Harlem Globetrotters Mourn The Loss Of Legendary Showman Robert "Showboat" Hall

Globetrotters legend spent nearly three decades with the organization as a player and coach

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Dec 26, 2014, 04:06 ET

PHOENIX, Dec. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert "Showboat" Hall – one of the most revered showmen in the history of the Harlem Globetrotters – passed away on Dec. 24 in his hometown of Detroit. Services are pending.

Hall played his first season as a Globetrotter in 1949 and succeeded Reece "Goose" Tatum as the team's top showman in 1955. Hall played in over 5,000 games in nearly 90 different countries during his outstanding career, teaming with the likes of Tatum, Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins and Marques Haynes.

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The former Miller High School star filled the dual role of player and coach beginning in 1968, holding that role until he retired in 1974. A 6-2 pivot man, Hall learned his basketball trade at Detroit's famed Brewster Center, a training ground of many top-notch Motor City athletes.

"The Globetrotters family has lost one of its most esteemed members," said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. "Bob Hall's dedication to the team, to his craft and to bringing joy to families around the world is matched by few people in the history of the organization."

Hall was part of the Globetrotter squad that traveled to the heart of the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War in 1959 and bridged a cultural gap many thought would stand forever. The historic tour was chronicled in the ESPN Films' 30 for 30 Shorts documentary "From Harlem With Love."

Hall was honored by the Globetrotters with the team's "Legends" Ring – presented to those who have made a contribution outside of basketball and played a role in the development of the Globetrotters brand – during a special halftime ceremony at the Palace of Auburn Hills near Detroit on Feb. 1, 1998.

Sponsored by World Vision, Greyhound Lines and Baden Sports, The Harlem Globetrotters® are celebrating their 89^th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans-among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents-over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

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SOURCE Harlem Globetrotters