Harlem Globetrotter Legend Meadlowlark Lemon Dies at Age 83

Meadowlark Lemon, Basketball Hall of Famer and the renowned "Clown Prince of Basketball", died on Sunday, December 27th in Scottsdale, Ariz. according to The New York Times. He was 83. The death was confirmed by his wife, Cynthia Lemon.

The Harlem Globetrotters also shared the sad news on their official Twitter page, posting:

According to Meadowlark Lemon's official web site, the athlete, who helped change the face of American history, Black history, and Sports history has played basketball before Kings, Queens, Presidents, Popes, and for millions of fans all over the World! Meadowlark has performed his on-court artistry in more than 100 countries around the Globe! As an international star with the Harlem Globetrotters, Meadowlark was also known as an "Ambassador of Good will in Short Pants." In 1997, at Ebony Magazine's 50th anniversary, Meadowlark was honored with the Sports Legends Award.

Meadowlark Lemon played in more than 16,000 career games for the Globetrotters that began in 1954 and lasted until 1979. In 1993, he went back with the Harlem Globetrotters for a 50 game "comeback" season. Meadowlark was voted as one of America's most recognizable faces following Alan Alda, John Wayne and Bob Hope.

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