The world has largely abandoned Junius A. Kellogg; the world of sports, his college, wheelchair basketball, New York City, the media and for the most part, the nonprofits he supported throughout his life.
Oddly perhaps, I have never forgotten him and as long as I walk this earth, I will never abandon him. As Bob Otten, Junius’ good friend of nearly 50 years was falling, he lifted the torch in his once strong hands and said, “Here, you take it. It is too heavy for me now.”
Over several years of interviews and friendship Bob and I became friends. He gave me valuable insights into the era of 1950s basketball, the early years of computing (he was one of the first UNIVAC technicians), his job at Reader’s Digest and his fight for social justice.
Robert (Bob) Peter Otten Sr.
My friend, Bob Otten, passed away in hospice on August 30, 2019 at 85. His mind was crystal clear, but his heart failed him. He was the last beautiful link to Junius in terms of basketball and life. The story of Junius and Bob was the subject of a book that took me nearly five years to write and market.
I cannot repeat the story here and now, but Junius’ life was a heroic journey in an age of viscous racism, segregation and substandard medical care.
Bob Otten was not raised into great privilege but his journey was easier than “Junie’s” and he readily admitted that. Nevertheless, Junius and Bob were dear friends and to the end, Bob said Junius helped him more than he helped Junius.
It was Junius who, in 1951, arguably broke open the greatest scandal in collegiate, if not sports history. At one point, he became the model for ethics and virtue in sports. In 1954, Junius (a new Harlem Globetrotter) nearly died in an automobile accident. He emerged from the wreck paralyzed from the neck down.
What Junius was able to accomplish from his wheelchair was more than what most able-bodied people, Black or white can only dream of accomplishing.
I have never abandoned Junius Kellogg because he inspires me. I have never abandoned Junius Kellogg because I made a promise to Bob to elevate the name of his friend.
A Literary Agent
Yes, I found a literary agent who believed in my project. She worked for a year to find a publisher to take on my manuscript. No one wanted it. Why, is a mystery. Oh, it’s not about me, it’s about finding no one to believe in the lives of these two men.
I received an email from the agent last week. She wants to pitch the book to a new imprint of a large publishing house. So, the saga continues.
I’ll keep everyone posted. I am more pessimistic than optimistic. Then again, I could use something to hope for these days. It might as well be a book about the bond between two men who were the most improbable of friends.
Bruce Wolk, 303.725.5864
