Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters are the combination of a professional basketball team and a vaudeville style entertainment troupe. For more than 82 years they have played exhibition games worldwide, showcasing their special combination of athletic talent, comedic relief and acting as “Ambassadors of Good Will” to audiences in more than 115 countries.

The exact beginnings of the Harlem Globetrotters are not clear, as the team’s official history makes claims that are contrary to facts of record. What is clear is that the team evolved from an exhibition team playing games in a Southside Chicago ballroom in the mid 1920s. The first recorded use of the name “Globe Trotters” occurred in 1928, the name would later be combined into one word. This is around the same time that Abe Saperstein would start promoting the team as the New York Harlem Globe Trotters in events throughout Illinois and Iowa.

The early Globetrotters played very competitive games, only clowning for audiences after establishing a safe lead in the game. They regularly played and beat Basketball Associations of America teams, this is the direct descendant of the NBA. Their consecutive defeats, in 1948 and 1949, of the league Champion Minneapolis Lakers, was a major factor in the desegregation of professional basketball in 1950.

At any given time the Globetrotter’s organization has at least three different teams on tour. They strive to keep ticket prices affordable, ranging from $17 to $150 dollars depending on the venue. After every game the team holds an open autograph session, and generally stay until the last child get an autograph.

1. Founded in Chicago, Illinois in the mid-1920's
2. Brother Bones’ whistled version of Sweet Georgia Brown is the team’s theme song
3. Teams colors: Red, White & Blue
4. Have retired 5 numbers
5. Have played in more than 115 countries
6. Have played on six continents
7. Have won more than 22,500 games
8. Have lost less than 350 games
9. Signed their first female player, Olympic gold medalist Lynette Woodard in 1985
10. Have lifetime $1 a year contacts with Bill Cosby and Magic Johnson
11. They’re the only professional sports team to have a star on [ Hollywood's Walk of Fame]
12. Honorary members included Henry Kissinger, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Hope and Nelson Mandela

• 1920's: Founded by Abe Saperstein in Chicago, Illinois

• 1948: Beat the Minneapolis Lakers, which led to the first African American crossing the color line

• 1958: Wilt Chamberlain signs on for one year

• 1968: Played their first home game in Harlem, New York City

• 1976: Set an indoor record with over 31,000, in New Orleans

• 1977: Bob Hope becomes an honorary member

• 1982: Receive a star on the Hollywood's Walk of Fame

• 1985: Signed their first female players, Lynette Woodward and Joyce Walker

• 1989: They tour Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates for the first time

• 2006: Extend their wins to 22,000

• 2007: The last original member, Tony Peyton dies

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