Meadowlark Lemon, RIP

I went to a Globetrotters game in 1977, so I got to see all the stars. As a kid, it fascinated me how he could routinely make those half-court hook shots. Hell, as an adult it still fascinates me.

 

RIP to a great goodwill ambassador. And for you youngsters, yes he was good enough to play in the show but elected to become a showman.

 

In ESPN's obit, they also said Marques Haynes died in the spring. RIP to him as well. Always loved his dribbling stunts.

I was a little young for Lemon's stint with the Trotters, but I remember seeing him on TV with his All-Star teams, and on Scooby-Doo. I also saw some old tapes with the Trotters, including one very unique show where they went and played at the prison at Attica.

Red Klotz also just died recently died. I guess he needed to have someone keep hitting half-court hook shots against him in heaven. RIP.

 

Well, that and the guy busting his ass on the ski jump each week.

 

There were Globetrotters before, and thankfully they are still touring today - but Meadowlark was an all-timer. People say Jordan took the game global - nah - he was only the one who figured out how to make money on it globally.

 

Marques Haynes also was in a group called the Harlem Magicians after he left the 'Trotters.

 

The Globies played a jam-packed Meridian High gymnasium circa 1976 and I got to see Geese Ausbie, Curley Neal, Haynes, Lemon and it was a memorable night. I was in elementary school. The team has gone through numerous face lifts but rivals all acts in the entertainment industry for longevity. Rest easy, Meadowlark.

 

I know that I saw them in their prime 1970s, and I was thinking I saw them in Greensboro, but I'm starting to think I saw them at a small high school in VA.

 

Imagine Trotter groupies they partied with in the small dive bars of the '70s.

 

And as we all know, they'll be going strong for another thousand years.

 

Wilt was a Globetrotter for a year. He ripped off Meadowlark's confetti trick to use with the groupies, only it wasn't confetti.