January 1979: The Harlem Globetrotters were in town to play against the Washington Generals and I was going to the game. I was very excited as I have always had a fascination with the Trotters. At the time, I was playing basketball at USIU and was battling through a left knee injury and loved to play. I had an idea about trying to get a tryout with the Generals, so I took a resume to the game and walked down the player entrance and asked the guard at the gate to give it to Red Klotz, who was the coach of the Generals. I really didn’t expect Klotz to get it, and even if he did, I didn't expect to hear back. When the Generals took the court and Klotz walked out, he had my manila envelope in his hands. I could feel the smile on my face, that at least he received it. He held on to it the entire game, rolled up like a program. I still did not think I would here back from Klotz, but about two weeks later, I received a handwritten letter from him inviting me to a tryout in Long Beach. Unfortunately, my knee was not cooperating and was I unable to attend.
Fast forward to January of 2010. I get a call from well-known public relations man Rick Schloss, who was aware of my missed opportunity 31 years ago. He asked me if I would like to play for the Generals when they come to San Diego in early February. I jumped at the chance! Rick has been a friend of mine since the late 70’s, and wanted to do something special for me, since I had suffered a heart attack on October 3rd 2009. I was finally going to get a chance to suit up for the Generals and play against the famous Harlem Globetrotters.
The night was February 11th, a Friday evening and boy was I excited. I got there at 5:30 pm and had to report to the Generals' locker room at 6:00 pm for a 7:00 pm game. I went on the court at 5:30 and shot some free throws. Ernie Hahn, the general manager of the Pechanga Arena, was feeding me so I could get shots up. It was 6:00 pm when I walked in to the Generals' locker room. I was extremely nervous and well past my prime as a player at 51 years old, but had the enthusiasm of a teenager. I Introduced myself to the players and settled in to put my uniform on. I was given the number 00 - not my scoring average. After I was dressed, the coach of the Generals asked me to come outside. I was so nervous as he spoke with me and explained how I was going to be used and that I would play 3 minutes in the 2nd quarter.
It was time to hit the court for warmups and I was so keyed up. Right as I hit the hardwood, both of my calf’s tightened up with muscle spasms. I couldn’t believe it! I had waited over 30 years to realize this dream and for the first time in my life, my calves were not cooperating. The game got started and I was a great cheerleader. I realized if I was in my prime I would have been a great General. We get to the 2nd quarter, a few minutes go by, and then I am told to check in. I was overwhelmed with emotion with family, friends and a lot of radio listeners cheering me on. I was a very good shooter in my career and even with my bulky body, I was a good long range bomber. I went up and down the court a few times and am waiting for an opportunity to get a shot up. Finally it comes from about 22 feet. I shoot an air ball and it was not short, it was long! I was too pumped up. Next time down the court, I have the same shot from the same spot and hit nothing but net. What a relief. I know I have very little time left so I post up, get the ball a great pump fake, and get dragged to the floor by Handles the Trotters clown Prince. I am going to the line for two free throws. I missed my first and it ticked me off because in my prime, I was an excellent free throw shooter. Handles then jacked my shorts up as high as they would go and even with that, I canned my second charity toss and then I was subbed out, having scored 3 points in 3 minutes against the Globetrotters.
After the game when I went into the locker room, the Generals complimented me on my performance and said I was the best player among the celebrities they had played with. That sure made me feel great! Thank you to Rick Schloss, the Harlem Globetrotters and the Washington Generals for making my dream come true.
The Globetrotters will be in town this week on Friday and Sunday at Pechanga Arena; Friday night at 7:00 pm and Sunday afternoon 2:00 pm. If you have never seen the Globetrotters in person, it is a wonderful family event that will create memories for a lifetime.
Hope you all have a great week,