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Harry Glickman
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Harry Glickman
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Harry Glickman

Harry Glickman (May 13, 1924 – June 10, 2020) was an American journalist, promoter, and sports executive. He was one of the founders of the Portland Trail Blazers, and the team's president from 1987 to 1994.

Early life and career

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Glickman grew up in Great Depression Portland, the son of Polish Jewish immigrant Bessie, who worked in the ladies' garment industry. Glickman also had a job as a paperboy.[1] Bessie would trade letters in Yiddish with her family in Wysokie until 1939, when the Nazis invaded the country, and sent Glickman's relatives to the Treblinka extermination camp.[2] Glickman played basketball at Lincoln High School, where he graduated in 1941.[3]

Afterwards Glickman enrolled at the University of Oregon, from which he graduated in 1948 with a degree in journalism. He had plans to become a sportswriter, and served as the campus correspondent for The Oregonian, the director of the university’s athletic news bureau, and wrote for the school paper as well as The Register-Guard.[3] Glickman left college to enlist for World War II, spending three years at the 12th Armored Division of the 7th Army.[2] After returning to Oregon, he graduated in 1948.[4] While a student at Oregon, he became a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity (he was president of the fraternity in his senior year)[5] and an editor of the alumni magazine, Old Oregon. When a job offer at The Oregonian fell through, Glickman took to promoting sporting events.[2]

Opening a company named Oregon Sports Attractions, Glickman began with boxing matches, and branched off into show business events. In 1955, he promoted a Pacific Northwest tour for Judy Garland, but once she refused to appear on stage for the last concert in Spokane, Washington, Glickman got so irritated he swore to only work with sports. Afterwards, Glickman's achievements included preseason games for National Football League teams at Portland’s Multnomah Stadium, games by the Harlem Globetrotters and post-season NBA All-Star games at the newly opened Memorial Coliseum.[6][7]

In 1960, he was the founder of the Portland Buckaroos of the Western Hockey League, a now-defunct minor hockey league (and one of several leagues to bear that name).[4][8] The Buckaroos were one of the most successful franchises in minor league hockey history, winning three WHL championships, and playing in three others, during their 13 years in the Western Hockey League. The WHL would fold in 1974, largely as a result of losing major market teams in Los Angeles and Vancouver to the National Hockey League (NHL) and others, including Denver and Phoenix, to the World Hockey Association (which later merged with the NHL). The Buckaroos ultimately folded in 1975, after moving to a different league.

Portland Trail Blazers

[edit]

Glickman was interested in creating a basketball team in Portland as soon as a bond for the Memorial Coliseum was passed in 1954.[2] While the NBA refused his offer, in 1959 Glickman negotiated with Abe Saperstein to have a team on his American Basketball League, but the league folded before he could do so.[9] In 1970, Glickman, working without any investor support, won an expansion franchise with the National Basketball Association, subject to coming up with $3.8 million in a matter of days. Glickman soon rounded up 3 wealthy real estate developers led by Herman Sarkowsky of Seattle, who then brought in Larry Weinberg of Los Angeles and Robert Schmertz of New Jersey.[1][6] Later, Sarkowsky and Schmertz sold their shares to Weinberg, who was the team's majority owner until the club was sold to Paul Allen in 1988. Glickman oversaw all business and basketball operations as the General Manager of the Portland Trail Blazers franchise from its inception in 1970 until his retirement in 1987 and continued as the Blazers' president emeritus. After Paul Allen bought the club, Glickman's son’s Marshall who was promoted to Senior Vice-President and Daniel who remains employed by the Blazers as chief criminal litigator and consultant, both still remain close to the team.

After his Blazer career, Glickman served his son’s Marshall & Daniel at Portland Family Entertainment, a business venture which promotes baseball and soccer in Portland, and which managed a $38 million renovation of 21,000-seat Civic Stadium (now Providence Park) on behalf of the City of Portland.

In 1977, Glickman authored his autobiography Promoter Ain't a Dirty Word. He was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 for his contribution to sports in Oregon.[3] He was cited as Portland, Oregon's First Citizen of the Year in 1992.

On February 15, 2019, Glickman was named as one of two 2019 recipients of the John Bunn Award (with Del Harris), awarded by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a lifetime achievement honor for those "whose outstanding accomplishments have impacted the high school, college, professional and/or the international game."[10]

Death

[edit]

On June 10, 2020, Glickman died at the age of 96.[11][12]

References

[edit]
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Harry Glickman

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Harry Glickman was an American sports executive, promoter, and journalist best known for his instrumental role in bringing professional basketball to Portland as the founding general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers. Born in Portland, Oregon, on May 13, 1924, Glickman was raised in South Portland by his mother, Bessie Glickman, following his parents' divorce. He served in the U.S. Army's 12th Armored Division during World War II and later completed his education in journalism. His early career included work as a sports journalist and promoter, organizing events such as boxing matches and other athletic spectacles in the region. In the late 1960s, Glickman spearheaded efforts to secure an NBA expansion franchise for Portland, leading to the Trail Blazers' establishment in 1970, where he served as the team's first general manager. Under his leadership, the franchise achieved significant success, including an NBA championship in 1977, and he continued in executive roles with the organization for decades. Recognized for his contributions to sports, Glickman was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. Glickman remained a prominent figure in Oregon sports until his death in Portland on June 10, 2020, at the age of 96. His legacy endures as a pioneer who helped transform professional basketball in the Pacific Northwest.

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Harry Glickman was born on May 13, 1924, in Portland, Oregon. His parents divorced when he was five years old, after which he was raised primarily by his mother, Bessie Glickman, who worked in the ladies' garment industry in South Portland. His father suffered from mental illness and was institutionalized. Glickman attended Shattuck Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1941.

Military service and university

After graduating from Lincoln High School, Glickman enrolled at the University of Oregon. He served three years in the U.S. Army's 12th Armored Division (Seventh Army) during World War II after being called to active duty in 1943, with the division advancing through Belgium, France, and Germany. After the war, he returned to the University of Oregon and graduated from its School of Journalism in 1948. In 1999, Glickman was inducted into the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communications Hall of Achievement.

Early career

Journalism aspirations

Harry Glickman graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism in 1948. He aspired to become a sportswriter, and in December 1947 he was set to begin working for The Oregonian in a sportswriting position. However, the opening went to Pat Frizell, who had held the job before World War II, stayed in England after the war, and returned in 1947. A federal law required businesses to give returning servicemen their old jobs back, leading to Glickman's opportunity being reassigned. This brief episode represented Glickman's only documented step toward a journalism career before he pursued other paths.

Transition to sports promotion

After his anticipated position as a sportswriter for The Oregonian fell through in late 1947—when the job went to a returning veteran under federal priority rules—Glickman shifted toward sports promotion rather than pursuing further newspaper work. He began by working with local promoters, starting as publicity director for Tex Salkeld, a boxing promoter who staged matches at the Bachelor’s Club in St. Johns, and later collaborating with “Deacon” Jack Hurley, known as a shrewd yet honest figure in the field. Glickman found he preferred independence, later reflecting that he liked “doing my own thing” over traditional employment. This led him to operate as an independent promoter. In 1958, Glickman served as general manager of Multnomah Stadium for two years, a facility then owned by the Multnomah Athletic Club, where he remained a member for more than 50 years.

Sports promotion and events

Notable boxing and entertainment promotions

Harry Glickman established himself as a prominent promoter in the Pacific Northwest during the 1950s by staging high-profile boxing matches and entertainment events. In 1952, he organized a boxing match between Harry “Kid” Matthews and Rex Layne at Portland’s Pacific International Livestock Pavilion that drew 11,361 spectators, setting the record for the largest indoor sports crowd in Oregon history at the time. Two years later, in the summer of 1954, Glickman promoted a bout between Don Cockell and Harry “Kid” Matthews at Seattle’s Sick’s Stadium, attracting 14,868 attendees. Glickman also brought major entertainment acts to Portland, including a November 1953 concert by Liberace at the Portland Public Auditorium that drew a standing-room-only crowd of more than 5,000. In the summer of 1955, he organized Judy Garland's West Coast tour, featuring stops in Long Beach, Eugene, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and Spokane; the tour performed well in Eugene and Portland but faced setbacks afterward, with Garland canceling a Seattle appearance due to illness and failing to appear for a scheduled servicemen’s show in Spokane. He additionally introduced Holiday on Ice skating shows to Portland during this period. Among his sports promotions were NFL exhibition games at Multnomah Stadium, such as the 1952 matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Cardinals that drew 29,000 spectators in the season following the Rams' 1951 NFL championship. In 1955, he promoted a game between the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants at the same venue, which became the NFL’s first overtime contest and ended with a 23-17 victory for the Rams. Starting in 1958, Glickman managed Multnomah Stadium for two years.

Portland Buckaroos hockey team

Harry Glickman founded the Portland Buckaroos minor-league hockey team in 1960, bringing professional hockey back to Portland after a decade-long absence through his relocation of the New Westminster Royals to the newly opened Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Buckaroos competed in the Western Hockey League and quickly established themselves as a popular draw, breaking attendance records while winning three league titles that highlighted the team's on-ice success under Glickman's leadership as co-owner and president. The team operated until the Western Hockey League folded in 1974, providing consistent entertainment and helping solidify Portland's sports culture during that era.

Portland Trail Blazers

Securing the NBA expansion franchise

Harry Glickman initially attempted to bring an NBA expansion franchise to Portland in the late 1960s, but the bid failed due to high interest rates that prevented securing adequate financing. In 1970, he assembled a group of investors including Herm Sarkowsky, Larry Weinberg, and Robert Schmertz to pursue the opportunity again, providing the necessary financial stability for a successful application. The NBA awarded the Portland franchise, along with those for Cleveland and Buffalo, on February 6, 1970. The expansion fee was $3.7 million. To fulfill the good faith requirements for the bid, Glickman secured a $250,000 letter of credit, which he nearly lost in a close call when he forgot his raincoat containing the document in a New York restaurant; fortunately, it was recovered in time to complete the process. Glickman's prior success promoting the Portland Buckaroos hockey team aided his credibility in negotiating with the NBA for the basketball franchise.

Executive roles and team milestones

Harry Glickman served in several key executive roles with the Portland Trail Blazers following the franchise's award in 1970. He held the position of executive vice president from 1970 to 1987, general manager from 1976 to 1981, and president from 1987 to 1994. After stepping down as president, he was named president emeritus, a title he retained from 1994 until his death in 2020. Glickman guided the team with the motto "you win with good people," emphasizing the importance of strong personnel in building a successful organization. During his tenure, the Trail Blazers established a notable milestone by achieving 814 consecutive home sellouts from 1977 to 1995, marking the longest such streak in NBA history at the time. This sustained attendance record reflected the strong fan base cultivated under his leadership.

1977 NBA Championship and legacy impacts

The Portland Trail Blazers won the 1977 NBA Championship in their seventh season as a franchise, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals behind the leadership of center Bill Walton, who was named Finals MVP. The title marked the only NBA championship in Portland's history and came after the team overcame early-season struggles, including Walton missing 17 regular-season games due to injury, before surging through the playoffs with a cohesive, unselfish style. Harry Glickman, as the team's founder and general manager, was credited with laying the foundation for this success and establishing a benchmark for small-market achievement in the NBA. The victory was described as a seminal moment that elevated Portland, allowing the city to join the ranks of elite professional sports franchises despite its relatively small market size. Glickman's vision and persistence in securing the expansion franchise in 1970 helped create a sustainable operation that defied expectations for a smaller Western market. Glickman's influence extended long after the championship, as he remained deeply connected to the organization. In 2012, shortly after Chris McGowan became Trail Blazers president, Glickman personally took him on a driving tour of Portland, highlighting historic landmarks and sites tied to Blazers lore, including courts where Bill Walton played pickup basketball. This enduring involvement underscored the lasting impact of the 1977 title on the franchise's identity and the city's sports culture.

Later career and retirement

Presidency and emeritus contributions

Harry Glickman served as president of the Portland Trail Blazers from 1987 to 1994, following his earlier roles as executive vice president from 1970 to 1987 and general manager from 1976 to 1981. Upon retiring from the presidency in 1994, he was named president emeritus of the organization, a title he held thereafter. In his emeritus capacity, Glickman remained closely tied to the Trail Blazers and the broader Portland community, continuing to be recognized as the founder and a pivotal figure in the franchise's history and Oregon's professional sports landscape.

Civic and community involvement

Harry Glickman was recognized for his civic leadership in Portland, receiving the city's First Citizen award in 1992. The award honored his broader contributions to the community beyond his sports promotion work. He maintained a long-term membership in the Multnomah Athletic Club for more than 50 years, underscoring his deep roots in Portland's civic and social institutions. Earlier in his career, Glickman also served as manager of Multnomah Stadium, then owned by the club, from 1958 to 1959.

Awards and honors

Major inductions and recognitions

Harry Glickman received significant recognition for his pioneering role in establishing professional sports in Oregon, particularly through his efforts in securing the Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchise. Known as the father of professional sports in Oregon, he was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1986. In 1999, Glickman was inducted into the University of Oregon School of Journalism Hall of Achievement, honoring his early career as a journalist and his lasting impact on sports media. He is a member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, which recognizes his contributions to sports as a Jewish athlete, promoter, and executive. Glickman received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2019, presented during the enshrinement ceremonies to honor his lifetime dedication to basketball, including his foundational work with the Trail Blazers.

Personal life and death

Family and personal relationships

Harry Glickman was married to Joanne Glickman, with whom he shared a long personal life in Portland. The couple had three children: son Marshall Glickman, who served as president of the Portland Trail Blazers from 1988 to 1995, and daughters Jennifer and Lynn. Glickman was also a grandfather to three grandchildren: Joel, Laz, and Sydney.

Death and memorials

Harry Glickman died on June 10, 2020, at the age of 96 in Portland, Oregon. His death occurred at an assisted living center in the city. A private burial service was held at Beth Israel Cemetery, and a public memorial service was planned for a later date at Congregation Beth Israel. Glickman remained president emeritus of the Portland Trail Blazers until his death.

Media appearances

Television and documentary credits

Harry Glickman appeared as himself in several television programs and documentaries, primarily reflecting his longstanding role in Portland sports as a founder and executive of the Trail Blazers and his involvement with the Portland Buckaroos hockey team. His earliest documented on-screen appearance in this capacity was in the 1996 production Ice Hockey in the Rose City. He later featured in a 2005 episode of the ESPN TV series The Top 5 Reasons You Can't Blame.... In 2008, Glickman appeared in Mania. The following year, he began a recurring role as himself in the TV series Ripcity Stories, appearing in five episodes between 2009 and 2011. He also contributed to the 2010 video documentary Kings of the Road: The Story of the Portland Buckaroos.

References

  1. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/13/sports/basketball/harry-glickman-dead.html
  2. https://jewishsportshof.org/listings/harry-glickman/
  3. https://www.ojmche.org/oral-history-people/harry-glickman/
  4. https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv259661
  5. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/POR/executives.html
  6. https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2020/06/harry-glickman-portland-trail-blazers-founder-and-president-emeritus-dies-at-96.html
  7. https://www.jewishportland.org/obituaries/harry-glickman
  8. https://journalism.uoregon.edu/hall-achievement/harry-glickman
  9. https://www.oregonlive.com/sports/2020/06/trail-blazers-founder-harry-glickman-dies-at-96.html
  10. https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/2020/6/10/trail-blazers-mourn-the-loss-of-harry-glickman
  11. https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/portland_buckaroos/
  12. https://web.archive.org/web/20180920162550/https://portlandtribune.com/pt/12-sports/127501-the-original-trail-blazer
  13. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29295209/harry-glickman-portland-trail-blazers-founder-championship-gm-dies-96
  14. https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/portland_trail_blazers/
  15. https://www.nba.com/news/portland-trail-blazers-mourn-loss-harry-glickman-release
  16. https://portlandtribune.com/2020/06/17/remembering-harry-glickman/
  17. https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2019/02/portland-trail-blazers-founder-harry-glickman-awarded-lifetime-achievement-award-by-basketball-hall-of-fame.html
  18. https://www.hoophall.com/news/del-harris-harry-glickman-to-receive-naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-of-fames-2019-john-w-bunn-lifetime-achievement-award/
  19. https://journalism.uoregon.edu/hall-achievement-members
  20. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/254020105/harry-glickman
  21. https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2025/08/opinion-portland-must-compete-now-to-remain-rip-city-forever.html
  22. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3198778/
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