Meadowlark Lemon, Star Of The Harlem Globetrotters, Dies

Lemon played 24 seasons and by his own estimate more than 16,000 games with the Globetrotters, the touring exhibition basketball team known for its slick ball-handling, practical jokes, red-white-and-blue uniforms and multiyear winning streaks against overmatched opponents.

Lemon, a native of Wilmington, N.C., received the John W. Bunn Award, an honor that recognizes outstanding lifetime contributions to basketball, in 2000.

Basketball superstar, Meadowlark Lemon, of Harlem Globetrotters fame, is dead at age 83. “We have lost a great ambassador of the game”, Globetrotters chief executive Kurt Schneider said in a statement.

In addition to his immeasurable basketball skill, Lemon is credited with a handful of acting roles, including several appearances as himself.

Meadowlark Lemon shown in a publicity photo after he left the Globetrotters.

The Times’ obituary described him as a “gifted athlete with an entertainer’s hunger for the spotlight” and one of the most famous and beloved Globetrotters in the team’s storied history. He was known for his half-court hook shoots and trick passes – and his comedy on the court, earning the title “Clown Prince of Basketball”.

Lemon’s wife and daughter confirmed to the team that he died on Saturday, Globetrotters spokesman Brett Meister said.

Celebrating 90 iconic years of providing smiles, sportsmanship and service to millions, The Harlem Globetrotters® are a worldwide icon, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills. He was with the Globetrotters for about 25 years and was in the team from 1954 to 1978.

Former Harlem Globetrotters star Meadowlark Lemon has died.

At the height of his career, Lemon also appeared in films including “The Fish That Saved Christmas” and even had a stint in the cartoon “Scooby Doo”, in which he was voiced by Scatman Crothers. Lemon also came back for a 50-game stretch in 1993 as part of a “comeback” tour. Later in life, he became a minister and motivational speaker. I said that’s mine. Money discrepancies, would find Tommy Bookins and other members leaving to start the Globetrotters.