Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Cards Through the Years
By Ryan Cracknell | Hobby Editor
The Harlem Globetrotters are, arguably, the most iconic team in the history of basketball. Arguments can be made for the Lakers, Celtics, Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls or some of the NCAA’s top teams. But none of these have traveled the world and reached as many people as the Globetrotters. And did either the Lakers or Bulls ever team up with Scooby-Doo? Michael Jordan had that cartoon with Bo Jackson and Wayne Gretzky, but that wasn’t quite the same.
Established in 1926, the team has been making trick plays and bringing smiles for the better part of a century. That’s more than 20,000 games covering virtually every nook and cranny of the world.
When it comes to Harlem Globetrotters basketball cards, they’ve been the focus of only a few sets. And of the ones that do exist, several are food-issue releases that aren’t exactly mainstream.
In recent years, several all-time great Globetrotters have found their way into plenty of basketball and multi-sport sets as well, often lending their signature to the products.
Here’s a look at some of the sets featuring Harlem Globetrotters basketball cards including links to checklists and price guide access.
Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Cards Through the Decades
1971-72 Fleer Harlem Globetrotters
As far as Harlem Globetrotters basketball cards go, this is probably the most popular set. Featuring 84 cards, it highlights players of the era with colorful and fun photos. 1971-72 Fleer Harlem Globetrotters is one of only a couple of full-fledged releases the team has had complete with packs and boxes.
1971-72 Cocoa Puffs Harlem Globetrotters
1971-72 Cocoa Puffs Harlem Globetrotters is a condensed version of the Fleer set. The checklist is limited to 28 cards which came in cereal boxes. The basic design and photos repeat the larger Fleer release. However, the non-traditional nature makes these a little more valuable, but not by much.
1971-72 Phoenix Candy Harlem Globetrotters
Attached as panels on the backs of small candy boxes, the Phoenix Candy Harlem Globetrotters set has eight cards. And they’re tough to find. Perfectly cut, the cards measure 4 7/8″ by 2 1/2″. Besides individual player cards, there are also team cards for both the national and international squads.
The candy box fronts also have images of the Globetrotters, albeit their cartoon counterparts.
1974 Wonder Bread Hanna-Barbera
Several classic cartoons are included in 1974 Wonder Bread Hanna Barbera. However, the Globetrotters are a focal point in the 25-card set, which also includes the likes of Scooby-Doo, Speed Buggy, Valley of the Dinosaurs and The Addams Family. Backs have instructions for a magic trick.
These aren’t the live-action versions of the players. Rather, it’s their animated counterparts from the show that lasted two seasons.
Packaged with loaves of bread, it’s common for these cards to appear stained.
1985 Harlem Globetrotters
Programs are a staple at Globetrotters live events. The 1985 edition came with a sheet of 11 cards. Are have a basic look to them with a studio shot of the featured player. Backs have a little bit of info, but not much.
1992 Comic Image Harlem Globetrotters
If you’re looking for an overview of the Globetrotters through trading cards, this is it. Delving into more than 60 years worth of history, 1992 Comic Images Harlem Globetrotters look at the players and the events that shaped the squad. The base set has 90 cards.
In addition to these, six Prism Foil inserts are also randomly inserted. They’re aren’t worth a ton, but they do include some fun shots of outside celebrities like Goldie Hawn, Alan Alda and Mickey Mouse with the team.
Autographs
Some of the most valuable Harlem Globetrotters cards have come out in recent years in the form of autographs. While signed cards have yet to find their place in a product dedicated to the team, they have been in some basketball and multi-sport releases.
Curly Neal, Meadowlark Lemon, Geese Ausbie and Marques Haynes are among the Globetrotter greats with signed cards.
Get full lists of Globetrotter-related autograph cards for specific players at the following links:
R.I.P. Meadowlark Lemon.