Abe Saperstein

Introduction

Harlem Globetrotters founder and first coach (1902 1966) Abraham Michael Saperstein (; July 4, 1902 – March 15, 1966) was the founder, owner and earliest coach of the Harlem Globetrotters.Harlem Globetrotters founder and first coach (1902 1966) Abraham Michael Saperstein (; July 4, 1902 – March 15, 1966) was the founder, owner and earliest coach of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Saperstein was a leading figure in black basketball and baseball from the 1920s through the 1950s, primarily before those sports were racially integrated.Saperstein was a leading figure in black basketball and baseball from the 1920s through the 1950s, primarily before those sports were racially integrated.

Saperstein revolutionized the game of basketball and took the Globetrotters from an unknown team touring small farm towns in the Midwestern United States during the height of the Great Depression to a powerhouse that went on to beat the best team in the all white National Basketball Association.Saperstein revolutionized the game of basketball and took the Globetrotters from an unknown team touring small farm towns in the Midwestern United States during the height of the Great Depression to a powerhouse that went on to beat the best team in the all white National Basketball Association.

He also introduced the three point shot, which went on to become a mainstay of modern basketball.He also introduced the three point shot, which went on to become a mainstay of modern basketball.

Saperstein was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971 and, at , is its shortest male member.Saperstein was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971 and, at , is its shortest male member.

In 1979, he was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and 2005 was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.In 1979, he was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and 2005 was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Early life

Saperstein was born in the East End of London, England, to a Jewish family originally from Łomża, Poland.Saperstein was born in the East End of London, England, to a Jewish family originally from Łomża, Poland.

His family moved from London to Chicago in 1907, when Abe was five years old.His family moved from London to Chicago in 1907, when Abe was five years old.

They settled just north of the city's Jewish area, often called the “Poor Jews' quarter” because of the many struggling immigrants living there.They settled just north of the city's Jewish area, often called the “Poor Jews' quarter” because of the many struggling immigrants living there.

Saperstein's father, Louis, who had been an apprentice tailor in Poland, saw an ad for a tailor on Chicago's North Side in a predominantly German, Irish, and Swedish neighborhood.Saperstein's father, Louis, who had been an apprentice tailor in Poland, saw an ad for a tailor on Chicago's North Side in a predominantly German, Irish, and Swedish neighborhood.

The ad warned “No Jews allowed” so Louis changed his surname to the more German sounding Schneider, which is German for "tailor".The ad warned “No Jews allowed” so Louis changed his surname to the more German sounding Schneider, which is German for "tailor".

After buying the business from the owner several years later, Louis dropped the façade and changed the name of the store to Louis Saperstein's Tailor Shop.After buying the business from the owner several years later, Louis dropped the façade and changed the name of the store to Louis Saperstein's Tailor Shop.

There, after hours of watching kids play basketball, he decided to create his own team, the Chicago Reds.There, after hours of watching kids play basketball, he decided to create his own team, the Chicago Reds.

The Chicago Reds were a semi pro lightweight (135 lb limit) basketball team, and Saperstein played point guard.The Chicago Reds were a semi pro lightweight (135 lb limit) basketball team, and Saperstein played point guard.

As player, manager, and coach of the Chicago Reds, Saperstein met Walter Thomas Ball, a legendary baseball player in the Negro leagues, who had a black baseball team he wanted to send on tour in Illinois and southern Wisconsin.As player, manager, and coach of the Chicago Reds, Saperstein met Walter Thomas Ball, a legendary baseball player in the Negro leagues, who had a black baseball team he wanted to send on tour in Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

He hired Saperstein as his booking agent.He hired Saperstein as his booking agent.

He called the team the New York Harlem Globetrotters.He called the team the New York Harlem Globetrotters.

Although Saperstein's team had nothing to do with Harlem (they wouldn't play there until 1968), he chose the name to indicate that the players were black, as Harlem was the epicenter of African American culture.Although Saperstein's team had nothing to do with Harlem (they wouldn't play there until 1968), he chose the name to indicate that the players were black, as Harlem was the epicenter of African American culture.

Many of the towns where the Globetrotters played in their first few years were all white, and Saperstein did not want other teams or spectators to be surprised that his team was black.Many of the towns where the Globetrotters played in their first few years were all white, and Saperstein did not want other teams or spectators to be surprised that his team was black.

The victory, which was just shy of the Globetrotters' 3,000th victory in 21 seasons, proved that none of this was true and that African American players had the skill and ability to play in the professional leagues.The victory, which was just shy of the Globetrotters' 3,000th victory in 21 seasons, proved that none of this was true and that African American players had the skill and ability to play in the professional leagues.

Also in 1950, the Globetrotters played their first game in Madison Square Garden, marking the first time the venue sold out for a basketball game.Also in 1950, the Globetrotters played their first game in Madison Square Garden, marking the first time the venue sold out for a basketball game.

Even after the NBA integrated, top black players continued to play for the Globetrotters.Even after the NBA integrated, top black players continued to play for the Globetrotters.

In 1958, Wilt Chamberlain joined the Globetrotters for a year before going to the NBA and becoming its most dominant player.In 1958, Wilt Chamberlain joined the Globetrotters for a year before going to the NBA and becoming its most dominant player.

In a 1999 interview, Wilt Chamberlain said, "The fraternity of the Globetrotters was one of the most rewarding times of my life.In a 1999 interview, Wilt Chamberlain said, "The fraternity of the Globetrotters was one of the most rewarding times of my life.

I almost did not go into the NBA."I almost did not go into the NBA."

Two feature length movies have been made about the Globetrotters, The Harlem Globetrotters (1951) and Go, Man, Go (1954), the latter starring Dane Clark and Sidney Poitier.Two feature length movies have been made about the Globetrotters, The Harlem Globetrotters (1951) and Go, Man, Go (1954), the latter starring Dane Clark and Sidney Poitier.

Several documentaries have also told the Globetrotters' story, including The Harlem Globetrotters: The Team That Changed the World (2005), which featured Geese Ausbie, Larry Brown and Bill Bradley.Several documentaries have also told the Globetrotters' story, including The Harlem Globetrotters: The Team That Changed the World (2005), which featured Geese Ausbie, Larry Brown and Bill Bradley.

Innovation of the three-point rule

Saperstein had ambitions of owning a team in the National Basketball Association and hoped to start a team in California.Saperstein had ambitions of owning a team in the National Basketball Association and hoped to start a team in California.

That hope was dashed when the NBA approved the move of the Lakers from Minneapolis to L. A. Saperstein was also denied ownership of the Warriors when the team moved from Philadelphia to San Francisco.That hope was dashed when the NBA approved the move of the Lakers from Minneapolis to L. A. Saperstein was also denied ownership of the Warriors when the team moved from Philadelphia to San Francisco.

Instead of sitting on the sidelines, Saperstein started the American Basketball League (ABL) in 1961 and served as its commissioner, as well as owner of the league's Chicago Majors team.Instead of sitting on the sidelines, Saperstein started the American Basketball League (ABL) in 1961 and served as its commissioner, as well as owner of the league's Chicago Majors team.

To differentiate the ABL from the NBA – and to promote the new league – Saperstein introduced several innovations that have endured as features of modern basketball.To differentiate the ABL from the NBA – and to promote the new league – Saperstein introduced several innovations that have endured as features of modern basketball.

He widened the free throw lane to 18 feet (from 12) and created the three point shot.He widened the free throw lane to 18 feet (from 12) and created the three point shot.

As commissioner of the short lived ABL, Saperstein wanted a way to add excitement to the game and provide players with additional challenges.As commissioner of the short lived ABL, Saperstein wanted a way to add excitement to the game and provide players with additional challenges.

He hoped the three pointer would become basketball's equivalent of the home run.He hoped the three pointer would become basketball's equivalent of the home run.

"We must have a weapon," Saperstein said, "and this is ours.""We must have a weapon," Saperstein said, "and this is ours."

To determine the distance the new shot line should be from the basket, Abe Saperstein and longtime DePaul University coach Ray Meyer went onto a court one day with tape and selected 25 feet as the right length.To determine the distance the new shot line should be from the basket, Abe Saperstein and longtime DePaul University coach Ray Meyer went onto a court one day with tape and selected 25 feet as the right length.

"They just arbitrarily drew lines," his son Jerry Saperstein said."They just arbitrarily drew lines," his son Jerry Saperstein said.

"There 's really no scientific basis."There 's really no scientific basis.

Just two Hall of Fame coaches getting together and saying: 'Where would we like to see the line?'"Just two Hall of Fame coaches getting together and saying: 'Where would we like to see the line?'"

Not long after, in June 1961, Saperstein was traveling when the other seven ABL owners voted, 4–3, to officially shorten the line to 22 feet.Not long after, in June 1961, Saperstein was traveling when the other seven ABL owners voted, 4–3, to officially shorten the line to 22 feet.

Saperstein, who had significant power in the league as owner of the popular Globetrotters, disagreed with this and simply ignored the ruling.Saperstein, who had significant power in the league as owner of the popular Globetrotters, disagreed with this and simply ignored the ruling.

Games continued with the 25 foot shot.Games continued with the 25 foot shot.

Saperstein eventually acknowledged there was one problem with the 25 foot arc and solved it by adding a 22 foot line in the corners.Saperstein eventually acknowledged there was one problem with the 25 foot arc and solved it by adding a 22 foot line in the corners.

"It made for interesting possibilities," he wrote."It made for interesting possibilities," he wrote.

He also created several new leagues, including the Negro Midwest League and, in partnership with Olympic track and field star Jesse Owens, the West Coast Negro Baseball League.He also created several new leagues, including the Negro Midwest League and, in partnership with Olympic track and field star Jesse Owens, the West Coast Negro Baseball League.

Saperstein also founded the white New York Nationals baseball team and the Boston Brownskins, a basketball team that served as a minor league club for the Globetrotters.Saperstein also founded the white New York Nationals baseball team and the Boston Brownskins, a basketball team that served as a minor league club for the Globetrotters.

He also booked games for the Hong Wah Kues, a basketball team of Chinese Americans from San Francisco.He also booked games for the Hong Wah Kues, a basketball team of Chinese Americans from San Francisco.

Started in 1939 with six players, the Hong Wah Kues became known for their speed and quick passing.Started in 1939 with six players, the Hong Wah Kues became known for their speed and quick passing.

They played the Harlem Globetrotters once, and lost.They played the Harlem Globetrotters once, and lost.

Legacy

In a time of racial segregation and bigotry in professional sports, Saperstein proudly showcased the talents of the nation's best black basketball players.In a time of racial segregation and bigotry in professional sports, Saperstein proudly showcased the talents of the nation's best black basketball players.

Four years after the all white National Basketball Association (originally called the Basketball Association of America) was formed, black players were finally allowed into the league.Four years after the all white National Basketball Association (originally called the Basketball Association of America) was formed, black players were finally allowed into the league.

As the integrated NBA became recognized as the country's highest level of basketball, Saperstein focused the Globetrotters on entertainment, creating a popular act that played to audiences worldwide.As the integrated NBA became recognized as the country's highest level of basketball, Saperstein focused the Globetrotters on entertainment, creating a popular act that played to audiences worldwide.

In the years following World War II, the Globetrotters embarked on a “goodwill tour.” Among the more memorable of those games took place in Berlin's Olympic Stadium and featured Jesse Owens, who was traveling with the team.In the years following World War II, the Globetrotters embarked on a “goodwill tour.” Among the more memorable of those games took place in Berlin's Olympic Stadium and featured Jesse Owens, who was traveling with the team.

Owens returned to the stadium where he had won four gold medals 15 years earlier, after which Hitler famously refused to shake his hand.Owens returned to the stadium where he had won four gold medals 15 years earlier, after which Hitler famously refused to shake his hand.

Although Saperstein worried about bringing the team into the racially charged atmosphere of Berlin, Owens and the Globetrotters were greeted by 75,000 cheering fans.Although Saperstein worried about bringing the team into the racially charged atmosphere of Berlin, Owens and the Globetrotters were greeted by 75,000 cheering fans.

Others criticized the Globetrotters for their on court antics, saying they played into racial stereotypes.Others criticized the Globetrotters for their on court antics, saying they played into racial stereotypes.

In 1978, however, Jesse Jackson said: "They did not show blacks as stupid.In 1978, however, Jesse Jackson said: "They did not show blacks as stupid.

On the contrary, they were shown as superior they were able to turn science into an art form."On the contrary, they were shown as superior they were able to turn science into an art form."

Personal life

Saperstein was the eldest of nine children, several of whom were involved with the Globetrotters.Saperstein was the eldest of nine children, several of whom were involved with the Globetrotters.

In the early years, Saperstein's then teenage brother Harry worked as a typist and secretary, sending out press releases and game schedules.In the early years, Saperstein's then teenage brother Harry worked as a typist and secretary, sending out press releases and game schedules.

His sister Fay, the youngest sibling, helped Abe with paperwork for years and ran the New York office in the 1950s.His sister Fay, the youngest sibling, helped Abe with paperwork for years and ran the New York office in the 1950s.

After Abe's death in March 1966, his brother Morry Saperstein assisted in running the business before it was sold to a group of Chicago businessmen for $3.7 million and eventually moved from Chicago to New York City.After Abe's death in March 1966, his brother Morry Saperstein assisted in running the business before it was sold to a group of Chicago businessmen for $3.7 million and eventually moved from Chicago to New York City.

He then served as the first vice president at Madison Square Garden Corporation, reporting directly to the then Chairman Sonny Werblin.He then served as the first vice president at Madison Square Garden Corporation, reporting directly to the then Chairman Sonny Werblin.

Jerry died on November 16, 2021, two days after his 81st birthday.Jerry died on November 16, 2021, two days after his 81st birthday.

Jerry is survived by his two sons, Adam and Lanier Saperstein, and his daughter Sara Chana (Simone) Silverstein.Jerry is survived by his two sons, Adam and Lanier Saperstein, and his daughter Sara Chana (Simone) Silverstein.

They all live in the New York area.They all live in the New York area.

Lanier is a partner in the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney LLP.Lanier is a partner in the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney LLP.

Eloise established a non profit organization, the Abe Saperstein Foundation, designed to advance opportunities through sports for Chicago's youth, and she also was the first woman ever certified as an NBA player representative.Eloise established a non profit organization, the Abe Saperstein Foundation, designed to advance opportunities through sports for Chicago's youth, and she also was the first woman ever certified as an NBA player representative.

She died on July 15, 2018, at the age of 81.She died on July 15, 2018, at the age of 81.

Eloise is survived by her three children, Lonni, Avi and Abra, who live in the Chicago area.Eloise is survived by her three children, Lonni, Avi and Abra, who live in the Chicago area.

Saperstein was a tireless worker, taking off just one day a year, Yom Kippur.Saperstein was a tireless worker, taking off just one day a year, Yom Kippur.

He continued to work right up until his death from a heart attack in March 1966.He continued to work right up until his death from a heart attack in March 1966.

"He had more energy than the Grand Coulee Dam," wrote Chuck Menville in The Harlem Globetrotters: An Illustrated History."He had more energy than the Grand Coulee Dam," wrote Chuck Menville in The Harlem Globetrotters: An Illustrated History.

The news of Saperstein's death came as a shock to the Globetrotters.The news of Saperstein's death came as a shock to the Globetrotters.

The team's star, Meadowlark Lemon, was on the road in Charlotte, North Carolina at the time.The team's star, Meadowlark Lemon, was on the road in Charlotte, North Carolina at the time.

"My mouth went dry," Lemon said."My mouth went dry," Lemon said.

"The boys cried."The boys cried.

I had to force myself to be funny.I had to force myself to be funny.

I did it only because Abe would have wanted the show to go on."I did it only because Abe would have wanted the show to go on."

Saperstein is buried in the Westlawn Cemetery in Norridge, Illinois, near Chicago.Saperstein is buried in the Westlawn Cemetery in Norridge, Illinois, near Chicago.