Goose Tatum facts for kids
Tatum on a Coca-Cola advertisement, 1954
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 31, 1921 El Dorado, Arkansas |
| Died | January 18, 1967 (aged 45) El Paso, Texas |
| Resting place | Fort Bliss National Cemetery |
| Education | Booker T. Washington High School (El Dorado, Arkansas) |
| Occupation | professional basketball and baseball player, entertainer, World War II Veteran |
| Years active | 1937–1943, 1946–1966 |
| Sport | |
| Sport | baseball (1937–1943, 1946–49) basketball (1941–42, 1946–1966) |
| Team | Louisville Black Colonels (1937) Memphis Red Sox (1941) Birmingham Black Barons (1942) Harlem Globetrotters (1941–42, 1946–1954) Indianapolis Clowns (1943, 1946–49) Harlem Magicians / Stars / Trotters / Roadkings (1953–1966) Detroit Stars (unknown) |
Reece "Goose" Tatum (born May 31, 1921 – died January 18, 1967) was an amazing American athlete. He played both Negro league baseball and basketball. He became famous for his time with the Harlem Globetrotters, where he played for 11 years.
Later, he started his own basketball team called the Harlem Magicians. Goose Tatum is honored in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. His jersey number 50 was retired by the Globetrotters, showing how important he was to the team.
Contents
Early Life and Sports Beginnings
Reece "Goose" Tatum was born in El Dorado, Arkansas. His birthday was May 31, 1921. His father, Ben Tatum, was a farmer and a part-time preacher. His mother, Alice Tatum, worked as a cook. Goose was one of seven children in his family.
He went to Booker T. Washington High School in El Dorado. There, he was a star in three different sports. He played baseball, basketball, and football. After high school, Goose Tatum started his professional baseball career. He joined the Louisville Black Colonels in 1937. He also played for the Memphis Red Sox in 1941 and the Birmingham Black Barons in 1942. During World War II, Tatum served in the United States Army Air Forces.
Becoming a Globetrotter Legend
In 1942, Harlem Globetrotters owner and coach Abe Saperstein signed Goose Tatum. This was a big moment for his basketball career. Tatum quickly became known for his incredible skills and funny routines. He was called the "clown prince" of the Globetrotters. He made many people laugh with his tricks on the court.
Goose Tatum was very tall, about 6 feet 4 inches. He had very long arms, about 84 inches (210 cm) wide! He could even touch his kneecaps without bending over. He used his unique body and humor to entertain fans. He is also given credit for inventing the hook shot in basketball. He played with the Globetrotters for 11 seasons.
The Harlem Magicians
In 1955, Goose Tatum left the Harlem Globetrotters. He decided to start his own basketball team. He teamed up with another former Globetrotter player, Marques Haynes. Their new team was called The Fabulous Harlem Magicians.
This team traveled all over, playing games in different towns. This kind of traveling team was called "barnstorming." They continued to entertain crowds with their amazing basketball skills and funny acts.
Challenges and Lasting Impact
Goose Tatum faced some difficult times. He experienced unfair treatment because of his race. For example, in 1955, a restaurant in San Francisco refused to serve him and his friends. He stood up against this unfairness.
Goose Tatum passed away at his home in El Paso, Texas, on January 18, 1967. He was 45 years old. He was buried in the Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
His legacy lives on through his impact on basketball. In 1974, he was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. The Harlem Globetrotters retired his number 50 jersey on February 8, 2002. His name was also placed on the Globetrotters' "Legends Ring" at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He was only the fourth player to have his number retired by the team. In 2011, Goose Tatum was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He is remembered as a true pioneer and entertainer in sports.
See also
In Spanish: Goose Tatum para niños
