The Harlem Globetrotters and the basketball world lost a beloved member this past weekend. Famed Globetrotter, Meadowlark Lemon passed away at the age of 83 as reported by the NY Times. His wife, Cynthia Lemon confirmed his passing in his Scottsdale, Arizona home on Sunday.
Before there were ballers like Allen Iverson or Kobe Bryant tearing up the paint, the Harlem Globetrotters captivated audiences with their eclectic plays and flare. Lemon in particular, added to that memorable style, as he was most recognized for his blind passes and vivid energy on the court. While the Globetrotters often commanded crowds larger than fans for the Boston Celtics, they team also brought diversity to basketball and opportunity to African American athletes. Since joining the team in 1954, lemon added to that legacy.
But even after he retired in the ’70s and joining the Hall of Fame, Lemon continued to inspire others through his ministry and philanthropy work. After becoming an ordained Christian minister, Lemon formed his non profit organization Meadowlark Lemon Ministries in 1994. He spent the last seen years of his life as a motivational speaker and although he has passed, his words of wisdom and his moves on the court will most definitely be remembered.