The 1965 Harlem Globetrotters was their 39th year in existence. They traveled internationally and entertained fans of all ages. This program (which doubled as their yearbook) actually has an original ticket stub attached from a game played in Long Island, NY on March 24, 1965 (stapled to cover). There is a loose color section that was pulled out from the program so the players could sign by their photos.
This historic piece has been signed by 9 people including: Leroy Satchel Paige (d 1982 – Baseball HOF) was a legendary storyteller and one of the most entertaining pitchers in baseball history. A tall, lanky fireballer, he was arguably the Negro leagues' hardest thrower, most colorful character and greatest gate attraction. In the 1930s, the well-traveled pitcher barnstormed around the continent, baffling hitters with creatively named pitches such as the Bat Dodger and Hesitation Pitch. In 1948, he was sold to Cleveland on his 42nd birthday, becoming the oldest rookie in the Major Leagues while helping the Indians win the pennant.
In the 1950s, Paige and Abe Saperstein formed a baseball version of Saperstein’s Harlem Globetrotters. Paige then joined the real Globetrotters when he joined one of their most popular "reams"—the "baseball routine". Paige would "pitch" the basketball to Goose Tatum, who would "bat" the ball with his arms, run around the "bases" and slide "home" safely. Paige never actually played on the team, though.
Abe Saperstein – (D. 1966) Although only 5-foot-3, Abe Saperstein, through his promotion of the Harlem Globetrotters, did more to popularize and publicize basketball than any of the game's big men. A masterful promoter and shrewd businessman, Saperstein's keen sense of entertainment, and his handling of the Harlem Globetrotters was genius. Originally a high school team, they became known as the Savoy Big Five (after the Savoy Ballroom on the south side of Chicago) and on January 7, 1927, played their first game in Hinckley, IL. Initially, the "Trotters" were an all-black barnstorming team playing serious ball and dominating games across the country. Saperstein soon began adding a little spice to each game. Through Saperstein's vision and dedication, the Harlem Globetrotters developed and became world famous for a unique style of play that combined technical mastery with humor, slight of hand, and fun. He was elected to the Naismith Basketball HOF in 1971.
Additional autographs include: James Robinson (D. 2012), Charles “Tex” Harrison (D. 2014), Bobby Joe Mason (D. 2006), Grady McCollum (D. 1984), and two Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers – Meadlowlark Lemon (D. 2015) and Connie Hawkins (D. 2017) (who at the time was stilled banned from playing in the NBA). Full LOA from PSA/DNA.