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NJ’s Basketball Barnstorming Louis “Red” Klotz Dies at 93

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Red Klotz, who died Saturday at his New Jersey home was hailed by the Harlem Globetrotters as
Red Klotz, who died Saturday at his New Jersey home was hailed by the Harlem Globetrotters as
The basketball barnstormer who owned the Washington Generals and a number of other teams that intentionally threw thousands of games to the iconic Harlem Globetrotters has died. Louis “Red” Klotz was 93.

It was reported in The Press of Atlantic City that Klotz expired in his sleep on Saturday, July 12, at his home in Margate.

Klotz formed a working relationship with the Globetrotters in 1952, putting together the Generals in addition to the Boston Shamrocks, New Jersey Reds, New York Nationals, International Elite, Global Select and World All-Stars to face the famous traveling team and mostly lose, according to a report on ESPN.

He was a player, coach and owner at various times throughout the partnership. Klotz played on title-winning basketball teams in high school and an undefeated college team before playing one season with the championship-winning Baltimore Bullets in 1948.

Klotz scored the winning basket the last time one of his teams beat the Globetrotters. While playing for the New Jersey Reds as a 50-year-old player/coach, his last-second shot lifted his team to a 100-99 victory on Jan. 5, 1971, in Martin, Tennessee.

He became the first non-Globetrotter to have a jersey retired, when in 2011 he received the honor in his native Philadelphia. He is one of six people to have his jersey retired by the Globetrotters, joining Curly Neal (No. 22), Goose Tatum (No. 50), Marques Haynes (No. 20), Meadowlark Lemon (No. 36) and Wilt Chamberlain (No. 13) as those to receive the distinction.

“The Harlem Globetrotters organization is extremely saddened by the passing of Red Klotz, and our deepest sympathies go out to his entire family,” Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider said in a statement. “Red was truly an ambassador of the sport and as much a part of the Globetrotters’ legacy as anyone ever associated with the organization.

“He was a vital part of helping the Globetrotters bring smiles and introduce the game of basketball to fans worldwide. He was a legend and a global treasure. His love of the game — and his love of people — will certainly be missed.”

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