Red Auerbach Dead at 89, Boston Mourns

Obviously it's obvious that I'm a pretty large Red Sox fan. What may have never been truly expressed is how much I love/loved the Celtics growing up.

My father grew up just outside of Boston (Hopedale, MA) and he always talked about how he witnessed the birth of the NBA and the Boston Celtics. He saw it all man, from when they used to have double headers, to Cousey, Bill, John, Larry, and Reggie. He saw it all.

The one consistent he always had though was Red and his desire to win. He single handedly gave the Celtics and Boston something to be proud of. He is one of the greatest winners and characters of all time, and I always have felt like my father installed in me a little bit of Red.

He taught me to act and behave like a winner, and honestly there's nothing wrong with that. Red was like the uncle you loved but were a little afraid of in the same breath. Respect, Peace, and Prayers are on my breath for you, may the after-life be filled with banners and cigar smoke.

Rest In Peace Red.

Comments

[Chris Hixon]

Some people in life have the unique ability to touch and inspire those they never meet. Red Auerbach was one of those people. He touched the life of my father, his children and so many others in Celtic Nation.

It can be and is often said that Red Auerbach is the greatest NBA coach of all-time. Or perhaps an even greater General Manager and President - guiding an NBA organization to an unprecendented 16 championship seasons, including 8 years in a row. 8 years in a row! An 8-Peat!!! Copyright that Pat Riley.

Unlike most GM's and coaches of the modern sports era, Red Auerbach had the rare ability to identify men with real drive and determination - the two key ingredients that make the heart of a real champion beat. For Red new, talent alone and money do not win championships. But, that the rare combination of talent and heart found in a few individuals like Russell, Cousy, Heinson, Cowen, Bird, McHale and Parrish are where true greatness can be found and achieved.

Red certainly touched the lives of the players he coached, managed, recruited and taught - but his message extended to everyone who loved the Celtics and the game of basketball. Celtic Pride. Celtic Pride taught my father and his children that if you live your life with integrity, discipline, determination and heart you can achieve your own greatness. Although most of us will never know the thrill of raising a championship banner on center court of the Boston Garden - we learned that we could still achieve great things by living our lives with the values associated with Celtic Pride. These were the lessons I learned while watching Celtic games on TV with my family.

In addition to the championship rings, banners and vicory cigars, I think that will be Red Auerbach's greatest legacy on Earth. His ability to reach people (those he knew and those he didn't) at a level that gave them hope and inspired them to reach their greatest potential as human beings in sport and in life.

Thanks Red.

[Peter N]

I wrote an article about Red, and a Celtics' game in the mid 80s, in Hartford, when my Dad met him. And it was picked up here, at this link. I'm so happy. A night I will never forget.......

http://www.universalhub.com/

[Dad]

Derek just a great piece on a man that was not only a great leader of men but such a nice person. You and your brothers know how much I loved Red and you and your article said it all just great. Thank you Derek love Dad.