Making Memories with the Globetrotters and Reliving Old Ones

Two years before I was born, The Harlem Globetrotters teamed up with Scooby Doo and the gang to solve a crime. They appeared in two more Scooby stories. Even though their first appearance occurred before my birth, the episodes lived on in reruns. Besides Scooby Doo, the Globetrotters also appeared on another childhood favorite, Gilligan’s Island.

Not to sound like an old “Back in my day,” man, but back in the 80s, the Globetrotters were everyone’s team. It was a treat after the Wide World of Sports on Sunday afternoons if the Globetrotters were on TV. If they were on, I could be found sitting cross-legged on the floor and laughing.

When I was in grade school, a team of retired Globetrotters formed the team the Harlem Wizards. The Wizards traveled around the United States and played against local clubs. At the time, I lived in a small town in Oklahoma, far from any possibility of seeing the Globetrotters. The Wizards were a lot of fun and it was the first time I had seen someone so tall. After the game, I got to meet the players and ask for autographs. Seeing them live was a core childhood memory.

For whatever reason, I never made it to a Globetrotters game. Even living in NYC, where catching a Globetrotter game is attainable, I had yet to take my kids to see the Crown Princes of Basketball. Until now.

I am a member of the NYC Dads Group and we often get exciting opportunities in New York City. One day, I received an email that stated there was a meetup happening at Madison Square Garden to watch the Globetrotters. I clicked “going” before I even looked at my calendar.

Before the game, I told my kids all about how I grew up watching the Globetrotters. I talked about some of their antics and how I used to watch them while sitting on the floor. When game day arrived, they were well-versed in Globetrotter lore.

After we arrived at the game and took our seats, I greeted many of the dads that I have not seen in a while. I was especially happy to see James Lopez at the game with his family. James runs the blog FatherhoodIsLit.com and has had health struggles over the past few years. I’ve missed seeing him at dad events, so it was one of many highlights of the night.

*You can donate to James Lopez Go Fund Me page here.

During the game, I felt like a kid again. Laughing at all the on-court shenanigans with my kids was extra special. After the game, my kids and I went to a meet-and-greet with the players. I was once again reminded of when I was young and chasing Wizards around to get an autograph.

The world needs more joy. I am thankful I could have a joyous moment on a Saturday afternoon at The Garden. Check the Globetrotters schedule to see if they are playing near you.