Meadowlark Lemon's Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

Manny Jackson introduces Meadowlark Lemon as he delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2003. To learn more about Meadowlark Lemon take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famer...

[@2dasimmons]

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

[@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 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

[@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

[@dwartfarquart9590]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@stacyblue1980]

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

[@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.

[@kellymason55]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@craigprice5333]

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

[@LorrettaWilliams]

RIP Meadowlark, you will be missed !

[@grega1972]

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

[@carolynclaire5241]

He was so fun to watch live!!! ❤

[@MrRLSmith2]

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

[@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.

[@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....

[@wallacevelie7197]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@usagent9503]

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

[@dickshanery7152]

I can't tell you how much Meadowlark and the Globetrotters meant to me as a child, to me they were just magic. They brought so much happiness to so many.....God bless them all!!

[@jackskillet]

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

[@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.

[@jimmoran973]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@JK-wt5cq]

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

[@nathanrusso8047]

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

[@2dasimmons]

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

[@reaper121]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@powderedtoastfacekillah734]

What a great speech

[@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

[@ciarankelly4338]

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

[@darryld9719]

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

[@lfcmonkeyyyman6229]

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

[@nickajk1]

Class act

[@Hotobu]

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

[@henryeberhardt3012]

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

[@mrfester42]

Seeing his face brings such great happy feelings back.

[@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

[@2dasimmons]

Thanks for uploading THIS OfficialHoophall. Much appreciated.

[@2dasimmons]

RIP fabulous Rev. Meadowlark Lemon. HalleluYAH!

[@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.

[@PaulFStillwaggon]

One of the best!

[@josephhertzberg2734]

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

[@scottcamp9266]

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

[@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.

[@chriscouser9525]

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

[@RobbMitchell57]

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

[@jheddtuasjhedd]

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

[@matthewmcsheffrey2522]

Warm and touching tribute🏀🏀🏀🏀

[@backsweet]

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

[@sandramayes3884]

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

[@mariovh]

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

[@kennywilkes6978]

Wonderful speech

[@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.

[@TGipNC]

That was beautiful!!!

[@richierich6231]

Bless you ML.

[@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

[@reelguyoutdoors5536]

A great ball player, entertainer, and greater human being! RIP Meadowlark Lemon

[@ardeladimwit]

absolute best memories of this giant...

[@charlottecannon314]

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

[@BBBYpsi]

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

[@kiltmanm60]

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

[@buzzsaw6341]

Love his humbleness

[@funkyflights]

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

[@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.

[@Panamabill99]

1968 I first saw him at the forum in LA I was 10yrs old. Meadowlark was a Icon in every way. I still whistle Sweet George Brown and it makes me smile.

[@1tigerbee]

Meadowlark Lemon was an American Treasure. Simply the Best.

[@michaellebron7383]

A True great an original OG. Glad he got his due.

[@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

[@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.

[@silverback802]

I saw him play, He was simply the best.

[@jackskillet]

as a young boy he was the first basketball player i new of along with his team mate Curly Neal the dribbling genius at the Westchester County Center

[@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.

[@tomsmith5216]

I saw the Trotters when I was a kid, and Meadowlark Lemon was on the team. I laughed the ehole time, and Lemon was yhe absolute star of s team of stars

[@demetriuse.stroud4016]

EMOTIONAL SPEECH