Sam Brison

Samuel "Birmingham Sam" Brison (born c. 1940; died April 2014) was a one-time member of the Birmingham Black Barons and a long-time star for the Indianapolis Clowns, playing (and performing) from 1962 to 1978.

Brison got his start with the Clowns a few years after the retirement of well-loved star Richard "King Tut" King. Owner Syd Pollack initially billed the newcomer as "King Tut Jr", but Brison tired of explaining to fans that he wasn't related to the former player, and was allowed to change his name to "Birmingham Sam."

During the winter, Brison, like several of his teammates, played comedy basketball for clubs such as the Harlem Road Kings and Harlem Globetrotters.

Brison also starred as shortstop Louis Keystone in the 1976 feature film The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings, directed by John Badham.

References

• Pollock, Alan J. and James A. Riley (2012) Barnstorming to Heaven: Syd Pollock and His Great Black Teams. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press ISBN 081735722X