Meadowlark Lemon, the most famous member of the world’s most famous basketball team, died Sunday at his home in Arizona.
He was 83 years old.
No cause of death has been announced as of this writing.
Lemon, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
He joined the Globetrotters in 1954 at age 22, remaining with the traveling sports team until 1978, appearing in over 16,000 games in more than 100 countries.
“For a generation of fans, the name Meadowlark Lemon was synonymous with the Harlem Globetrotters,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider.
“He was an incredible entertainer and brought happiness and lifelong memories to millions around the world. We have lost a great ambassador of the game.”
In 2003, Lemon received the John W. Bunn Award in 2003 for his outstanding lifetime contributions to basketball. He’s one of five Globetrotters to have his number retired.
“The Great Meadowlark Lemon of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters dies at 83. Rest In Basketball Heaven Sir!” wrote Shaquille O’Neal in response to this sad news.
We send our condolences to Lemon’s friends, family members and loved ones.
