Rest in peace to George “Meadowlark” Lemon who died in Scottsdale, AZ on Sunday, December 27. For fans of the Harlem Globetrotters from the 1960s and beyond, Lemon was synonymous with the team for more than two decades.

Nicknamed “The Clown Prince of Basketball,” Meadowlark was a huge personality on the court, assuming the role of the Globetrotters’ ring-leader, when he was with the team. His patented half-court hook shot was often the climax of each game and his humor and mega-watt smile entertained throughout. According to CNN.com Lemon played with the team for more than 24 years, participating in over 16,000 games, in more than 100 countries.

After a contract dispute in 1979, he left the Globetrotter to form a new team, the Buckateers, and continued his tradition of providing basketball joy for everyone from children to world leaders. In 1993, he returned to the Globetrotters for a 50-game comeback tour. Later in life, he became a minister and motivational speaker. Lemon was reportedly in good health at the time of his passing.

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and legion of fans.

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