Had Wilt Chamberlain Been Permitted? Discover the amazing trip and ride that was Wilt Chamberlain’s brief time as a member of the American Basketball Association (A.B.A.) San Diego Conquistadors, featuring his remarkable 38 points in just 12 minutes versus Artis Gilmore and the Kentucky Colonels.
Wilt Chamberlain had just completed watching Secretariat win the Belmont Stakes, the first Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing since 1948, by an astounding 31 lengths over the rest of the field. When asked about Secretariat’s incredible feat by a writer for sporting Illustrated, Chamberlain said, “That’s the second greatest sports performance I have ever witnessed.” The reporter asked, scratching his head, “What’s the first Wilt?” trying to figure out what could be No. 1. “My 100-point challenge! “My 100 point game, my man,” Chamberlain responded, alluding to his incredible scoring performance 11 years earlier while donning the Philadelphia Warriors uniform.
The 7-foot-1 Chamberlain hit a century against the New York Knickerbockers on March 2, 1962, during a regular season game at Hersheypark Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania. However, as June 9, 1973 approached, Chamberlain found himself reflecting on the parallels between Secretariat and himself. He asked himself, “What made this chestnut-colored stallion so special?” He stated in a rich baritone voice, “It must be his heart,” to no one in particular. That’s all there is to it. The X-factor. He has a champion’s heart!
He remarked in a rich baritone voice, “It must be his heart,” to no specific person. That’s all there is to it. The X-factor. He has a champion’s heart! Years later, in 1989, Secretariat’s autopsy revealed that his heart weighed almost 22 pounds! Secretariat was put to death on October 4, 1989, at the age of 19, from laminitis, a painful and frequently fatal hoof condition. A thoroughbred’s heart typically weighs nine pounds. Being the best in one’s chosen field—in this case, professional basketball—and possessing “a huge heart” were concepts that Chamberlain was all too familiar with. However, having a “big heart” also means living a luxury lifestyle and needing a “big bank account.”
Years later, in 1989, Secretariat’s autopsy revealed that his heart weighed almost 22 pounds! Secretariat was put to death on October 4, 1989, at the age of 19, from laminitis, a painful and frequently fatal hoof condition. A thoroughbred’s heart typically weighs nine pounds. Being the best in one’s chosen field—in this case, professional basketball—and possessing “a huge heart” were concepts that Chamberlain was all too familiar with. However, having a “big heart” also means living a luxury lifestyle and needing a “big bank account.” We sprint ahead for three months.
