Harry Glickman facts for kids

Harry Glickman (born May 13, 1924 – died June 10, 2020) was an American journalist, sports promoter, and sports leader. He was one of the people who helped start the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team. He also served as the team's president from 1987 to 1994.

Early Life and Education

Harry Glickman grew up in Portland, Oregon, during the Great Depression, a time when many people faced economic hardship. His mother, Bessie, was an immigrant from Poland and worked in the clothing industry. Harry also worked as a paperboy to help his family.

His mother used to write letters in Yiddish to her family in Poland. However, after 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland, his relatives were tragically killed during the Holocaust.

Harry played basketball at Lincoln High School in Portland, graduating in 1941. After high school, he went to the University of Oregon. He planned to become a sportswriter and worked for the school newspaper and other publications.

During his time at college, Harry paused his studies to join the United States Army for World War II. He served for three years in the 12th Armored Division. After the war, he returned to the University of Oregon and graduated in 1948 with a degree in journalism.

Starting a Career in Sports Promotion

When a job as a sportswriter didn't work out, Harry Glickman decided to try promoting sports events. He started his own company called Oregon Sports Attractions. He began by organizing boxing matches and then expanded into other entertainment shows.

In 1955, he promoted a tour for singer Judy Garland in the Pacific Northwest. However, after a problem with one of her concerts, Harry decided to focus only on sports events.

After this, Harry had many successful promotions. He organized preseason games for National Football League (NFL) teams at Portland’s Multnomah Stadium. He also brought the famous Harlem Globetrotters basketball team to play. He even arranged post-season NBA All-Star games at the new Memorial Coliseum in Portland.

Founding the Portland Buckaroos

In 1960, Harry Glickman founded the Portland Buckaroos, a professional ice hockey team. The Buckaroos played in the Western Hockey League (WHL), which was a minor league at the time.

The Buckaroos became one of the most successful teams in minor league hockey history. They won three WHL championships and played in three other championship games during their 13 years in the league. The WHL eventually closed down in 1974. The Buckaroos team also folded in 1975 after moving to a different league.

Creating the Portland Trail Blazers

Harry Glickman had a dream of bringing a professional basketball team to Portland. He became interested in this idea as early as 1954, when the city approved building the Memorial Coliseum.

In 1970, Harry worked hard to get a new team for Portland in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He managed to secure an expansion team, which meant a brand new team joining the league. However, he needed to raise $3.8 million very quickly.

Harry quickly gathered three wealthy real estate developers: Herman Sarkowsky, Larry Weinberg, and Robert Schmertz. These investors helped provide the money needed for the team. Later, Sarkowsky and Schmertz sold their shares to Weinberg, who became the main owner of the team.

Harry Glickman was the first General Manager of the Portland Trail Blazers from the very beginning in 1970 until he retired in 1987. He was in charge of all the business and basketball operations for the team. After his retirement, he continued to be involved as the Blazers' president emeritus.

In 1988, Paul Allen, one of the founders of Microsoft, bought the team from Larry Weinberg. Harry's sons, Marshall and Daniel, also worked for the Blazers and remained connected to the team.

Later Life and Recognition

After his time with the Blazers, Harry Glickman continued to be involved in sports. He worked with his sons at Portland Family Entertainment, a company that promotes baseball and soccer in Portland. This company also managed a big renovation project for Civic Stadium (now called Providence Park).

In 1977, Harry Glickman wrote his autobiography, which is a book about his own life, called Promoter Ain't a Dirty Word.

Harry Glickman received many honors for his contributions to sports.

• In 1986, he was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame for his impact on sports in Oregon.
• In 1992, he was named Portland, Oregon's First Citizen of the Year.
• On February 15, 2019, he received the John Bunn Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This award is a lifetime achievement honor given to people who have made a big difference in basketball at all levels.

Death

Harry Glickman passed away on June 10, 2020, at the age of 96.