One of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters players, Meadowlark Lemon has died at the age of 83.

 
The news was confirmed by the basketball star’s wife, Cynthia Lemon. She told The New York Times that her husband passed away on Sunday (December 27) in Scottsdale, Ariz.

 
Meadowlark who joined the team in 1954 when he was just 22 stayed with the team for nearly 25 years before leaving in 1978 after more than 16,000 games.

 
Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider told ESPN, “For a generation of fans, the name Meadowlark Lemon was synonymous with the Harlem Globetrotters. He was an incredible entertainer and brought happiness and lifelong memories to millions around the world. We have lost a great ambassador of the game.”