Posted on 03/26/2020 12:45:50 PM PDT by BBQToadRibs
Harlem Globetrotters legend Fred "Curly" Neal died Thursday. Mannie Jackson, who once owned the Globetrotters, confirmed Neal's death to The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears.
He was 77.
According to the team's official website, Neal made more than 6,000 appearances across the country from 1963-85. The Globetrotters retired his No. 22 jersey in 2008, and he was the fifth person at the time to receive the honor.
TMZ Sports provided a statement from Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn: "We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known. His basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide. He always made time for his many fans and inspired millions."
(More at link)
(Excerpt) Read more at bleacherreport.com ...
Greatest dribbler ever, say “hi” to Meadowlark for me.
Meadowlark, Curly & Co. Couldn’t help but like those guys.
RIP Mr. Neal.
He was a treasure. Amazing skills.
RIP
-PJ
Out dad took us in the 70’s! In Denver. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Please stop dying.
Thank you.
The Globetrotters were something of an institution, back in the day. ABC Wide World of Sports (I really miss that show, it was...Saturday evening for me), had them on all the time. Sad news.
I really liked Curly.
He will be missed.
I used to watch “The Popcorn Machine” every Saturday morning.
I am not much for team sports as a spectator (liked actually playing football though) and most of these sports obituaries don’t really click.
The Globetrotters though, those guys were entertaining and my mother was able to get tickets often in the sixties and seventies.
The kids cartoon series wasn’t bad for a celebrity thing either.
What a treat, you were fortunate
RIP Curly. Saw the globetrotters and him as a kid. Best basketball game I have seen. Cartoon was fun too.
I saw them in the old Boston Garden as a kid. It was amazing watching them live.
Say hi to Meadowlark (and my Dad) for me, Curly. Dad and I enjoyed you guys at the Spectrum in Philly when I was in 9th grade. Philly DJ Hi Lit was PA announcer at that game. Say hi to Hyski too.
I saw them at Madison Square Garden in the 1970s when they were probably at the peak of their popularity. Pure entertainment. They had a Saturday morning cartoon at the time, too.
They were great players and entertainers. They put on a great show for us kids. I will always remember watching them play.
I’m in my early fifties so I got to see the Globetrotters when they had Curly Neal, Meadowlark Lemon, Geese Ausbie and Sweet Lou Dunbar among others. They were fun and so entertaining to watch! I grew near in southeastern CT so every time they came to Hartford, Providence, NYC or Boston my family made every effort to see them!
I met Curly Neal in a hotel lobby in St. Louis in 1989. He introduced himself and struck up the conversation with me. Very friendly and personable.
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