The Harlem Globetrotters were not originally from Harlem, nor were they originally named the Globetrotters. Their first team name was the New York Harlem Globe Trotters, and they were a team of professional Black basketball players who toured southern Illiniois during the 1920's. Their owner and manager, Abe Saperstein, figured that associating an all-Black basketball team with Harlem, then the nation's cultural center for African Americans, would lend an exotic aura to his venture.

Since those early days, of course, the team has morphed into its single-syllable version "Globetrotters," but it took them over 40 years to finally play a "home" game in Harlem (that was 1968). However, they have truly been trotting the globe and have played around the world to packed stadiums of delighted, laughing fans in a truly zany and entertaining style of America's finest export: basketball.

My first encounter with the Globe trotters was when I was a youngster growing up in St. Louis, Missosuri. My dad took me and my brothers to a Globetrotters "game" against another "professional" team, the hapless Washington Generals. (The story was that the Globtrotters were on a 2,000-game winning streak, and the stooges on the other team stood not a chance. The final score was something like 98 to 70 in favor of the Globetrotters, of course.)

Our outing to see Meadowlark Lemon and his cast of magicians was a truly fun experience. From the beginning to end - the signature "Sweet Georgia Brown" theme and magical ball handling circle to playing practical jokes on the goofy referees - we laughed from the opening tip to the all-too-quick final buzzer. Half-time entertainment was a troupe of circus performers, whom I didn't enjoy all that much because I wanted more of the Globetrotters antics.

Years later while I was stationed in London, England, I took my English fiance to a Globetrotters game at Wembley Stadium. The British fans adored the show, and got a special kick from an impromptu putdown of one young man who decided to heckle a Globetrotter named "Tex" Harrison.

"Hey, Tex!" shoulted the young Brit in a very bad immitation of an American accent, "Where's yore gun, Tex?"

Tex, who apparenty had enough of this young "yobbo," stopped playing, walked off the court about two rows into the stands, sweating and tall, and yelled, "Why don't you just shut up!?" The heckler shut up and the crowd laughed and cheered.

Amid the cheers and history, some have derided the Globetrotters as poor role models for Black men. In their hey-day they were accused of "Uncle Toming for Abe (Saperstein)." It wasn't until the 1950's that basketball's color barrier was broken, and up to that time the Globetrotters were the icons and main recruiters of Black basketball talent. Those people, Black or White, who felt then or still consider the Globetrotters as having sold out or as representing clownish Black-stereotypes, should consider what Rev. Jesse Jackson once said in their defense. According to Jesse Jackson, the Globetrotters were originally, and still are, players who represent the best in playing skills. They do what they do in a superior manner and deserve everyone's admiration.

Returning to that first game in St. Louis when I was a lad, I saw Meadowlark Lemon stand at half court holding the ball behind his back with both hands:

"Hey, Ref," Meadowlark yelled, "Watch this!"

Meadow lark tossed the ball two-handed over his back and got nothing but net. It was the most amazing basketball shot I had (up to then and until this day) ever seen.

Learn more about this author, Jerry Curtis.
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