‘Dad, Brandon and a Trotter – Al’s right behind us’
One of the enjoyable yet surprising parts of being Dad to a six year old son is reliving my own childhood. It is completely enjoyable to watch his face delight in the discovery of new activities, skills, sports, food, plays and movies. Brandon was first introduced to The Harlem Globetrotters via a Scooby Doo DVD called appropriately enough, “Scooby Doo Meets The Harlem Globetrotters”. He was aware they is also a group of very talented real life players who play professional basketball games but he had not seen them live. I hadn’t seen them live since, well, I was about Brandon’s age.
Last week The Harlem Globetrotters came to town and played the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Brandon and I and some friends went to see the game and what a treat we were in for. We got there in plenty of time to get pizza and drinks and snacks. Armed with programs and mini Globetrotter basketballs we settled in to watch the first half. I remember really having a good time in my youth watching the game but this current team of Globetrotters and the show they present is pretty amazing. Brandon was set from the beginning to keep track of the score and began cheering with all his might whenever the “good guys” scored, loudly pronouncing for the arena to hear with arms up over his head…..SCORE!!!
At half time we were privileged to go behind the scenes and meet the team, get autographs and take pictures. As we started down the meet and greet line it was clear that I was not the only one recapturing a bit of my early youth. We rubbed elbows with Billy Crystal, Adam Carolla, and Al Pacino among others who had their young kids in tow and there was a distinct air of excitement. The players could not have been more friendly or more accommodating as we asked questions, learned to spin basketballs on one finger and in our case got our Scooby Doo DVD autographed.
Fortunately, even though the opposing Washington Generals cheated on the score a couple of times during the second half, the Globetrotters ultimately won the game much to the relief of Brandon. That made Dad pretty happy too.
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Ted Kirkpatrick
on Feb. 23rd, 2009
Awesome Barry! There IS something about the Globetrotters that’s kinda magical. My dad took us 4 kids numerous times to see them in Milwaukee, where they play EVERY New Year’s Eve. My fav was Curly Neal – the master dribbler… BTW, saw you in “The Music Man” years ago at the Melodytop in Milwaukee – you RULED as Professor Harold Hill!!
Barry Williams
on Feb. 23rd, 2009
Well we got trouble my friend, I say trouble right here…. Happy to report the Globetrotters are as magical as ever. Good times good memories.
Heidi
on Feb. 23rd, 2009
My mom and I saw them play on TV sometime in the 90’s. They do put on a great show. Very inspiring. Never been to one of their games, but been to a Chicago Bulls game on 3-15-95 just before MJ came back..
Scott Keith
on Feb. 23rd, 2009
That’s a great pic. I’m glad that you can bring your son that kind of happiness because you have brought all of us years of happiness and fun. But remember, no ball playing in the house. Oh yeah, and somone else is in that picture…Al Pacino!
Tim
on Feb. 25th, 2009
It’s great to see you having a good old time, just watching your son having fun. I hope he learned to spin that ball!
I saw the Globetrotters about 20-something years ago. It was a lot of fun! I was much older than six, so I knew the “secret” (so to speak), but I was still amazed by their ability to put on a terrific show that young and old could enjoy equally.
Sort of like “The Brady Bunch”!
Suzie
on Mar. 13th, 2009
What fun! I remember seeing them when I was a kid! I still remember the skill involved even though they made it look easy!
annie o'malley
on Dec. 29th, 2009
Dear Barry Hi I hope you have a Happy New year and I hope I get to meet up with you again here in Baltimore Maryland love ya always from your friend annie
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