Friends of Basketball

Joe Bates

Year Inducted: 2013

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations: East St. Louis High School
(East St. Louis) Lincoln High School

Biography: Joe joined fellow inductees Harvey Cloyd Sr., Bobby Cole Sr., and Don Stovall to form one of the best associations for veteran and beginning officials in the Metro East area.  Joe was instrumental in mentoring black officials from St. Louis and East St. Louis.  He was active in conducting an annual Veterans Day clinic and sponsoring on-court clinics at both East St. Louis and East St. Louis Lincoln High Schools.