Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to wish anyone from the US reading this a happy Thanksgiving. I hope you are spending it with those you love.

Randomness Week 28

Military Photo in the public domain.

I'm a couple hours early. But since it was finished I decided to post the "Randomness" post now.

First of all I got quoted in the latest blog entry on Jews in Sports at the blog "Gather The Jews" and no, I am not either Jewish or in Sports. But they the latest blog entry on Jews in sports was on the most awesome Jewish basketball player ever, Red Klotz and the Washington Generals. I highly reccomend reading the blog entry and not simply beacause I got a mention in it, but it is a great article on a great man. By someone who "gets it". You can read the blog entry by CLICKING HERE! 

Jewocity.com put up their list of the top 10 Jewish Basketball stars. Among the list were a few names familiar to the Washington Generals. Most notable and predictably were Red Klotz (at #10) and Nancy Lieberman (at #2). Also on the list were Harold S. "Bunny" Levitt (at #8), who traveled putting on a free throw exhibition with the Globetrotters for a time, and Adolph "Dolph" Schayes, the older brother of former Washington General Herman Schayes, topped the list at #1. To see the whole list CLICK HERE!

Over on the Globetrotter side of things, the Trotters have been billing their own Tiny Strugess, their newest rookie center, as "the tallest professional basketball player ever." But the Guinness World Records made it official. As famous Washington Generals fan Krusty the Clown might say, "The Generals need to bring a ladder to the floor!". You can read more by CLICKING HERE!

New Ebook By Sean McCartney Released

Former Washington General and young adult novelist Sean McCartney has announced his newest e-book has been released.

The book is titled Black Knight Chronicles: Rise of Evil and Sean describes it as as being in the tradition of Lord of the Rings and Eragon.

The book description according to Amazon is as follows...

After an era of war, peace finally comes to the Kingdom of Dacian. All is well until a fateful day in December when an evil wizard unleashes his ruthless assassins on a path of death and destruction. Now darkness has begun to envelope the land. In time, a young king will be tested and rival groups must come together to save the kingdom from annihilation.

...Defeat is Unimaginable.

Sean has currently published two young adult novels in his "The Treasure Hunters Club" series, and has said on the series Facebook group that the release date for the third should be out soon.

CLICK BELOW TO ORDER BLACK KNIGHT CHRONICLES: RISE OF EVIL FROM AMAZON.COM

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB WEBSITE

And while you are at it

CLICK HERE TO READ MY TOP PLAYER ENTRY FOR SEAN McCARTNEY 

Randomness Week 27 (more news on Thomas Bashlines Murder)

The New Jersey Reds vs The Harlem Globetrotters.
Photo courtesy of the Benedictine University Library.
Used under Creative Commons 

Some pictures from one of the games in France between the Global Select and Harlem Globetrotters can be viewed HERE!

Harlem Globetrotter, and former Washington General, Dizzy Grant will be part of the "Show Your Soft Side" campaign. Which is developed by the city of Baltimore to combat animal abuse. As an animal lover I definitley approve. To read about it CLICK HERE!

The case of the murder of Thomas Bashline which I reported earlier, took a new and unexpected turn as the police have arrested the alleged killer. If you want the details CLICK HERE! 

A blog called The Adventures of Kelli and David gave a rundown of watching the game last weekend in France. A nice account and always nice to see adults appreciating the Globetrotters game. To read it CLICK HERE!

I found a movie review of "Go, Man, Go!". Which was the second movie the Globetrotters did in 1954. To read the review CLICK HERE!

A family website for the Walsh Family has some photos from a game a few years back between the Generals and the Globetrotters. CLICK HERE!

I just found an article on Red Klotz from a while back that asks what I have been asking on this blog more than once, which is why Red Klotz is not in the Hall of Fame? To read it CLICK HERE!

In the latest on the Washington Generals current identity crisis they played in Qatar as the "Global Select". I have no idea what this means, although I do NOT like that they aren't playing as the Generals. Here is hoping this doesn't carry over to the North America tour come December.

Here is a video out of the introduction to both the Select and the Globetrotters. While I am complaining I want to say that it annoys me that they aren't currently introducing the players by name when they come out. I know people come to see the Globetrotters, but the Generals deserve recognition too. Although who knew Reggie Harrison led a number of teams into Championship matches. Maybe they are including the International Elite, and World Select. If so he led a number of teams with stupid names into championship matches.

Annahar TV Highlights The Elite's Game In Lebanon

Annahar TV posted a video showing highlights from one of the games in Lebanon between the International Elite and the Harlem Globetrotters.

I am giving it it's own post in part because it is the kind of video I love. Well edited, great music, and well placed clips. It is also one of the few videos from a professional TV station to feature clips of not just the Globetrotters impressive shots, but some great shot by the Elite as well.

It shows a big difference between the way the Generals (technically Elite this game, but not like they are fooling anyone) are precived in a lot of the overseas markets where they don't play as often.

While most North American fans and fans in European Countries where the Trotters frequent too often dismiss the Generals as "the guys who lose", in markets like Lebanon where the Trotters are a rarity the Generals are seen more as what they are. A vital part of the overall show.

The other thing in the video that shows the difference not regularly playing in a country makes as well. In the bucket of confetti show check out the adults ducking for cover. How often do you see grown men and women falling for THAT in North America?

Click here to check out more of my coverage of the Lebanon tour.

The Generals Have A Second Identity For Their Tour of France and Lebanon

Generals/Select/Elite player
Jimmie Miles in Global Select uniform

In an earlier post covering the tour of Lebanon, I mentioned how a report of one of their games in Lebanon reffered to the Globetrotters opponents as the "World Select". Since I hadn't seen any other reference of that name and it was simmilar to "International Elite", I wasn't sure if it wasn't some kind of translation snafu. Turns out it wasn't.

At recent coverage of the French tour, although early games were against the International Elite, I found definite proof of the Generals using the World Select identity as well. Specifically at the November 12th game in Geneve.

I am not sure what the deal is with the Generals playing under a new alias. When it first happened at the Lebanon games, I thought maybe they didn't want such a militaristic name for their opponent in that country.

But France wouldn't have that problem, and in fact the Washington Generals play over there regularly. Meaning some of their fans are probably as puzzled by this as I am.

I am theorizing, and so far it's only a theory as I haven't found any definite explenation, that with both of them having such a general international name, that perhaps they are trying out giving a name that would feel less Americanized for the Trotters opponents overseas. It would make some sense seeing as how the Harlem Globetrotters are at home anywhere, but having an opponent with an American name does make it seem more like an American show visiting another country.

Either way, I really hope this isn't some permanent change. As I have said before I hate it when the Generals go under another name. It just never feels like a Globetrotter game when they aren't playing the Washington Generals. They are their opponents and are as iconic as the Globetrotters. Superman never replaced Lex Luthor with Joe Smith after all.

It seemed like the Globetrotter had realized this back in 2008 when they went back to the Washington Generals name. So this change is really puzzling. The upcoming game in Quatar does list it as the Washington Generals playing the Globetrotters.

Although since the game is right after their tour of France ends, I am assuming it will be the same team that has been playing in Lebanon and France. So I am wondering if the opposing team being the "Generals" hasn't changed? Or else the Quatar media just made the obvious assumption it would be the Generals.

Here's hoping that this isn't a permanent change, and/or one that will happen in the North America tour. Their game here in Oklahoma City this January will be the first time my nephew sees the Washington Generals play the Globetrotters. I'll be disappointed if he sees them as the "World Select" or "International Elite". I guess the true test will be when the North America tour starts next month.

Once I find out more I will be sure to keep everyone updated.

And on a final note... "World Select" is a lousy name for a team. If the Trotters made the, in my opinion ill advised decision, to once again ask Ferrari and Klotz to change the team name long term, I REALLY hope that one doesn't stick.

The Washington Generals Other Opponents

Most people are under the impression the Washington Generals have only ever played the Globetrotters.

In recent decades, at least to my knowledge, that has pretty much been the case. But what most people don't know is back in the 50's, during the Washington Generals early days, they actually faced several other teams in addition to their infamous feud with the Harlem Globetrotters.

The reason was that in those years, the Harlem Globetrotters toured under quite a different model then what most of us are familiar with. 

By the 1950's the Harlem Globetrotters regularly toured with not one, but three different teams each tour. Why so many teams? Because the Globetrotters weren't the only game on tap that night. 

Many of the Trotters games would feature a double header. The initial game would feature two of these teams facing off against each other in a "competitive" game prior to the Globetrotters game. After that game was over, the Trotters would then face off against the third team, who would take on the role of a "Stooge team". 

A "stooge team" would basically play the role fans today associate with the Washington Generals. Where during the game the Globetrotters would do comedy bits, which the other team would play along with to help entertain the crowd. The three teams would rotate who would play the Trotters, meaning in these tours the Generals would usually play the Globetrotters every third game. 

Some of the teams most often touring, in addition to the Washington Generals, were legendary barnstorming teams The New York Celtics, The Boston Whirlwinds, the Toledo Mercuries, the House of David and even Red Kotz former team The Philadelphia Spha's, among others.

There was even a team during the pre-generals era in the rotation that went by the "New York Nationals" for a time. Little did they know how controversial that name would one day become against the Globetrotters. 

Some variations would be used to this formula, as there were incidents of one team playing a college team in the pre-game, or even the Globetrottes playing a college team in the "featured game" with two other teams warming up the crowd. I even read reports of the Globetrotters and another barnstorming team playing one half each against a local college team, before playing each other in a featured game.

There were also incidents where NBA teams would travel in the off season and be featured "in the rotation", usually in the first game to help warm up the crowd for the, at the time, more popular Globetrotters. 

What is most interesting about this era of the Washington Generals history, is that in the games when the Generals were playing opponents besides the Trotters the games were 100% competitive. And more importantly, the Generals won several such games. 

The actual win/loss record during this era is pretty much lost to history. Box scores were not kept for all games, or even most of these games.

As such, how many wins the Generals got are pretty much unknown. It's almost certain even the few Generals still alive today from those games could tell you how many they won anymore, if they ever knew. 

But the most impressive win the Generals incurred during this time, possibly even a bigger feather in their cap then even their six victories against the Globetrotters, was a win against NBA team The Philadelphia Warriors. The exact details are unknown, but it is believed this happened during the Generals first season in 1952-53. 

Eddie Gottlieb

In the book "The Mogul", which talks about the life of Philadelphia Warriors owner Eddie Gottlieb, Red Kotz is quoted as saying...

He (Gottlieb) wasn’t too happy either when we beat the Warriors in an exhibition game. That was my first victory with the Generals. Eddie was terribly upset. He said “What the hell are you doing?”. I said, “Well, I have to beat somebody”.

The Warriors are not the only NBA team to have squared off against the Washington Generals, as the St. Louis Hawks also played at least one game against the Washington Generals during the 1955-56 season.

It is unclear how many victories over their various barnstorming travelling partners the Generals had. Red Klotz has stated that the Generals beat every team that has faced them at one time or another. A statement I have little doubt is true considering the very impressive list of basketball players where were with the Generals during the 1950's, which consisted of some of the best Generals ever. 

These days the Washington Generals may make their living losing to the Globetrotters, but once upon a time the world knew what many Washington Generals fans know today. That underneath the constant unlucky foils of the Harlem Globetrotters, are a talented bunch of players worthy of being called "winners".

RELATED LINKS

Washington Generals vs The NBA

Weekly Playing Schedule For The Week Of 11/13/2011 - 11/19/2011

Only one game between the Generals and the Globetrotters next week. (the original press release said it would be the Globetrotters playing the Washington Generals. It's possible it could end up being the International Elite instead.)

The game will be at the Aspire Woman's Sports Hall in Qatar.

11/15/11 - At the Aspire Woman's Sports Hall in Doha, Qatar at 8:00PM. 

I don't know if there is website to order tickets in or not. But a story linked below says you can oder tickets at Virgin Megastores in Villagio and Landmark malls.

If anyone who is from or will be in Doha on the 15th is reading this, I encourage you to go out and support the Generals.

Randomness Week 26

Copyright © by vipnyc. Used under creative commons.

Red Klotz got a mention on the blog Gather the Jews in an entry about Jews in sports. He talks about Jewish sports franchise owners and mentions Red Kotz at the end of the article. He promises more about the Washington Generals in a future blog post so it will be something for this Generals fan to look forward to. You can read the article by CLICKING HERE!

A website called "I Love Quatar" has a bit more info on the Generals and Globetrotters upcoming game in Qatar. CLICK HERE!

Penn woman's basketball will have their first game of the season against St. Francis. The struggling Penn, coached by former Washington General Mike McLaughlin, will be featuring a team of six Freshmen and Five Sophomores. It is the largest single season turnaround in program history. Penn has improved slowly under McLaughlin's leadership, but no doubt this will be a challenge to keep the momentum going. To read more about the story CLICK HERE!

In closing here is a brief clip from the November 3rd game between the International Eliete (AKA Washington Generals in their newest persona) taking on the Trotters in Lebanon.

A Look At New Washington General, Jamar Harrison

I have recently learned that Jamar Harrison will be among the new Washington Generals for this upcoming tour.

After graduating from Dunbar Senior High School, Jamar spent his first two years of college playing basketball for Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, California. In his sophmore year he transfered to Clarion University where he played out his last two years of college ball.

While at Clarion he received an ALL-PSAC West nod. During his time with Clarion he was also the third-leading scorer in the PSAC at 19.3 points per game.

This blog wishes Harrison good luck, in what I am sure will be an exciting and memorable career with the Generals. I have no doubt he will be a great asset in helping them bring out the best in the Globetrotters.

Here are some video clips of Harrison in action during his time with Clarion.

Jamar during his Senior year at Clarion

More of Jamar in action

RELATED LINKS

Athletic Scoring Combo Guard great field goal shooter

Jamar Harrison Player of the Week

LLOYD (1ST TEAM) & JAMAR (2ND TEAM) HARRISON NAMED ALL-PSAC WEST

Thomas Bashline, Athletic Trainer For The Globetrotters, Found Dead

Thomas Bashline

I try to keep this blog positive and full of happy news and stories, as there is enough negativity in the world that a site about the Generals and Trotters seems a bad place for it. But I didn't feel right just ignoring this.

Thomas Bashline, who is the athletic trainer for the Harlem Globetrotters, was found dead Friday afternoon in Fredrick, Colorado after the police responded to a 911 call from his girlfriend. There were undisclosed amounts of gunshot wounds were found on the body but no weapon was found. The police are currently investigating.

This blog sends out their deepest wishes to Bashine's girlfriend, friends, family, and the Harlem Globetrotters.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY!

Weekly Playing Schedule For The Week Of 11/06/2011 - 11/12/2011

The Washington Generals continue their tour of France for their second and final week, hitting six cities. They will then finish off the week with a game in Geneva, Switzerland.

Here is the schedule for the second week of their French tour and their Switzerland game.


11/06/11 - At the Centre Sportif Intercommunal in Selestat, France at 4:00PM - BUY TICKETS
11/07/11 - At the Le Tarmac in Chateauroux, France at 8:00PM - BUY TICKETS
11/08/11 - At the Cosec de St Chamard in Avigon, France at 8:00PM - BUY TICKETS
11/09/11 - At the Centre Omnisports in Agen, France at 8:00PM - BUY TICKETS
11/10/11 - At the Palais des Sports in Bayonne, France at 8:00PM - BUY TICKETS
11/11/11 -  At the Palais des Sports in Tours, France at 8:00PM - BUY TICKETS
11/12/11 - At the Arena Genf in Geneva, Switzerland at 8:00PM - BUY TICKETS


I encourage anyone in France or Switzerland that week to go out and support the Generals as they help the Globetrotters bring out their best. And bring a kid if possible, nothing beats watching the game through the eyes of a child.

Randomness Week 25

The Daily Star published an article on the Lebanon tour. You can read it by CLICKING HERE!

I came across an article talking about some games the Generals will be playing against the Globetrotters in and around Qatar. You can read the article HERE! and a more detailed story on it HERE!

There is not any new information on it, but here is a recent article on the Harlem Globetrotter Rookies, posted HERE!