Spinning that ball in heaven. Original Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon, affectionately known as the "Clown Prince of Basketball," died on Sunday, December 27, his wife confirmed to the team. He was 83.
A rep for the Globetrotters told reporters that Lemon's wife, Cynthia Lemon, confirmed the famed athlete's death to the team. According to the grieving wife, Meadowlark died in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they lived.
A cause of death was not given.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Meadowlark Lemon. He was 83. #RIPMeadowlark pic.twitter.com/tCRWkZUD3h
— Harlem Globetrotters (@Globies) December 28, 2015
Lemon joined the Globetrotters in 1954, and became the breakout star after several seasons with the team. He was known for clowning around on the court while inspiring awe with his tricks. In his career with the team, Meadowlark played more than 16,000 games spanning over 24 seasons.
In 1979, Lemon left the team and created several of his own comedy-basketball teams, though he remained on good terms with the Globetrotters. In 2003, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Celebrities and NBA stars who grew up watching Lemon perform his dazzling ball tricks took to social media to mourn the athlete.
The Great Meadowlark Lemon of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters dies at 83. Rest In Basketball Heaven Sir! pic.twitter.com/X8BXKLxiV9
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) December 28, 2015
I mourn the passing of my childhood hero Meadowlark Lemon. As a cartoon, when paired with Scooby Doo and solving crimes, he was transcendent
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 28, 2015
Man. #MeadowlarkLemon such a vital part of my childhood in the 70s. The #HarlemGlobetrotters were… https://t.co/GydyPCgAlq
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) December 28, 2015
I remember, when I was a kid, what a thrill it was to watch #MeadowlarkLemon and the @Globies play ball.
— ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) December 28, 2015
There was not a nicer man than Meadowlark Lemon #VayaConDios #RIP pic.twitter.com/TURC5jwtYx
— George Lopez (@georgelopez) December 28, 2015
Sad News w/ the passing of innovator/pioneer & ultimate showman, Meadowlark Lemon: "The Clown Prince of Basketball" pic.twitter.com/QEm3hrxms5
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) December 28, 2015
Lemon is survived by his wife and 10 children.
