Visitors and locals in New York’s Times Square were recently treated to an unexpected delight when the Harlem Globetrotters, famous for their blend of basketball skills and entertainment, rolled into the area on a distinctive double-decker bus. The arrival was marked by veteran Globetrotter Cheese Chisholm spinning a basketball on the finger of a tourist from Peru, showcasing the team’s signature flair for engaging with fans.
This surprise visit is part of the Harlem Globetrotters’ 100-Year Tour, which begins at Madison Square Garden on December 14. The tour celebrates the enduring legacy of the Globetrotters, who were founded in 1926 in Chicago. Originally known as the Savoy Big Five, the all-Black team was established by Abe Saperstein. To reflect Harlem’s role as a cultural hub for Black Americans during that era, Harlem was added to the team’s name.
The Globetrotters are renowned worldwide for their entertaining mix of athleticism, comedy, and theater. Although they began as a serious basketball team, over time, they incorporated showmanship that captured the hearts of audiences globally. As Keith Dawkins, President of the Harlem Globetrotters, noted, “The Globetrotters were the first team to really take this sport out and touch people all over the globe with it.”
The team’s visit to New York holds special significance. Jet Rivers, a player for the Globetrotters who played college basketball at Wagner College, remarked on the importance of performing at Madison Square Garden, an iconic venue often referred to as the “Mecca of basketball.” The combination of the Globetrotters’ rich history and the Garden’s legacy creates an unparalleled experience.
Throughout the years, the Globetrotters have boasted numerous legends, including Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal, and Lynette Woodard, the team’s first female player and an Olympic gold medalist. Notably, Wilt Chamberlain, one of basketball’s greatest figures, also played for the Globetrotters in the late 1950s.
Players like Cheese Chisholm and Hot Shot Swanson continue to inspire and entertain global audiences. Chisholm shared the joy of bringing out the inner child in both himself and audiences. Swanson, standing at 4 feet 5 inches, embodies the spirit that anything is possible and cherishes being part of such a storied legacy.
As they embark on their 100-Year Tour, the Harlem Globetrotters continue to symbolize joy, inspiration, and the power of sport to connect people across all walks of life.