Saperstein, Abe

Abe Saperstein (1902-1966) founded, promoted, and coached the Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Team, previously named the Savoy Big Five, for 39 years. He was born in London in 1902, moved to Chicago at the age of six, and began coaching basketball in 1925. In 1926, he started Saperstein's Harlem, New York, Globetrotters, who later became known as simply the Harlem Globetrotters. Having difficulty finding opponents, Saperstein created an entertaining comic basketball show in 1929. In 1940 the team won the World Basketball Championship and from 1943-1944 won the International Cup. Saperstein founded the American Basketball League, serving as its 1st commissioner from 1961-1962, and was inducted into the basketball hall of fame in 1971. He traveled around the world as the owner and coach of the Harlem Globetrotters until his death in 1966. Saperstein provided opportunities for African American players, who were excluded by professional leagues.

From the guide to the Abe Saperstein Harlem Globetrotters Papers, 99-176., 1928-1991, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)