Former Harlem Globetrotter Legend, “Goose” Tatum Died In El Paso

A world renowned sports ... and comic ... legend spent his last days in El Paso and was buried here with full military honors.

Reece "Goose" Tatum was a professional, (multi-sport), athlete, team owner, comedian, professional basketball hall of famer and a veteran.

"Goose" passed away in El Paso in 1967 and is buried in Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

Reece Tatum got his start in the late 1930's, playing baseball for the Black Colonels in what were then known as the "Negro Leagues". He picked up the nickname "Goose" because of his really long arms and legs.

WW II Ended His Sports Career

He switched from baseball to basketball in 1941 when he joined the famed Harlem Globetrotters. Unfortunately, he only got in 2 seasons before he was drafted and spent a few years with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II,

After that, he returned to baseball, playing for the Indianapolis Clowns. He bought the Clowns in the late 1950's, while still playing for them, but soon traded baseball for basketball.

Goose Joins The Harlem Globetrotters - Again

Goose rejoined the Harlem Globetrotters and played 12 seasons with them, averaging around 50 points per game. He was a true comedian, working lots of comedic elements and bits into his play which earned him the title 'clown prince' of the Trotters.

He's also credited as being the guy who invented the "hook shot". His number, 50, was retired by the Harlem Globetrotters in 2002. Goose not only practiced basketball, he also studied clowns to perfect his use of his audience, the refs and his opponents in his antics.

READ MORE: Watch UTEP Basketball Team Make History In 1966 

Tatum constantly practiced tricks like spinning a basketball on one finger, passing the ball behind his back, and effortlessly rolling basketballs on his arms. One of his favorite maneuvers involved manipulating a basketball fastened to the end of a huge rubber band, a trick that made opposing players and referees look foolish as they attempted to grab the ball. Once a game Tatum tossed shredded paper from a water bucket into the audience. - encyclopedia.com

What Happened To Goose Tatum?

Following a battle with liver disease, Goose had a heart attack in 1967 and died at the age of forty-five here in El Paso. He's buried in Fort Bliss National Cemetery, Section D, Row 20, Site 2668.