Trotter Tribute to Honor Two of the All-Time Greats, Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal
We are in the planning stages, looking for sponsors. If you have any leads, please call Bobby Hunter (917-753-6656).
With Great Sadness, the Ex Globetrotters Announce the Passing of Don Barnette
Don Barnette, 86, passed away Friday, September 4, 2020.
Barnette was a native of Middletown, Ohio. In 1952, he led his high school basketball team to a state championship.
Also, in 1952, Barnette enrolled in Miami University of Ohio where he became the first black men’s basketball player at the school.
Following his time in Miami, Barnette spent three years in the Navy.
In 1958, Don was signed by the Harlem Globetrotters where he starrred as a dribbling wizard until 1962.
Barnette was an author. He wrote the book, “My Skin My Only Sin? Breaking the Color Barrrier,” where Barnette shared his experiences in racist America.
In the 1950’s in the state of Florida, black people were not allowed on a college campus. When Miami of Ohio went to Florida to play basketball against Florida schools, Miami’s coach Bill Rohr changed Barnette’s name to Jose Clemente. The Florida schools allowed Barnette on campus to play basketball, believing he was Hispanic.
Don will be greatly missed!
With Great Sadness, the Ex Globetrotters Announce the Passing of David “Smokey” Gaines
David “Smokey" Gaines, 80, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2020.
Gaines was a native of Detroit, Michigan. In 1959, he was an All-State high school selection. After high school, Smokey starrred at LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Globetrotters were so impressed with Smokey, they gave him a contract where he starred from 1963 - 1967. Also, Smokey played briefly for the ABA Kentucky Colonels.
After his playing career, Smokey became a basketball coach. He coached at the University of Detroit Mercy and San Diego State University.
Smokey coached with legendary college basketball analyst Dick Vitale at the University of Detroit Mercy in the 1970’s. They continued to be friends for the next 50 years. Vitale commented about Smokey, “He relates to people. People really enjoy his company. A loyal, dedicated guy. Just a good friend, a friend for life.”
When Vitale heard of Smokey’s passing, he stated: "I'm so saddened to just receive a call from Darryl Gaines son of David Smokey Gaines that his Dad has just passed from cancer," Vitale wrote on Twitter. "Smokey a Hall of Fame Harlem Globetrotter was a dear friend who played a vital role in my career while at the University of Detroit. Pls God May he RIP!"
Smokey will be greatly missed!
Ex Globetrotter, Larry “Gator” Rivers Running for Savannah Chatam County District 2 Commission Seat
Globetrotter ball handling legend, Larry “Gator” Rivers, is running for Savannah Chatam County's District 2 Commission seat.
The Harlem Globetrotters have always been more than a basketball team. They were about community service. Gator fit perfectly into this philosophy.
Gator has worked tirelessly over the years fighting drugs, bullying and illiteracy.
Gator’s latest venture involves bringing a rescue center for women to Savannah. The rescue center will rehabilitate, give a place to stay and train women for jobs so they can be productive members of society.
Changing lives, making a difference has always been Gator’s ultimate goal.
After so many years of community activism, Gator realized his influence, without being a government leader, can only go so far. "Compassionate government leadership is where you can really make a huge difference."
"We need a government with a heart with leaders who truly care about the people."
“I’m not going in this for me. I want to make a difference and help our community. I have lived here my whole life, I love the people of this city."
"We are up against a full-court press. I want to use my ability as your leader to break the press and get the ball up the court and in a good position to run the offense against crime, injustice and lack of compassion.”
Best of luck, Gator in your campaign!
Ex Globetrotter, Hershell Turner Continues to Amaze People With His Incredible Artwork
Hershell Turner amazed people on the basketball court from 1960 - 1968.
Hershell grew up in Indiana where he was a standout guard at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis and acclaimed as "one of Indiana's greatest basketball players ever."
After high school, Hershell played college basketball at the University of Nebraska where he was the first African American on the team. He led the Cornhuskers in scoring and rebounding 3 straight years. Hershell was the first Cornhusker to score 1000 points.
After college, Hershell played on the Chicago Majors of the American Basketball League, the ABA Pittsburgh Pipers where he helped his team win the first ABA championship, and the Anaheim Amigos. He also played for the Harlem Globetrotters.
Hershell loved basketball but his real love was art. Much of his artwork reflects the black experience in America.
"Hershell was a great talent on the basketball court but off the court his artistic talent is truly breathtaking, mesmerizing and inspiring" says ex Globetrotter, Bobby Hunter. He’s an incredible friend and asset to his community too.”
Presently, Hershell is going through a difficult time with his vision. Please keep him in your prayers.
With Great Sadness, the Ex Globetrotters Announce the Passing of Fred “Curly” Neal
Fred “Curly" Neal, 77, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2020.
Neal was from Greensboro, North Carolina. He went to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina where he starred on the basketball court averaging 23 points per game, leading his team to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) title.
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Neal played on the Globetrotters from 1963 until 1985 starring in over 6000 games. He was known for his great ball-handling, great set shot, huge smile and big heart.
Neal made numerous television appearances including the “Ed Sullivan Show, Dick Cavett Show and Scooby Doo.
Harlem Globetrotters on the Dick Cavett Show(1973)
Globetrotters on the Dick Cavett Show (1973)
Curly Neal, Meadowlark Lemon, Bobby Joe Mason, Jumping Jackie Jackson and Bobby Hunter
In 2008, Curly’s number 22 was retired. He is the 5th Globetrotter to receive this honor. The others were Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon and Goose Tatum.
"Curly was an incredibly talented player and even more amazing friend," said Bobby “Zorro” Hunter who played with Neal from 1966 - 1974. Neal was one of the great “straight” players.
"When we would play a “straight” game he played at a superstar NBA level. He was a magician handling the ball and had a great set shot.”
Hunter who was sometimes Curly’s roommate on the road, said "Curly would clean the room and make the bed. The hotel maids loved Curly. The room would be immaculate and the maid would have nothing to do.”
Curly will be greatly missed!
Bobby Hunter to Undergo Knee Replacement Surgery
After years of pain, Globetrotter legend Bobby Hunter will finally undergo knee replacement surgery. If all goes well, Bobby is hoping to be resigned by the Globetrotters or lead the New Yorks Knicks to glory! We wish Bobby all the best for a speedy recovery!
With Great Sadness, the Ex Globetrotters Announce the Passing of William “Pony” Wilson
William "Pony" Wilson, 92, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019.
Pony was a standout basketball player at Benjamin Franklin High School in New York City. After high school, Pony was drafted into the Army where he played football. He earned a scholarship to Virginia Union University and starred in basketball too.
Pony was drafted by the football Baltimore Colts and recruited in basketball by the Harlem Globetrotters. He decided to play with the Globetrotters where he starred for several seasons.
In addition, Pony was one of the Globetrotters who starred in the movie, Go Man Go with Sidney Pointier.
After basketball, Pony was an educator for 37 years for the Board of Education, Newark, N.J. He also worked tirelessly in the community and helped numerous charities.
Pony will be greatly missed!
Pony and Carl Green
Watch Pony and other Globetrotter legends at the African American Museum in Washington, DC!
TyRone “Hollywood” Brown Named Winner of 2019
Mannie Jackson - Basketball’s Human Spirit Award!
Congratulations, TyRone “Hollywood” Brown!
Tyrone is one of the recipients of the 2019 Mannie Jackson, Human Spirit Award. The prestigious award is given to the basketball player who exemplifies the core values of hard work, striving to improve, overcoming obstacles and helping others.
Tyrone grew up in Savannah, Georgia. He is one of the “Savannah Ocean High Four" - four Globetrotters from Savannah Ocean High School along with Larry “Gator” Rivers, Bruce “Sugar Bear” Capers and Matthew “Showbiz” Jackson.
When Tyrone was 9 years old, he wrote a goal on a piece of paper - “I want to be a Harlem Globetrotter.” He worked hard and never gave up when things were tough. He eventually accomplished his goal, playing on the Globetrotters from 1985 - 1996.
On the court, Tyrone was one of the great ball handlers in Globetrotter history with his famous trick of spinning basketballs on his finger.
from left to right - Larry “Gator” Rivers, Bruce “Sugar Bear” Capers,
Tyrone “Hollywood” Brown and Matthew “Showbiz” Jackson
Off the court though is where his impact is immeasurable.
When Tyrone was growing up he had a problem reading. He felt the pain of classmates making fun of him because he was unable to read. Tyrone has made it his life’s mission to help others going through the same thing. He visits over 100 schools a year, inspiring kids and delivering books. He started the Ambassadors of Responsibility Foundation to enable former teammates to better serve elementary and middle school students across the country. He is a literacy and character educational speaker for school districts, corporations and nonprofits across the country. Tyrone will not rest until illiteracy is eradicated!
With Great Sadness, the Ex Globetrotters Announce the Passing of Jumpin' Jackie Jackson
Jumpin' Jackie Jackson passed away at the age of 79.
Jackie was born in New Bern, North Carolina. His family moved when he was a child to Brooklyn, New York. Jackie played on the Boys High School basketball team alongside baseball player Tommie Davis and basketball legends, Lenny Wilkins and Connie Hawkins.
After high school, Jackie starred on the Virginia Union basketball team where he averaged 20 rebounds per game.
After graduating college, Jackson was drafted by the 1962 NBA Philadelphia Warriors but decided to instead play for the Globetrotters. He played 15 seasons for the Globetrotters until 1981.
Jackie was a phenomenon at Harlem’s famous Rucker Park. Stories about Jackie’s jumping ability are legendary. On one occasion, he dunked over Wilt Chamberlain. Another time, he won a bet by jumping so high, he snatched a quarter from the top of the backboard.
“Jackie was a great player and even greater friend. I just spoke to him Thursday night. I am in shock and deeply saddened. He will be greatly missed," said Globetrotter legend, Bobby Hunter.
ExGlobetrotters and Rucker 52 Greatest of All-Time Lead Effort to Rename St. Andrews Park in Brooklyn, NY After Basketball Legend, Connie Hawkins
On July 20, the NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters, the Hawkins family, Boys and Girls High School, CC4Change Sports, Borough President Eric Adams, and Council Member Robert Cornegy will gather at St. Andrews Park to honor the life, legacy and contributions of NBA Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins by renaming the basketball courts after the legendary Brooklyn product.
The renaming event committee is trying to get NBA and ABA legends, Julius Erving, Kevin Love, Lenny Wilkins and Joe Newman to speak at the ceremony. There will also be a free art show and barbecue at Boys & Girls High School, Connie’s alma mater.
Connie played from 1963 to 1966 on the Harlem Globetrotters.
St. Andrews Park is located on Kingston Ave. and Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn. Basketball legends, Oscar Roberston, Connie Hawkins, Roger Brown, and Marvin Roberts played there when they were growing up.
With Great Sadness, the Ex Globetrotters Announce the Passing of Cal Ramsey
Calvin "Cal" Ramsey passed away at the age of 81.
Cal was a Rucker Park MVP. He was known for his wars with Connie Hawkins. He played in the NBA from 1959 - 1961 for the St. Louis Hawks, New York Knicks and Syracuse Nationals. During the late 1970's, Cal was the televison color analyst for the New York Knicks.
“From Rucker Park to the Garden, Cal Ramsey was a New York City basketball icon. He was a kind and caring friend who gave so much to the game he loved,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wrote on Twitter.
Bobby Zorro Hunter's New Anti-Drug Rap Song, "Hey Man, That Ain’t My Thing!"
"I’ve seen drugs ruin neighborhoods and lives. I will do anything in my power to help stop this deadly epidemic in our society.” Remember, all you have to say is “Hey Man, That Aint My Thing!"
Bobby Hunter
BiLlee T’s New Song Honoring the Rucker 52 Greatest of All-Time
