History of WaHI: Holcombe Rucker Playground - Washington Heights & Inwood Online

Holcombe Rucker Playground

NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation

Date: March 2001

Holcombe Rucker Park Holcombe Rucker (1926-1965) dedicated his life to his community. Although he died young, his memory endures because of the major basketball tournament he founded. Rucker grew up in Manhattan, attended Benjamin Franklin High School, and between 1948 and 1964 worked for Parks as a playground director in numerous Harlem locales.

In 1947, the year that Rucker married Mary Thomas, he started a basketball tournament in Harlem. The Rucker League’s motto was “each one, teach one,” and it stressed education in combination with recreation. Rucker personally taught participants reading fundamentals, graded their homework, and let success on report cards influence who would play. Throughout the course of the tournaments, Rucker helped to obtain over 700 college athletic scholarships for the participants. Rucker continued his own education with a degree from the City College of New York in 1962, and then taught English classes at J.H.S. 139.

In the 1960s, Rucker transformed his local league into a basketball institution by organizing games where his best players shared the court with professionals such as Wilt Chamberlain. Although Rucker died at age 38 due to complications from cancer, the 1960s and 1970s represented a high point for the Pro Rucker League when greats such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar came to play. By the early 1980s, professional athletes became reluctant to risk injury during non-season play, and the league returned to its amateur roots; Rucker’s original tournament, however, is still played today in Colonel Charles Young Playground.

A number of basketball tournaments for children, high school, college, and professional players now take place in Rucker Playground, including the Entertainers Basketball Classic and the Each One Teach One tournament. The Rucker court and the top players it attracts have also been the subject of two films, “Above the Rim” and “On Hallowed Ground.” Both films secure the park’s place in urban and basketball history.

Located north of 155th Street, and bounded by Frederick Douglass Boulevard and the Harlem River Drive, the park opened February 23, 1956, as P.S. 156 Playground. In 1974, a local law renamed it Holcombe Rucker. In 1993, Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger sponsored a $423,000 renovation of the playground, reconstructing the facility as part of the Neighborhood Park Improvement Program (NPIP). The resulting facility contains play equipment, swings, safety surfacing, a spray shower, a flagpole with yardarm, a comfort station, four handball courts, seal animal art, and a baseball diamond. But, amongst an array of bleachers and stadium lights stands the Holcombe Rucker Basketball Court, the park’s main attraction, where both local players and national idols have come to play for four decades.

(Reproduction of a Parks Department historical sign. Reprinted with permission of the City of New York/Parks & Recreation.)

Comments

I think u guys need to have more information on the legends of Rucker. Like all the sick playas such as Joe Hammond, Pee Wee Kirkland, DR J and the GOAT.

Posted by: Mike | October 24, 2003 3:39 AM

I am Thomas Castelnau, one of the best player in Montpellier in the south of France. My father was already a famous player in Saligny sur Roudon. He learnt me how to win and since I'm a winner. That's why I'm looking for a team in the US in order to play regularly. Could you contact me as soon as possible. Thank you for your reply. Best Regards

Posted by: Thomas Castelnau | December 25, 2003 12:09 PM

The Official Website of the Rucker League? Can you say me the adress????

Posted by: GermanJordan | January 6, 2004 2:45 PM

There is an official Web site -- Entertainers Basketball Classic -- but it's not maintained properly: tons of broken links and missing pages. A better bet might be to do a Google Search. Good luck!

Posted by: Webmaster | January 6, 2004 9:21 PM

Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience with "The Rucker". Starting with playing with Resurrection Church from 1973-1976, I was able to make 2nd Team All City at De Witt Clinton. After graduation, I played at the nationally ranked Westchester C.C., Valhalla, N.Y from 1976-1978 and make All Conference. From 1978-1981, I played at Springfirld College and received my Bachelor Degree in Sociology/ Criminal Justice. Returning to the Bronx and employed With Spofford Juvenile Center, I playe at the Pro Rucker with the Harlem Uptown Chamber of Commerce from 180-1988 with the likes of Calton Greene, George Berry, Harold "Skip" Joyner. The message that I want to leave is this: As a Field Director/ Substance Abuse Counselor with Prison Fellowship Ministries in Arizona, I received initial training on the Playgrounds of the Bronx and the "Rucker". That experience was extremeli invaluable; remember the "ballplayers of the "Rucker" who are know making a mark in society. Thank you for the opportunity! Kevin J. Pollins, BS, CSAC Prison Fellowship Ministries Field Director, Arizona

Posted by: Kevin J. Pollins | June 20, 2004 12:03 AM

Please direct anyone asking questions about us to www.TheREALProRUCKER.com No other site can portray what we lived do not be tricked by the essence logon to The REAL.

Posted by: Bob McCullough Jr. | September 15, 2004 2:31 PM

Rucker League contact Info: Chris Rucker 212 741 0020

Posted by: LoisLane | December 28, 2005 11:50 AM

Ayo, it's ya boy Hamad "killa Crossova", I've been involved in many tournaments at Rucker Park and also have been the EBC champion. I'm looking for someone to right me a bibliography about me. Holla at ya boy!

Posted by: Lil' Mo | February 14, 2006 12:37 AM

The Rucker movie is due out next year.

Posted by: Chris Rucker | March 23, 2006 2:47 PM

I greww up in the Bronx in the 60's and 70's and i played in the Rucker league in 1976, Nate Archibald was my coach. I remember when i was a youngster i would find out when joe hammond, herman helicopter, or pee wee herman where playing and i would walk across the 155th street bridge to the Rucker park. I would try to get there early but many times i had to sit in a tree or hang on the fence to see the games. also remember when Nate Archibald and Dave Cowens were playing on the same team the summer before their rookie seasons. The Rucker was the ghetto version of madison square garden, for all of us who couldn't afford knicks tickets. I played at the University of Texas El Paso but i was never a star and it was an honor to play that one season in the Rucker.

Posted by: Ted Williams | April 17, 2006 8:36 PM

Watching the Rucker games mean't alot to us all. The good will they imparted on our young folks was invaluable. I'm very happy to see that "Kevin Pollins" has left a posting here. I always wondered what happened to him. As a fomer CLinton man, its great to see that he has done well in his life.

Posted by: Dr. Glen C. Moore | June 26, 2006 12:12 AM

I go back to the st nick projects era of The Ruck, we had it all jackie jack, connie hawk,Tony jackson to name a few,we were the best all over this land.You talk about legends like stickman,goat,etc. I also recall Vaugh Harper a great,great yeah,and spivey,red cotto,and charlie scottand luthrer green ed jenkins,but mostly i remember how it was for the harlem kid who dreamt to just walk on to the court,it was a fantastic thing.I was not much on the court but held my own against the likes of spunky red, dee carter,pepe and cobb,but funny kitt,and ed henry was passionate players at ruckers,and god blessed us with mr Rucker,and Ollie Etenbrough.Here,here like the game itself ruckers is a black instution of greatness way beyound pee wee and joe hammond. love tyrone henderson of 116th street and lenox

Posted by: Tyrone Henderson | November 19, 2006 9:43 AM

Oh yes! ... The Rucker Pro Tournaments ... what a way to spend an August afternoon ... We were trying to get ESPN's interest back in 1983 to put the Rucker Tournaments on cable ... and I had my video camera out ... OUT!! ... in August, 1983 ... I caught the Harlem Week All-Stars playing the Pro Sports Nets ... James Worthy, Evans Ford, Fred Oglesbe, and a bunch of others. I found a video clip of the first have of the game in my archives ... Take a look at my www.youtube.com/tommywebb page ... and see if you see anybody you know ... Thanks to "Each One Teach One's" Bob McCullough, Commissioner of Rucker at the time ... for allowing that to happen ...!

Posted by: Tommy Webb | June 26, 2007 8:39 PM

Hold Up! ... Rucker 1971 ... I remember Dave Stallworth, Nate Bowmen, Freddie Crawford, and Emmett Bryant ... "The Boys From Hollis" ... That was the year! "Tiny" Archibald, and Julius Irving, showed the world and that Clif Anderson "boy", the first "alley oop" I ever saw, up at Columbia when Rucker beat up on The Baker Tournament from Philly ... Yeah ... Connie was up in there around that time ... Jumping Jackie Jackson, Helicopter Knolls. And please ... much respect to Billy Cunningham, he did his thing ... Yeah! 1971 ... that was the year "I held "Tiny" to 52 points ... hahahahaha ! Thanks Dave, Emmett, Nate ... Hope all is well with who's left ... Hey Luther Green, Ollie Dunlap, where ya'll at?

Posted by: Tommy Webb | June 26, 2007 8:52 PM

Luther Green died in 2006. He was the best public high school basketball player in 1965! Kareem was the Catholic school man!!! The game between Clinton and Boys High at Clinton in Dec. of 64 was grand. The High had Coak Cannon and Ollie Shannon. Besides Sally (Luther's nickname), Clinton had Walter Robertson and Tiny Archibald in the backcourt!!! The game proved to be Sally's coming out party! And I was there.

Posted by: joseph banks | July 5, 2007 12:49 PM

Coak Cannon and Ollie Shannon played for Erasmus Hall High School. They certainly did not play for Boys High School. This is a gross error! They played for Erasmus Hall between the years of 1962-1965. This statement definitely needs to be corrected. David Forrester Erasmus Hall 1969

Posted by: David Forrester | August 17, 2007 3:44 PM

Just found this website by doing a Google search for Coak Cannon to see if his October '06 obituary was still on the net. Just to clear things up regarding the Erasmus-Clinton championship games in '65 & '66, Erasmus, with Cannon, Shannon and George Thompson (who played in the ABA and NBA and Marquette) led Erasmus to victory over Green, Switzer, Robertson et. al. of Clinton, 85-80 in '65 for the City Championship. Archibald wasn't on that team. He was on the '66 team when Clinton beat Erasmus, 72-58 for the City Championship.

Posted by: Matty Perlstein | September 27, 2007 9:01 PM

i remember the orignal rucker basketball tournament being played in the playground on 7th avenue/128th avenue holcombe rucker and bob gordon were there to greet the players jim couch was one of the first players i met there artie georges who live in the st. nicholas houses-there are more things i could comment on it take more space-willie hall/donnie burks were on yhe scene later the interesting thing was how the teams got to the rucker..sherman white herman taylor ed warner carl green amoug others-i spent a life time knowing the players..

Posted by: carl campbell | October 10, 2007 7:30 PM

Continuing and expanding on the legacy of Rucker, there is a new high school named Holcombe L. Rucker School of Community Research in New York City. For more information call 718 860 1053.

Posted by: S. Rucker | January 19, 2008 7:02 AM

LUTHER GREEN DOMINATED AT THE CLINTON/ BOYS HIGH GAME IN DEC. OF 1964 IN THE BRONX!!!! RICE HIGH BEAT CLINTON FOR THE TITTLE OF BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM IN THE COUNTRY FOR 1966.RICE HAD DEAN MEMINGER,LOUIE LASALLE,CHARLIE YELVERTON,ED ARCHIBALD AMD BOB LIENHART.CLINTON HAD MIKE SWITZER AND A BACKCOURT OF TINY ARCHIBALD AND WALTER ROBERTSON!!!

Posted by: joseph banks | January 20, 2008 8:05 PM

In the 60 s Red Cotto and Bob Samuel were among the best back court combos in the city until they lost focus.

Posted by: william | March 15, 2008 5:49 AM

I remember the summer of 1966 when Philly brought "Black Jesus" up to show us New Yorkers who was the boss of pre professional basketball! Black Jesus did show us some things that had never been witnessed on a basketball court before! Of course he was Earl Monroe! But we New Yorkers had the then Lew Alcindor, and one early play had him blocking a shot and making a full court length pass to a streaking player for a layup without the ball touching the floor!!! The game was played at Mt. Morris Park, now called Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem.

Posted by: joseph banks | March 20, 2008 8:22 PM

As I remember the Erasmus v. Clinton game for the city championship in 1967, played at Francis Lewis H.S. in Queens, Nate (Tiny) Archibald was the 6th man on the Clinton team.

Posted by: bob | April 14, 2008 2:11 PM

I remember the Clinton vs Erasmus PSAL Championship game played in 1965. The game was played at Erasmus HS. Tiny was the 6th man on this team. He was the man on the 1966 team and graduated from Clinton June 1966.As I recall there was no PSAL basketball championship game in 1967.

Posted by: Jinx | April 27, 2008 8:06 PM

I was also googling Coak Cannon after learning of his passing. I'm a 1967 graduate of Erasmus Hall so I experienced that basketball era and all the memorable games vs. Clinton, Boys High and Jefferson in those years. In addition to George Thompson, Coak Cannon and Oliver Shannon, one should not forget other memorable Hall players such as Carleton Screen, Hugh McMahon (who followed George to Marquette)and my neighbor on Bedford and Parkside, Ronnie Tishkevich. I was also lucky to get up to the Rucker to see some of the greats play, including Dr. J.

Posted by: Abe Kadushin | May 6, 2008 4:05 PM

In remembering Holcombe Rucker , lets not forget the late Mr. Ollie Edinboro who worked tirelessly until his death to carry on Holcombes work

Posted by: Joseph Peebles | June 5, 2008 11:08 AM

When is the best time to visit Rucker Park in the Summertime to see the best b-games?

Posted by: Zawadi | June 14, 2008 1:48 PM

Memories are made of this: 1975-76 season, De Witt Clinton vs. Kennedy HS;Dec. 1975 players; Angel" Munch" Cruz, Harold"Skip" Joyner, Julius Allen & Kevin "Mullins" vs. Wendell Ramsey, David Britton, pack house @ Clinton, Kennedy wins by 18, we(DWC) beat them @ their house by 20 in Jan. 1976. City Champs: Canarsie, 32-0 with Ty Ladson & Curtis Redding, we ( DWC) lose to Canarsie in the quarter finals, 70-48, Skip Joyner drops 25 in a losing effort. As a current Basketball Varisty Coach @ Basha High School in Chandler, AZ, I`m giving our team a sense of legacy and tradition. Long lives the "old school" PSAL. My goal is to come back home and coach for my alma mater, DWC so that tradition can return to develop powr house basketball in the PSAL. Kevin J. Pollins, B.S., LISAC Basha Basketball Varisty Coach Chandler, Arizona

Posted by: Kevin J. Pollins ( Mullins, De Witt Clinton, `76) | November 22, 2008 5:50 PM

WOW!! Coak Cannon and Ollie Shannon. Those are names to remember, and although I had not seen them since my school days, I remember them with such fondness. I am from the graduating class of 1967, Erasmus Hall and I'm saddend to hear about the passing of Coak Cannon. I do remember the Rucker games of that era and man, what memories.

Posted by: MEL HUTCHINSON | January 5, 2009 4:21 PM

my dad played in the rucker's games his name is Donald Fenner and I was very young when he pasted but wondered if any one remembered him. he played i the 1960's if so please post something. Eveyone talked about how great he was.

Posted by: yvette fenner | January 28, 2009 11:40 PM

i remember watching jerry west light the rucker up...i was about 15 yrs old it was great...my dad has video of it..if you like a copy call 917-557-9878 tee

Posted by: massacre | June 5, 2009 8:29 PM

BACK IN "79" I PLAYED LARRY BIRD AT RUCKER PARK AND I BUSTED LARRY BIRD ASS...I HAD 48 POINTS AND BIRD HAD 21..I REMEMBER I SHOOT 20 FOR 20 AND 8 FOR 8 AT THE FREE THROW LINE...IT WAS NOTHING

Posted by: skywalker | June 5, 2009 8:37 PM

BET YOUR DONT REMEMBER WHEN MIKE AND SCOTTIE CAME TO RUCKER PARK TO BALL...BUT GOT SCARED AND WON'T GET OFF THE BUS...HAHAHAHAHAHAH

Posted by: KID NICE | June 5, 2009 8:41 PM

hI y Fenner, I remember your dad donald fenner.He was a member of the order of the feathermen at minisink,donald also went to the same high school i attended George Washington h.s., he also was with a sister named Linda Berg i hope that my spelling is right of her name.Donold was a real tough baller Charles bARKLEY TYPE A BULLY AT TIMES, BUT THAT IS ANOTHER SIDE OF BIG GUY.iF NOT FOR THE STREETS HE WOULD HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO REALLY BE A PRODUCTIVE PERSON HE HAD HEART AS WE WOULD SAY BACK THEN DID NOT TURN AWAY FROM ANYONE.iT WAS A SAD WAY THAT HE MET HIS DEMISE. wHAT EVER HE DID YOU MUST SAY THAT HE WAS TRUELY ONE OF HARLEM'S LEGENDS ALONGSIDE jIMMY RICHARDSON,Dee Carter, PEPE,PEEWEE,kNOBBY,MIKE MOORE,RED GOON ETC.hE RAN WITH THE BIG BOYS UNFORTUNATELY THE ROAD WAS A COSTLY ONE.

Posted by: Tyrone Henderson | July 27, 2009 12:57 PM

Check out http://www.therucker.com!

Posted by: Chris Rucker | October 9, 2009 9:42 AM

Does anybody remember seeing Wes Ramseur play? I play University Ball with him in Canada in 1978.

Posted by: RBJ | December 9, 2009 5:59 PM

During the year 1961-62, the Junior High school championship was won at that time by Red Cotto at Point guard, Bob Samuel in the back court, Ulric Cobb at Center and Don Myers (deceased) and Authur Brown at Forward. This was the starting five for Cooper Junior High School. After that Red Cotto and Bob Samuel started at Guard position together and won every division of the Rucker Park Tournament. They both made the All Star Teams in those divisions. This is the solid truth without any exaggeration. They also won the Wagner Tournament, the Kennedy Tournament and numerous others ... to many to mention here. There's no need to lie. I just want to set the record straight. There are a lot of untruths going around with people wanting to put themselves in this position, knowing that they were not involved in that history. A quote was made by the late John Wooden "A player that makes a team great is more valuable than a great player" That was Red Cotto on the court. You never hear Red talking about how many points he scored, only how he and his team mates were able to win as a unit. Basketball is a TEAM Sport. I'm tired of hearing people talk about how many points they scored but never about their team and what they accomplished as a unit.

Posted by: William | September 7, 2010 3:17 AM

I wonder what happened to “K” Mcnasty Nance. He travel the same Kennedy road about 1976. Mcnasty moved from a reliable 6th man to a starting spot on his JHS team; after the head coach saw him serve "Mac"; who hands down was one of the best who traveled a common path before going to De Witt Clinton. We all know Anthony "Mac" Mcnair was stages above David Britton and that pack. Yet Mcnasty stole the ball and headed down court for one of those sure patented above the rim finger rolls, but must have seen Mac coming and Mcnasty somehow motioned take off, and Mac flew from about the foul line, and cleaned everything above the rim in the white box area. Only one thing, Mcnasty didn't release; so on Mac's way down Mcnasty took off and completed what he stated to do. This got the attention of coaches. The rest is history, he ran in the Rucker with Gary Springer, and a group who played together in the Kingsbridge area for about 5 years. This guy later developed and all around game and should have went further after high school. Speaking of what happened: what happened to Anthony "Mac" Mcnair? He was stellar in every sense of the word. Left hand, right hand, handles, inside, outside, and springs came with the package. He was one of the most complete and promising player since his JHS at John Peter Tetard 143. What happened?

Posted by: Miles Everett | November 12, 2010 12:51 PM

It always been my dream to play one game at Rucker Park. I never played basketball for junior high or high school, but I am a talented player. I Just hope to play there one day

Posted by: Jonathan Brafort | January 16, 2011 1:32 AM

what about: Ollie Taylor, Elnardo Webster, Herman (copter) Don't forget the white dudes that played ... The guys that Tiny brought to the Rucjer... The guys that Dr. J brought to the Rucker.... Get to the game two hours+ early maybe get a seat.... else stand on a milk crate... Doc is a class act , but do you remember when Joe Hammond destroyed Doc.... Or when The the Daily News (Tiny's team) played the post (WestSiders) The Doctor's team. ???? What about the ShowTime team of the Rucker "MILLBANK" PeeWee,Moto,Stready,Joe, Vincent White,Carl Crump, etc. Showtime just watching the layup line..

Posted by: Frank Knowles | June 23, 2011 10:42 PM

Also remember Rick Cobb "The Elevator Man" Larry Chetham ("The ButterFly Man") I remember a 6-11 guy that played on a NJ Rucker Pro Team his name was "Gothels" ? He blocked a shot about a foot from the top of the backboard. I remember when Copter playing against a NY Knick team, Copter missed a free throw got the rebound and dunked on Bellamy and others ... The whole park went crazy ..... they had to stop the game because the basketball pole was swaying back and forth .... and most of all IMO: the best street ball player ever .... Joe Hammond "The Destroyer" with that backboard shot. A Jamar(Keith) Wilkes with a ton of flair .... and the humor of the coaches.... Teddy Jones, Peter Vescy.... the music and of course the crowd .....

Posted by: Frank Knowles | June 24, 2011 12:04 AM

I saw Wes Ramseur play once in a high school all-star game at City College. He had an excellent long range high arching jump shot.

Posted by: Paul K. Hargrove | July 9, 2011 1:09 AM

Wes and I went to HS. He was a little wild but a great person and friend. 6 Ft 5 inch Backcourt in 1973! Sick jumping ability and a great shot. Couldn't dunk a tennis ball as a freshman, But Oh God great leaps as a sophomore! RIP Wes

Posted by: Geoff Lawrence | January 3, 2012 9:06 AM

Ditto everything Geoff Lawrence said about Wes Ramseur. Wes had a huge persoanlity and great flair in all he did. He was a 6'5" guard at a time when that height dictated your position. He defied definition and went on to lead Charles Evan Hughes to the City Championship in 1973.

Posted by: J. LoSasso | January 12, 2012 1:08 PM

There is a brief video clip of Wes in a Penn vs Temple in 1974 Game at letsgoquakers.com. John, I hope you and the fam are well TC

Posted by: Geoff Lawrence | March 8, 2012 6:10 AM

Great memories of Coak picking quarters from the top of the backboard of those adjustable hoops at the Hall during practice

Posted by: fankuchen | May 14, 2012 10:21 PM

Washington Heights & Inwood Online

Holcombe Rucker Playground

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