Posted on 12/27/2015 11:44:41 PM PST by Zakeet
Meadowlark Lemon, whose halfcourt hook shots, no-look behind-the-back passes and vivid clowning were marquee features of the feel-good traveling basketball show known as the Harlem Globetrotters for nearly a quarter-century, died on Sunday in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he lived. He was 83.
[Snip]
Lemon was a slick ballhandler and a virtuoso passer, and he specialized in the long-distance hook, a trick shot he made with remarkable regularity. But it was his charisma and comic bravado that made him perhaps the most famous Globetrotter. For 22 years, until he left the team in 1978, Lemon was the Trotters' ringmaster, directing their basketball circus from the pivot. He imitated [Goose] Tatum's reams, like spying on the opposition's huddle, and added his own.
He chased referees with a bucket and surprised them with a shower of confetti instead of water. He dribbled above his head and walked with exaggerated steps. He mimicked a hitter in the batter's box and, with teammates, pantomimed a baseball game. And both to torment the opposing team - as time went on, it was often a hired squad of foils - and to amuse the appreciative spectators, he laughed and he teased and he chattered and he smiled; like Tatum, he talked most of the time he was on the court.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
He was a good man who will be missed ... may he rest in peace.
Seen him play when I was a kid at the old Boston Garden. RIP.
RIP Meadowlark.
Saw him play a few times. Always a real treat.
RIP Meadowlark, you brought joy to many many people, and you were damned good at what you did.
Years ago, ABC would show the Globetrotters games as part of its Wide World of Sports series on Saturdays. I wasn’t much of a basketball fan, but my Dad and I would watch the Globetrotters every time they were on and laugh ourselves silly. The antics of Lemon and his teammates were hilarious.
Rest in peace, Mr. Lemon.
Meadowlark and Mr. Whipple in 1984 Charmin commercial => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuYiXx8E-v8
He kept saying, 'Son, they're due and the payoff is just too good!':)
Saw him as a child in Casper, Wyoming. He was awesome. RIP.
Boy, does that pic take me back a ways.
Sad.He was a blast to watch and very funny.RIP.
Yes, it was a show. I’m surprised some don’t know that.
I have a vague memory of going to see them with my dad. My dad was not a sports fan at all! After watching some of their videos in later years I wonder why “real” basketball players don’t make those same goofy shots (and win the game).
Rest in peace.
Geez the sports world is getting rocked this holiday season. RIP Meadowlark
Man, did your mama have any kids with a sense of humor?
The Globetrotters were entertainers who were all phenomenal b-ball players. The “just barely winning” was their schtick, for heaven’s sake.
Lighten up, Francis. Life’s too short to be a stick-in-the-mud.
Mr. Lemon, you were great, and your talents will be missed. Thanks for the laughs.
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