The Unlikely Tale of Abe Saperstein and the Harlem Globetrotters

Meet Abe Saperstein, a short man from London who packed a giant's energy into his 5-foot, 3-inch frame. He was a pioneer in the world of sports, entertainment, and even racial equality. Born in 1902, Saperstein moved to Chicago and started the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team—just one of his many accomplishments. He introduced the three-point shot, boosted basketball's fame worldwide, and helped break baseball's racial barrier. He even rescued Olympic legend Jesse Owens from poverty! His life was filled with so much action that it's surprising there wasn't a full biography until now. Brothers Mark and Matthew Jacob have changed that with their book, "Globetrotter: How Abe Saperstein Shook Up the World of Sports. " It's the first deep dive into this 20th-century icon who, like P. T. Barnum, knew how to grab attention and shake things up. His journey started humbly, coaching basketball at Welles Park in Chicago. With his team, he traveled in a Ford Model T, facing race issues head-on. The Globetrotters' fame skyrocketed, attracting stars like Wilt Chamberlain. But Saperstein wasn’t just about basketball; he promoted diverse talents from musicians to movie stars. Despite his achievements, not everyone sees him positively today. Some think he promoted racial stereotypes, while others praise him for showcasing Black talent. Regardless, Saperstein was a complex figure who left a huge impact on sports and entertainment.