04/18/24
October 10, 2007
Globetrotters end 20 year road trip with game in Harlem: Eke out rare home victory.
posted by tommytrump to culture at 04:30 PM - 16 comments
I guess these are the same people who think pro wrestling isn't fake, either. "It's still real to me dammit!". I'm a wrestling fan, but have known it was pre-determined since I was 5. The word "fake" annoys me. But then I've known people in the business all my life, and know at least one wrestler who was crippled taking part in this "fake" activity. Amuses me when people call wrestling fake as I'd love to see them spend five minutes in the ring with Terry Funk or Necro Butcher. Then we'll see how fake you think it is once you've been punched full in the face a few times... Globetrotters and wrestling share a lot in common actually. It's an athletic performance where the outcome has been predetermined, and most likely the actual event contains a lot of on the spot improvisation. And yet the Globetrotters are venerated, and wrestling derided.
posted by Drood at 05:25 PM on October 10, 2007
I guess these are the same people who think pro wrestling isn't fake, either. "I guess these are the same people who think pro wrestling is a legitimate sporting contest, rather than a form of popular entertainment using a sports format." Sorry, Drood.
posted by owlhouse at 05:52 PM on October 10, 2007
I used to live for the times that they'd be on "Wide World of Sports."
posted by budman13 at 06:55 PM on October 10, 2007
And yet the Globetrotters are venerated, and wrestling derided. It's the tights. And the long bear hugs. And the make-up.
posted by grum@work at 06:58 PM on October 10, 2007
And the steroids. And the brain-damaged competitors killing their families. And Randy Orton as a general concept.
posted by TheQatarian at 07:05 PM on October 10, 2007
Bill: Let me get this straight: you took all the money you made franchising your name and bet it against the Harlem Globetrotters? Krusty: Oh, I thought the Generals were due! [TV shows a Globetrotter spinning the ball as Generals watch] Krusty:He's spinning the ball on his finger! Just take it, take the ball. [the Globetrotter kicks it into the net behind him] Krusty:That game was fixed. They were using a freakin' ladder, for gods' sakes.
posted by grum@work at 07:27 PM on October 10, 2007
Bring back the Popcorn Machine!
posted by Hugh Janus at 09:09 AM on October 11, 2007
But then I've known people in the business all my life, and know at least one wrestler who was crippled taking part in this "fake" activity. People get injured acting in movies, too. That doesn't make them documentaries. No one's disputing that pro wrestlers and the Globetrotters are talented, make sacrifices, or have real talent for what they do.
posted by rcade at 11:27 AM on October 11, 2007
grum@work I just read the word Globetrotters and automatically thought about the simpsons. Now that was funny. Good times, Good times.
posted by STUNNER at 11:30 AM on October 11, 2007
just read the word Globetrotters and automatically thought about the simpsons. Funny you say that, because I automatically flashed to Scooby-Do. Wow, what haven't the Globetrotters touched?
posted by hawkguy at 12:37 PM on October 11, 2007
"I guess these are the same people who think pro wrestling is a legitimate sporting contest, rather than a form of popular entertainment using a sports format." Which is why wrestling is called "Sports Entertainment" these days. The outcome's are generally scripted but that doesn't mean getting tattooed by a steel chair to the cranium or falling off a 25 foot ladder thru two tables still doesn't hurt.
posted by BornIcon at 12:51 PM on October 11, 2007
Interestingly, there were some in the audience who thought the game was real. Now wait just a cottin' pickin' minute. If I'm to hear you correctly, you seem to be implying that there might not be a legitimate game going on? I'll bet it was the officials. I've heard a lot of bad things about basketball refs nowadays. Say it 'aint so, Meadowlark.
posted by THX-1138 at 01:13 PM on October 11, 2007
Funny you say that, because I automatically flashed to Scooby-Do. My second Globetrotter celebrity moment would be Gilligan's Island.
posted by grum@work at 08:00 PM on October 11, 2007
grum I completely forgot about that!
posted by hawkguy at 08:06 PM on October 11, 2007
I didn't even know it existed. You mean they made Gilligan's Island movies? In 1981? My whole world view has been shattered. I need a lie down.
posted by owlhouse at 08:14 PM on October 11, 2007
I remember seeing the Globetrotters in Sydney as a kid. Good fun. I think the opponents were the "California Chiefs". Interestingly, there were some in the audience who thought the game was real. I guess these are the same people who think pro wrestling isn't fake, either.