The intriguing early adventures of Goose Tatum: a blend of sports and mystery.

In the world of basketball, few names are as iconic yet relatively unknown to the general public as Reece “Goose” Tatum. Although his glory days belong to a bygone era, his influence on one of the most beloved teams in American sports history remains remarkable. This talented African American athlete led the Harlem Globetrotters to the pinnacle of basketball in the United States and beyond, all while the segregationist Jim Crow laws shaped life in America. Here begins the story of Reece Goose Tatum, the greatest showman in basketball history.

The Birth of a Legend

The intricate tale of this charismatic figure, often likened to a “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” of basketball, begins in mystery. Reece Tatum was born on May 3, 1921, although some records suggest the 31st or even an earlier date, as a 1920 census indicates he was over a year old at the dawn of the 1920s. While we know he hailed from Arkansas, the exact location remains unclear, with speculation between El Dorado and Bradley County. These ambiguities around Tatum’s birth reflect the plight of African Americans during that era: a Southern state in the old cotton belt indifferent to documenting the births of those it regarded as inferior descendants of enslaved people. These social conditions likely contributed to the development of Tatum’s complex, often reserved personality.

But what else do we know about young Reece Tatum? Perhaps the origin of his nickname “Goose”? This too is shrouded in mystery—some sources claim his sister dubbed him “Goose” due to his fondness for goose liver, while others suggest it came from a friend who noticed his unique gait resembling that of a goose. Another theory posits a spectator at a football game likened him to a goose as he leaped to catch a ball. Whatever the source, the nickname would stick with him throughout his lifetime.

Goose Tatum’s Athletic Beginnings

Nevertheless, some insights into Goose Tatum’s youth are clearer. From a young age, he exhibited a passion for sports, the only area where his shyness appeared to fade. Baseball was his favorite, but when the weather turned too cold for outdoor play, he and his friends would gather in an abandoned house to play basketball, using cans as makeshift hoops and a tennis ball in lieu of a basketball. In athletic pursuits, Goose displayed more determination than in school, where his report card could read, “Good when he puts in effort, which is rarely.” His reticence only compounded his perceived lack of investment in academic pursuits. Yet behind his silence and apathy lay a clever young man who employed various schemes to earn some extra cash.

In 1936, it was not a scheme but rather his athletic talent that began to bring in income. Having dropped out of school, uninterested in traditional education, he formed a baseball team with friends, earning between fifty cents to a dollar per game. This local team gained traction and secured a sponsor. Although Tatum didn’t initially shine, he struggled physically as a tall but unathletic young man. Notably, his long arms set him apart, while his slow, awkward demeanor worked against him. However, when moved to first base to better suit his playing style, it became a revelation: this change was not only beneficial to his role within the team but also marked the beginning of his flair for showmanship on the field.

By discovering a vocation that intertwined sports and entertainment, Goose Tatum laid the groundwork for what would become his livelihood and passion. This unique combination would catapult the popularity of the Harlem Globetrotters a decade later. However, to reach that level, he needed to cross paths with Abe Saperstein, the owner of the Globetrotters, and transition from baseball to the orange ball of basketball.