Remembering Red Auerbach

Passing of a Celtics legend.

Peter N. remembers going to a Celtics game in Hartford during the Bird era when the Celts came from behind at the last minute to beat the Knicks:

... It was a magical moment for players and fans alike, as the Civic Center erupted with an earthquake of cheering. And leave it to my Dad to go over to where Red Auerbach was sitting and hand him a cigar. Red promptly slid off the band and lit up. Right there! ...

Michael Femia: Goodbye, and thanks, Arnold:

... You've made this city a much better place. You've given us a ton of memories. And we'll miss you. I'm going to go buy a cigar now.

Hyndsy: It will be a very weird feeling going back to the Garden for the first time and instinctively looking for Red and not finding him:

But he'll be there alright, I'll just have to look more carefully. ...

David Scott says farewell , Red and links us to the Auerbach song, Light it up, One More Time (MP3).

Steve remembers Auerbach:

... Perhaps it is fitting that, when I learned of Auerbach's death tonight, I was watching "Glory Road," a movie about a basketball coach who breaks down racial barriers. ...

Nelle: Goodbye, Red... and thank you:

... As players retired, it was quite common for them to be seen around Boston Garden, calling on Red, someone they loved. In turn, Red loved them. ...

Beth: Even if you aren't a Celtics fan, you know Red Auerbach:

I still have a voicemail saved in my phone of my father calling up during a Patriots' blowout several years ago, and the first thing he says is, "This is like Red Auerbach, lighting up his victory cigar." ...

CelticsBlog readers remember Red. So do Celtics Green forum users. And so do cigar smokers.

Angela Raven: It is hard to believe he retired in 1966:

I still remember that day and many games I watched him coach. Strange how we never think of time passing as quickly as it does and somehow we never think of our childhood hero's passing on. ...

SawxBlog: 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.

The Library Despot: Farewell, Red:

If you have not read the book, I suggest reading "Let Me Tell You a Story", which is a collection of Red Auerbach stories told to John Feinstein. I think I will re-read it.

T.M. Ergin discusses Auerbach's coaching careers and reveals a treasured possession:

... One of the items in my collection is an Auerbach-signed cigar box. It doesn't get much better than that. And, no, it's not for sale.

Celtics Bandwagon: He lived one hell of a life. Rest in peace.

Chris Lynch posts recalls:

... One of my favorite stories about Red involves the landmark Boston restaurant Legal Seafoods who banned cigar smoking in their establishments with the written exception of Red Auerbach. One day Red was having lunch and after lunch he lit up a cigar. A lady complained (it's always a lady who complains isn't it?). Red asked her to read the asterix and then told her "I'm Red Auerbach" while blowing a big big cloud of smoke. ...

Down in Brooklyn, Andy Bachman credits Auerbach for his career:

... I became a rabbi in part because of the aspects of Red Auerbach's (or anyone’s) life which represent transcendance: the son of an immigrant from Russia to Brooklyn; the unapologetic desire to cross borders and integrate an institution; and the inspiring model of what it means to lead in a world where integrity matters. ...

A Lakers fan salutes Auerbach:

... Without him, who knows where the NBA would be?? One of the best innovators and teachers of the sport, Auerbach knew the game as if he invented it. His teams ran, ran, ran, ran back when everyone else was playing "Hoosiers Ball" and working for a good shot. He completely managed his team...as the coach, teacher and front office. If he wanted you....he'd get you. ...

Bill Russell, Red Auerbach on how to guard two players: