Harlem Globetrotters

Reece “Goose” Tatum, of the Harlem Globetrotters, holding the ball, 1952
UPI

black professional U.S. basketball team that plays exhibition games all over the world, drawing crowds as large as 75,000 to see the players' spectacular ball handling and humorous antics. The all-black team was organized in 1927 by sports promoter Abe Saperstein, who owned it until his death in 1966. Lacking a hometown, they began touring the United States in Saperstein's car. Later they travelled abroad to popularize their entertaining brand of basketball. They play against a team that they call the Opposition, which is made up largely of white players. The Opposition never wins and functions much like the straight man in a two-man comedy team. Some outstanding Globetrotters have been Reece “Goose” Tatum, Marques Haynes, Clarence Wilson, “Meadowlark” Lemon, and Wilt “the Stilt” Chamberlain.