were the star players of the Globetrotters at the time and Saperstein was the owner."Goose" Tatum and fancy dribbler Haynes were the star players of the Globetrotters at the time and Saperstein was the owner.

Tatum, Haynes, Babe Pressley, Ermer Robinson, Duke Cumberland, Clarence Wilson, Pop Gates, Frank Washington, Ted Strong, and other current team members appear in the film as themselves.Tatum, Haynes, Babe Pressley, Ermer Robinson, Duke Cumberland, Clarence Wilson, Pop Gates, Frank Washington, Ted Strong, and other current team members appear in the film as themselves.

Also featured is a lot of actual game footage (three times against the Celtics with Tony Lavelli and Big Bob Hahn), including the "Sweet Georgia Brown" warm up routine.Also featured is a lot of actual game footage (three times against the Celtics with Tony Lavelli and Big Bob Hahn), including the "Sweet Georgia Brown" warm up routine.

(Along with making the film, the team toured Major League Baseball stadiums that year and went on their first tour of South America.)(Along with making the film, the team toured Major League Baseball stadiums that year and went on their first tour of South America.)

Go, Man, Go!

a 1954 prequel starring Dane Clark as Abe Saperstein and Sidney Poitier as Inman Jackson.

Harlem Globetrotters: The Team that Changed the World, a 2005 documentary featuring interviews with the Globetrotters, NBA coaches, and fans such as Samuel L. Jackson, Barack Obama, Phil Jackson, and Henry Kissinger—himself an honorary Globetrotter— and including photos of the Globetrotters with Pope John Paul II, who is also an honorary Globetrotter.Harlem Globetrotters: The Team that Changed the World, a 2005 documentary featuring interviews with the Globetrotters, NBA coaches, and fans such as Samuel L. Jackson, Barack Obama, Phil Jackson, and Henry Kissinger—himself an honorary Globetrotter— and including photos of the Globetrotters with Pope John Paul II, who is also an honorary Globetrotter.

Cameo

The Globetrotters appeared in the 2000 comedy Little Nicky with Adam Sandler, wherein they are shown losing to the Washington Generals, which is caused by one of Nicky's demonic brothers.The Globetrotters appeared in the 2000 comedy Little Nicky with Adam Sandler, wherein they are shown losing to the Washington Generals, which is caused by one of Nicky's demonic brothers.

Guest

On December 19, 1956, twelve members of the Globetrotters appeared as guest challengers on the TV panel show What's My Line?On December 19, 1956, twelve members of the Globetrotters appeared as guest challengers on the TV panel show What's My Line?

Clarence Wilson acted as the spokesman and was accompanied by members George "Meadowlark" Lemon, Charlie Hoxie, Roman Turmon, Andy Johnson, Woodrow "Woody" Sauldsberry, Carl Green, Leon Hillard, Willie Gardner, and others.Clarence Wilson acted as the spokesman and was accompanied by members George "Meadowlark" Lemon, Charlie Hoxie, Roman Turmon, Andy Johnson, Woodrow "Woody" Sauldsberry, Carl Green, Leon Hillard, Willie Gardner, and others.

In a 1979 episode of The White Shadow, the Globetrotters appear wherein Coach Reeves convinces the team to help him send his basketball team a reality check about overconfidence and underestimating their opponents as a result of a winning streak that got to his players' heads.In a 1979 episode of The White Shadow, the Globetrotters appear wherein Coach Reeves convinces the team to help him send his basketball team a reality check about overconfidence and underestimating their opponents as a result of a winning streak that got to his players' heads.

The Globetrotters returned in season three (1980) when star player Warren Coolidge convinced that his basketball ability would preclude his need to finish high school, considers dropping out of school and trying out for the Globetrotters.The Globetrotters returned in season three (1980) when star player Warren Coolidge convinced that his basketball ability would preclude his need to finish high school, considers dropping out of school and trying out for the Globetrotters.

After failing miserably in his tryout, Coolidge is persuaded to finish his education before giving any thought to a basketball career.After failing miserably in his tryout, Coolidge is persuaded to finish his education before giving any thought to a basketball career.

In "Hoopla" (1984), an episode of the television series The Love Boat, the Globetrotters are on a cruise and challenged the crew to a game in the dining room.In "Hoopla" (1984), an episode of the television series The Love Boat, the Globetrotters are on a cruise and challenged the crew to a game in the dining room.

In the 6th episode of Hell’s Kitchen season 5, the Globetrotters made a special guest appearance teaching a young boy a few basketball tricks during his bar mitzvah party.In the 6th episode of Hell’s Kitchen season 5, the Globetrotters made a special guest appearance teaching a young boy a few basketball tricks during his bar mitzvah party.

In The Amazing Race: season 15 (2009), Herbert "Flight Time" Lang and Nathaniel "Big Easy" Lofton participated, finishing fourth place.In The Amazing Race: season 15 (2009), Herbert "Flight Time" Lang and Nathaniel "Big Easy" Lofton participated, finishing fourth place.

They returned for season 18 (2011), which is subtitled "Unfinished Business," featuring fan favorite teams who lost the competition because of various circumstances.They returned for season 18 (2011), which is subtitled "Unfinished Business," featuring fan favorite teams who lost the competition because of various circumstances.

The pair finished second overall.The pair finished second overall.

They also returned for season 24 (2014), dubbed an "All Star" season, featuring some of the shows fan favorites, this time finishing sixth.They also returned for season 24 (2014), dubbed an "All Star" season, featuring some of the shows fan favorites, this time finishing sixth.

As part of the cross promotion of The Amazing Race, Lang and Lofton also appeared on CBS Daytime's game show The Price Is Right to model prizes (a Sport Court basketball court) and present a showcase.As part of the cross promotion of The Amazing Race, Lang and Lofton also appeared on CBS Daytime's game show The Price Is Right to model prizes (a Sport Court basketball court) and present a showcase.

In 2009 and 2010, members of the Harlem Globetrotters appeared on the nationally televised McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago.In 2009 and 2010, members of the Harlem Globetrotters appeared on the nationally televised McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago.

In 2010, five members of the Globetrotters appeared on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, raising money for charity.In 2010, five members of the Globetrotters appeared on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, raising money for charity.

Three members of the Globetrotters appear in the "Harlem NY" episode (2011) of Man v. Food Nation, in which they have to defeat a spicy two pound barbecue sandwich in 15 minutes.Three members of the Globetrotters appear in the "Harlem NY" episode (2011) of Man v. Food Nation, in which they have to defeat a spicy two pound barbecue sandwich in 15 minutes.

Special K Daley, Ant Atkinson, and Blenda Rodriguez of the Globetrotters made a guest appearance in the October 18, 2011 episode of Sesame Street, in which they talk with the Muppet Elmo about the number 3.Special K Daley, Ant Atkinson, and Blenda Rodriguez of the Globetrotters made a guest appearance in the October 18, 2011 episode of Sesame Street, in which they talk with the Muppet Elmo about the number 3.

In 2012, the Globetrotters made a special guest appearance on Disney XD 's Kickin' It, in the episode "Eddie Cries Uncle."In 2012, the Globetrotters made a special guest appearance on Disney XD 's Kickin' It, in the episode "Eddie Cries Uncle."

Globetrotter Bull Bullard competed on seasons four, five and six on American Ninja Warrior.Globetrotter Bull Bullard competed on seasons four, five and six on American Ninja Warrior.

In season four, he advanced to the finals but timed out on the first stage of the finals.In season four, he advanced to the finals but timed out on the first stage of the finals.

Bullard competed on two additional seasons.Bullard competed on two additional seasons.

Three members of the Harlem Globetrotters visited North Korea alongside Dennis Rodman in 2013, as seen in the HBO series Vice, becoming some of the first Americans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.Three members of the Harlem Globetrotters visited North Korea alongside Dennis Rodman in 2013, as seen in the HBO series Vice, becoming some of the first Americans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

On May 26, 2015, the Globetrotters appeared in the series premiere of I Can Do That.On May 26, 2015, the Globetrotters appeared in the series premiere of I Can Do That.

Three members of the Harlem Globetrotters appeared in the Dog with a Blog episode "Cat with a Blog."Three members of the Harlem Globetrotters appeared in the Dog with a Blog episode "Cat with a Blog."

On December 7, 2016, the Globetrotters appeared on The Goldbergs.On December 7, 2016, the Globetrotters appeared on The Goldbergs.