Music by: Bernie Orchestra - Sweet Georgia Brown
Usage: 1925 Public Domain

Today’s topic: Reese Goose Tatum on Entertainment Podcasting Sports.

Goose The Clown Prince of Basketball. But to me, Goose was more than a clown. He could do things with a basketball that you might not see today. This was a Globetrotter’s game, and he was a magician. Goose would pretend to throw the ball up, and the players would jump up while Goose still held the ball in his hand. He had fancy ball handling. Goose had a long hook shot but his first option was always a pass. He was a showman. The Clown Prince would run all over the basketball court as if he were going to play football? Goose was a negro league baseball and basketball player. He might would have made a good football player.

In 1942, he was signed to the Harlem Globetrotters and had an 11 - year career with the team. He later formed his own team known as the Harlem Magicians with former Globetrotters player Marques Haynes.

Goose Tatum wove numerous comic routines into his play, many of which achieved cult status. Some of these routines were based on his stature - at 6’4”. It is reported that he had an arm span of about 84 inches and could touch his kneecaps without bending. Goose is credited with inventing the hook shot. While playing for the Harlem Magicians, Tatum was billed as having scored the most points in the history of basketball, but the assertion is dubious.

In 1974, Tatum was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. His number 50 jersey was retired by the Harlem Globetrotters on February 8, 2002 and his name was placed on the Globetrotters' "Legends Ring" at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Goose Tatum left the world in 1967 at age 45. He was a great entertainer. I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to Entertainment Podcasting Sports.