The famous Harlem Globe Trotters, who have been touring the world for more than half a century, will make their annual appearance at the Syracuse War Memorial on Feb. 12.

The Trotters, who were originally called the Chicago Harlem Globe Trotters, were organized and coached by 5-foot-1 Abe Saperstein. The team was composed of former college stars who were noted for their magic with the basketball.

I wonder how many local fans remember that the Trotters' first appearance in Central New York was 60 years ago in Auburn at the State Armory on State Street.

On Nov. 13, 1946, the Trotters played the Auburn Wainwrights, a professional team organized by John (Doc) Herring, a well-known Rochester sportsman. The Wainwrights were named in honor of General Jonathan M. Wainwright, who was decorated by the President in 1945 with the Medal of Honor for his heroic defense of the Philippines during World War II. In later years, Wainwright resided in Skaneateles. He was a prisoner of war of the Japanese Government from May 1942 to August 1945.

Officers of the ball club were Anthony Ragusa, president; Joseph Tobin, secretary; Herring, manager and coach; and Mike Barrett, team captain. The Catholic War veterans of Auburn sponsored the Wainwrights. Bill Hutchings was commander; Thomas Clifford, Bernie Vatter and Henry Barrette, vice commanders; Fred Salzer, adjutant; George Raesler, treasurer. The Rev. Clarence W. Gardner was chaplain.

Booked as basketball's greatest attraction, the Globies in the 1940s were probably the most talented and entertaining team on the traveling circuit. It consisted of such superstars as Reece “Goose” Tatum, rated as of the best all-around players; captain Zach Clayton, a former All-American cager; Lou “Babe” Pressley, the team's defensive ace and the king of humor on the court; Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, a 6-8 sharpshooter who played for Xavier University in New Orleans. John Scott and Donald “Ducky” Moore rounded out the squad.

The Wainwrights were composed mostly of cagers from Central and Western New York. Captain Barrett, who played for the Newark Elks pro team, was the sparkplug of the team at age 37. Center Walt Sether of Rochester, played his college games for Oregon State College. Eddie “Stretch” Simms, was one of the top rebounders while performing for the University of Rochester.

Best known in this area were Jack Lavarnway, the only local player on the team, and Tommy Rich, former captain at Cornell and ex-Rochester Royals pro star, who lived in Syracuse. In more recent years, Rich resided in Skaneateles.

Lavarnway started his playing days with the Columbian Squires, a top-notch Auburn team. He also performed with the varsity five at the University of Toronto where he starred as a scoring ace.

A capacity crowd filled the Armory court and the Trotters were victorious (as usual) in the well-played contest.

Admission to the home games of the Wainwrights were reserved seats, $1.50; general admission, 90 cents; students, 50 cents.