Meadowlark Lemon, a basketball legend who spent more than two decades touring with the Harlem Globetrotters, died yesterday at the age of 83.
Famed for his patented half-court hook shot, Lemon became one of the most recognizable faces in basketball and was an inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Lemon began his career with the Globetrotters in 1955, just five years after the National Basketball Association became integrated, and at a time when there were still a limited number of African American players in the NBA.
With amazing skills and a quick sense of humor, Lemon became a breakout star for the Globetrotters and appeared in numerous television shows and movies.
After his retirement, Lemon became a Christian minister. He had 10 children.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
RIP, you were so much fun to watch play basketball. Enjoy Heaven!
Very sad news. My condolences to the family members. ALL my memories of “Meadowlark” are happy ones. May he rest in peace and may God bless and keep his family safe and happy all their days.
I watched “Meadowlark” about 55 years ago in Tampa. He was one of the most entertaining people I have ever seen.
I think he really loved doing his shenanigans, especially the one where he threw confetti from a bucket on to the audience.
What a happy day it was to watch him and his teammates. You made life for children a joy for a day and for the rest of our lives with the wonderful memories. Thank you, Meadowlark. Hope to see you in the eternal home one day…no sorrow, no death, no sickness….Home forevermore!
The Harlem Globe Trotters were right at the top of my childhood and adult memories, I wanted to go everyday and wait for everything, especially the ‘famous bucket of confetti’, the flat ball, etc. and go home with sore laugh muscles. A laughing
America is certainly better than the Devil’s Treason. And Heaven has added a ‘Special Angel’ of the people.’
As a kid (I’m 67yo, now), every one of my friends and myself looked forward to any news about the Harlem Globetrotters. Each of us cut lawns, had paper routes, or anything we could do to be able to see them when they came to town (L.A.). I/We loved Meadolark, and all of the other players (don’t you ever forget Curly!!). I am saddened by this news, but I look forward to meeting, seeing, and laughing with Meadowlark if God allows me into heaven. RIP, friend of the world. You are sorely missed.
I saw him with the Globetrotters when I was a small boy. Still remember the antics as if it were only yesterday.
R.I.P.