Meadowlark Lemon's Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

[@guymerritt4860]

I saw him play when I was bout 12, at the IMA Auditorium in Flint, Michigan. I thought he was a magician, not an athlete - I'm 63, now, and it remains a cherished memory of my childhood. Rest in peace, Meadowlark......you brought joy to millions. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@cyberchondriac2534]

Great words man, I was born in England and watched meadowlark with the globetrotters in London in 1975 and I was mesmerised ....im 51 now and feel so saddened by his death... RIP Meadowlark

[@jamesleleux6943]

I'm your age and I was about 10 when I first saw the Globetrotters and I laughed a lot. I know if they ever played serious basketball they would be unbeatable but it's the comedy they bring to the sport that keeps people laughing and entertained but it was always Meadowlark then sticks in my mind. yes may he R.I.P. as he brought me joy as a child as I know he did for so many others

[@dwartfarquart9590]

My sister and I walked downtown Grand Rapids to the Civic Auditorium in about 76. Was a fan of Curly Neal. Left a Globetrotter fan for life. We went to a Bucketeer's game there some years later and saw Meadowlark put in those hookshots from all over with a microphone in his other hand. He was a part of how great it was to be a kid, then.

[@scottcoleman5088]

Guy Julius Erving travel the world with his amazing dunks but the fans of the world wanted to see the Harlem Globetrotters Julius such a classy guy he tells the truth

[@petermaguire1939]

God bless you

[@2dasimmons]

I remember Wilt Chamberlain saying that Meadowlark Lemon was the BEST basketball player he knew/ever met. Wow.

[@peterhudson5748]

For him to publicly apologize to his children is such a wonderful gesture of humility. What a wonderful human being

[@aaimginggraphics2411]

rest in peace to one of the GREATEST ball players!...and a great man

[@mrspaulb3889]

Lord, he broke me down with his speech. I cried right along with him! What a good man, and he brought so much enjoyment and happiness to millions. May he rest in peace!

[@cottonclarksa]

Folks - especially sports figures - don't talk like this anymore. Such gracious words. I'm grateful to hear these words, and I'm grateful to have watched Meadowlark play. He was - and still is - a real treasure in the American history books. May we have more like him.

[@kardon4996]

They do !!! Collin Cap., Chaque, and many more ......trust me

[@haydne]

I'm from England and aged 60. As a child one of the greatest TV moments was watching the Harlem Globetrotters when they came to the UK. This was an EVENT, without a doubt. You just had to watch them. It was a rare experience and one that was looked forward to and consumed with the utmost delight! They were part of my childhood and they were brilliant! Thank you Meadowlark Lemon and all your teammates for the joy you gave all of us.

[@lesroberts3226]

I wanted to describe my memories with everyone haydne. But I would have copied everything you said word for word. Thanks mate 👍

[@eowenspa2]

Me too at the small Wembley arena circa 1972 Just so unbelievably talented AND funny Genius

[@yourroyalhighness7662]

I was so lucky to have seen the Globetrotters several times. Meadowlark and Curly Neal were so wonderful. What a team they had!

[@traceythompson1092]

But what the Washington Generals?

[@garyhillman4993]

Beat the lakers enough !

[@2dasimmons]

I remember Wilt Chamberlain saying the best basketball player he ever played with/against was Meadowlark Lemon😍

[@tomswill9189]

Wow really. Wow thats great.

[@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597]

RIP meadowlark and wilt the stilt !

[@thelonious-dx9vi]

Yup. Wilt said in his book that Meadowlark was the best athlete he'd ever seen, hands-down. And that's Wilt saying that, Wilt of Track & Field, with his own monstrous high jumps, 40-yard times and power lifts.

[@johngentry4812]

@@tomswill9189😢t

[@lovenlightman]

What a loving man. Because of his traveling he did not get to see his kids and wife much. But he gave all of the people who saw him a lot of joy.

[@dwartfarquart9590]

Wow, The Chief AND Meadowlark Lemon in the same night. The light was shining on the Hall.

[@jasonkornetsky5810]

As a child of the 50's and 60's, watching the ABC Wide World Of Sports when they showed the Globetrotter's was always a family affair.Never knowing if the bucket, which was always part of the "show", was going to be filled with confetti or water was one of Meadowlark's pranks.Seeing the joy they had started my life long love of basketball.I will always remember him as he was billed - The Crown Prince of Basketball.R.I.P.

[@Maximillian200HP]

My favorite thing about this video is you can see the love, admiration and reverence they all have for this man on their faces whenever the camera cuts out to the crowd.

[@depaola63]

What a beautiful SOUL of a man !! I am now 55 and remember him well !!

[@cam_DA_Hawkdriver]

One of the best enshrinement speeches because of recognizing his family’s sacrifice. I had the great honor of shaking this man’s hand as a child after a basketball game. He was truly a gentle soul, but he sure could play the game fiercely.

[@powderedtoastfacekillah734]

Yeah that brought a tear to my eye

[@travisn2875]

RIP. What a wonderful man. You can't do any better than him. Admitting his mistakes while acknowledging his successes and thanking those who helped him achieve his success. You won't find a better man anywhere.

[@kellymason55]

He put a smile on my childhood face. R.I.P.

[@tbauer2521]

If you weren't sure what kind of a man he was before he spoke, you were after. What a kind and genuine man. I remember watching him in awe as kid. Thanks for the memories Meadowlark.

[@stacyblue1980]

A fellow North Carolinian. He was one of the best . A wonderful human being.

[@grega1972]

I cried watching . Loved the man who put a smile on my face during my childhood !

[@didierlabossiere4726]

Such a beautiful spirit. He made me laugh and he made my jaw drop when he made those crazy shots. Still amazes me to this day!!!! RIP Mr. Meadowlark 🙏🏿

[@JukeJohnson]

RIP, Thanks for all you have done to inspire generations of young people!

[@vancetrigger]

A true legend of love and fun for the game...the best of the best. Thank you for making the game fun and a pleasure to play. I loved the game because of him. RIP and condolences to his family.

[@BBBYpsi]

Young athletes should take note. He is a humble & great man. Nothing wrong with a bit of humility. It was never about him but the game itself. May Mr. Meadowlark Lemon RIP.

[@wallacevelie7197]

Wow, what a man. You don't find men like Mr. Lemon anymore! God Bless you, and your entire family.

[@jessejazz3023]

Thank you Meadowlark for acknowledging so many great players from the past. Including yourself,Curly Neal,Wilt Chamberlain,Jerry West,Bill Russell ,Bob Cousy and the Hawk Connie Hawkins!

[@jazzmanchgo]

Let's not forget the great Marques Haynes, as well. Lemon refers to him here as "Mr. Haynes," and that's exactly what all the players called him as he became an honored elder statesman of the game. All of his players on the Fabulous Magicians called him that. The respect he commanded -- the respect he EARNED -- was without equal.

[@cybermonkeyusa]

This man was awesome. He the leader of the Globetrotters of my youth. Hey! When you are highlighted in a Scooby-Doo cartoon, you were quite famous:)

[@richremaly8418]

Let's not forget the Globetrotters were also on Sesame Street in the 80s

[@MichaelMaxwell747]

When they give you a cartoon of your own and make lunch boxes of it then you are an icon. I lived in England and loved them and had the lunch box.

[@sttvoyager1727]

Beautiful human being. I’m proud to say that I saw him live when I was a kid and remember him 45 years later....

[@phoenixrising164]

I wish sport could be what it used to be then.. not about money .. about love of the game , to inspire and to bring in happiness. I wish I was born in that generation. Truly a legend. You Did it Meadowlark Lemon!

[@rorygrime1202]

SIR, you were an absolute blessing to our earth. As a young man, u dealt with the irony of the world. You never showed anything but love and caring for all. Yes, you will be miss Meadowlark, but never forgotten.

[@sueparkerjones1070]

This man breaks my heart , but also makes it sing , respect my friend your sentiments from your heart are the same as my daddy , who I miss every minute of my life , like you will be ..........our loss is heavens gain SueX

[@donnawilcock5774]

I saw the Globetrotters at my high school back in the 60's. What a wonderful memory! So much laughter was brought to all of us in attendance by this man. The Globetrotters as a team hold a special place in my heart. I will see you in heaven, Meadowlark. So blessed to have you as my brother in Christ.

[@craigprice5333]

That's why I love Basketball because of Meadowlark Lemon. R.I.P.

[@timothyogden9761]

What a wonderful kind man. Meadowlark! Thank you for ALL the WONDERFUL memories. God bless you!

[@georgemartinez8434]

I believe i saw him and the Harlem Globetrotters play in denver back in the late 70's early 80's, it was such a thrill and a memory never to be forgotten

[@MrRLSmith2]

You will never be forgotten Meadowlark Lemon. RIP my good man.

[@usagent9503]

You will be missed, and I appreciate you and what you did for America. Rest in Peace.

[@jackskillet]

I can watch these tributes all day... these video's should be a teaching moment for todays youth

[@yambo59]

Im 62 and in my youth I only got to see the Globetrotters on TV, but seeing Meadowlark and the Globetrotters play was, is still and will always be one of the highest highlights of my life. Thank you Meadowlark for sharing your special blend of humor and show stopping skills you so beautifully blended to entertain us all RIP MEADOWLARK

[@2dasimmons]

WHat a beautiful man. His speech brought tears to my eyes.

[@anthonyhall4793]

Rest in Peace in Heaven Meadowlark Lemon! A great mentor to so many people in so many different ways. On the court and off the court an all around great individual!

[@RokHollywoodTwins]

RIH Meadowlark.......Great basketball player. Even better man of God!

[@regankercheval9296]

Tears of gratitude for all the memories, hope, inspiration and laughter. Oh how we need leaders with the hearts that were so big they had stretch marks on them. Thank you for making this a great day!! RIP Meadowlark, Curly and all those who made their ministry possible.

[@errittsmith4536]

The Globetrotters played at my high school when I was in the ninth grade those were the days congratulations Medowlark for getting in the hall of fame

[@Phaedrus-th7bi]

OG I was crying along with him. Such a heartwarming speech from a man with integrity, determination, and thankfulness in his heart. Amazing.

[@rudolphbradshaw6124]

Not only am I a Wilmington, N C native but I lived 5 doors away from him on Bladen St. Had many conversations with him before and he became a Trotter, his sister Gracie and I are the same age. He was atleast 11 years older than me.

[@lbrennerd]

I remember watching this man as a teen. I am now 54 and it was a beautiful feeling of childhood. I felt blessed for the memory. Thank you and rest in peace, light and love.

[@garyhillman4993]

We don’t play much basketball in England it’s all Football and Cricket but we all knew n loved Meadowlark sooo much , he was Mr basketball to us 🏀❤️🇬🇧 RIP

[@nathanrusso8047]

Miss the laughter and joy he gave me in my youth...and as an adult. Love ya man.

[@carolynclaire5241]

He was so fun to watch live!!! ❤

[@Hotobu]

Yes, in all of our hearts. R.I.P.

[@2dasimmons]

Thanks for uploading THIS OfficialHoophall. Much appreciated.

[@JK-wt5cq]

Thanks for the entertainment and memories! You helped make basketball the popular global sport it is today!

[@jimmoran973]

Really good speeches. Touches all the bases and rings all the bells.

[@darryld9719]

the greatest of all time!.....i was lucky to see their classic line up in 1975....a great memory!....

[@josephhertzberg2734]

I strive to purify my heart as Meadowlark did with his. A truly beautiful human being.

[@backsweet]

dry'n my eyes....thanks for the memories Meadow

[@bigjohn2073]

Meadowlark and I were friends. He was one of a kind. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I know I'll see him again.

[@reaper121]

It was so special to watch Mr. Meadowlark as a kid, I thought the world of him a memory I will cherish.

[@RobbMitchell57]

One of the greatest players and greatest men to play the game. RIP Meadowlark, you changed our lives.

[@scottcamp9266]

Every boy of my generation looked to Meadowlark as our hero❤️👏🏻👍🏻

[@powderedtoastfacekillah734]

What a great speech

[@2dasimmons]

RIP fabulous Rev. Meadowlark Lemon. HalleluYAH!

[@ciarankelly4338]

Saw Meadowlark in Toronto 1973 and he was class -so happy for him to be inducted to Hall of Fame-richly deserved!

[@johnmassoud930]

Saw the Globetrotters play in the mid 70's at the old DC Armory. Seeing Meadowlark sink that hook shot just blew me away then and still does today. RIP

[@georgethebear1812]

I am lucky to have seen this legend play at Wembley empire pool as it was then back in the 1970,s. The shows the harlem globetrotters put on then for us youngsters, is something which will stay in memory forever, thank you medowlark lemon and the harlem globetrotters.

[@chriscouser9525]

RIP ML..hope we can hoop it up in heaven someday

[@mariovh]

He was not only fun to Watch , he was amazingly skilled …

[@pucketts57]

Beautiful Beautiful story . Watched him & the Globetrotters play on tv. They were all incredible. Loved his time apologizing.but just loved him for the kind of man he was

[@markwilson7648]

Meadowlark my dear brother not only a great athlete but a great human being he might only proved what he could do on the court in basketball later in life he helped hundreds of people and it was my pleasure to work with him as an ex athlete to help those people I miss my dear brother

[@extanegautham8950]

Wow. what a speech. the man who made us laugh also makes us cry. What a story teller...

[@extanegautham8950]

my brother and i LOVED the Globetrotters and their King, Meadowlark. As they say, he gave us so much joy...

[@LorrettaWilliams]

RIP Meadowlark, you will be missed !

[@davidwiliamson7251]

the Harlem globetrotters were such a positive influence in my life I thank them from the bottom. of my heart!

[@lfcmonkeyyyman6229]

What a speech, so compelling! 👏 and of course, what a lovely guman being.. RIP my man

[@randydogs61]

1974 the Dade County Auditorium I saw Meadowlark Lemon, he was in the second row of the bleacher seats past the midcourt line, and he took the ball and let it go in a wide arc, it sailed gracefully thru the air, It was as if time stopped, the ball contimued on and it went thru the hoop, once it went thru , the audience appeared to have lost its mind and began cheering, I as a small white kid wanted to be a HGT, I didnt know I wouldnt be 6ft 5in but I practiced with a basketball until I could spin it on my finger, elbow, pinky and knuckles, all in one swoop, I would dribble until my arms were tired and then I would dribble some more. Thank you Meadowlark Lemon You made the world so much better.

[@mrfester42]

Seeing his face brings such great happy feelings back.

[@1tigerbee]

Meadowlark Lemon was an American Treasure. Simply the Best.

[@dj-jazzy-jimbob]

He hit me in the forehead with a hotdog in Champaign IL when I was 3. One of my earliest memories. The hotdog was good but no ketchup!

[@RubyBandUSA]

uh, I was there. That wasn't a hot dog

[@steveclayton2353]

When I was a kid watching meadowlark make those corner hookshots was unbelievable!And always on wide world of sports.A childhood hero,precious memories how they linger.

[@benicerita]

What a legacy for not only his family but all of us who loved him then and now as a wonderful fellow to admire and emulate!!! We know that your life was so fulfilled and we thank the Lord for all that you accomplished here so now the void you leave in our hearts will inspire us to love God,family,country and our fellowman near and far!!

[@charlottecannon314]

Saw him with the Harlem.Globetrotters in 1965, 67, 71, and 75. Awesome guy. He totally deserves this award.

[@bluestar9463]

Just think - No other human has brought as many smiles to faces of young and old all over the world. And that's no exaggeration.

[@Swaa]

No better compliment can a man receive than what you just said Mu4dD1b15. If we step back to what men like Meadowlark was, our community would be a lot better than what it is now. He was a great man and I enjoyed watching him and the Globetrotters play. Those were great times.

[@sandramayes3884]

We saw them on tv in England they were fab especially Meadowlarkxx

[@PaulFStillwaggon]

One of the best!

[@jheddtuasjhedd]

He came to my school in Montreal with Curly and the team . MAGICAL!!!!!

[@jacobdeaver6542]

R.I.P .I wish I could of got to see him play in person.

[@willieweaver1315]

J. Crossover you would never FORGET IT my man let me tell you. Him and THE HARELEM GLOBETROTTERS were the best funnies and down right GREATEST team to ever have touched, played, and loved the game of basketball.

[@TheGreatGig73]

I was in my hotel room in St Petersburg Florida in 1978 and I heard people clowning around and laughing in the parking lot. I said to my friend someone out there sounds very familiar. I looked outside and saw the Harlem Globetrotter bus and it was Meadowlark Lemon in the parking lot just goofing around. By the time I got downstairs he was already gone. They were staying at the hotel but I never got a chance to meet them. That was pretty cool anyway just to see him from my 6th floor room.

[@funkyflights]

Rip ... Seemed like a heck of a guy... Life well lived

[@DanInBranson]

Truly a class act. I remember seeing him in 1978 with my dad at Kemper Arena. Mostly because of his name but also because he was so funny. One of the all time greatest.

[@coachnsuccess]

The clown prince of globally recognized ambassador 'Meadowlark Lemon' ....who I saw live in Jackson, MS vs the Generals... 60s a thrill of my life.....Curly Neal.....the showmanship.....Thanks for the memories and the contributions . R.I.P.

[@nickajk1]

Class act

[@BBBYpsi]

I heard a radio interview with him just last year. It was very informative.

[@satyanarayan888]

If you can win hearts of your haters u are ultimate champion and GOAT

[@henryeberhardt3012]

What a really nice man! I loved watching his great playing of basketball thank you!

[@richierich6231]

Bless you ML.

[@tomobrien5029]

Growing up, you couldn't wait for Meadowlark Lemon and the Globetrotters to arrive, and if you couldn't see them live, you never missed them on TV, Wide World of Sports, etc. What a true Entertainer and Ambassador for Basketball. Don't think he, Curly, and the rest of the Globetrotters, were given enough credit to what they brought to the sport. They made me a fan. R.I.P. Mr. Meadowlark Lemon, and thanks for the memories!

[@waderivers3304]

Made more people laugh and smile than anybody else. He was also a born again Christian. He became an ordained minister. Great man.

[@kiltmanm60]

I will never forget seeing him when i was a little boy and he did the water bucket trick.... never forget that day.