Harlem Globetrotter visits sick children at Cottage Hospital

A member of the Harlem Globetrotters exhibition team brought more than just basketball skills to pediatric patients at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.

Orlando “El Gato” Melendez showed off his moves and brought smiles to their faces.

“It got a child out of bed,” said Child Life Specialist Jaynie Wood. “He gave us something that you can’t get in books and that you can’t get in medicine.”

Melendez said being a Globetrotter is not just about playing hoops.

“People remember the Globetrotters because of the basketball, the fun, the comedy and the amazing shots,” Melendez said. “But, they don’t know what we do outside of basketball. We visit about 400 schools and hospitals around the nation.”

The Harlem Globetrotters are making at stop at the UCSB Events Center in Santa Barbara as part of their 2017 World Tour on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.

For tickets, click here.