Today I was going to write about the Patriots come from behind win against the Jets, none of that seems important today. If you grew up watching Boston Celtics basketball, then you know who Tommy Heinsohn was. If you grew up watching basketball, you still knew who he was. Tommy lived Celtics basketball, and he didn’t hide it. Call him a homer all you want. Celtics fans won’t disagree with you, that is what we loved about him. A little background on Heinson, the player; he started his career at Holy Cross College, where he was named first, second and third team all American respectfully. His jersey number 24 was retired by the college.
Heinson was drafted by the Celtics and was named Rookie Of The Year over teammate Bill Russell. Tommy Heinson won 8 titles in 9 years on the Celtics. Only the likes of Bill Russell and Sam Jones have won more titles in their playing Careers. Heinson still holds the record for most consecutive championship appearances at 9. To go along with his rings, he was named to the All-Star team 6 times and was named All-NBA Second 4 times in his career. Off the court, Heinsohn played an important leadership role in the NBA Players Association. He was the association’s second president and was instrumental in the league’s acceptance of free agency. During the All-Star game in 1964 the players led by Heinsohn threatened to strike. Following his playing career, Heinsohn was named head coach of the Boston Celtics. He won 2 championships as a coach for the Celtics and was named coach of the year in 1973. Tommy Heinsohn was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a player and a coach. Only four other people have accomplished this.
Heinsohn’s number 15 hangs in the rafters at the Garden along with many legends. If you started watching Celtics basketball in 1981, then you only know two voices, Tommy Heinsohn and Mike Gorman. Tommy did not hide the fact that he was a homer, especially when he disagreed with the calls from the refs. The thing I personally loved about him is how much he loved the game of basketball. No one loved the game more than he did. Seeing former Celtics players post about him today brings tears to my eyes. He was loved by everyone and put a smile on their face. He would give them tips on what to do, and they listened because he knew the game.
I never got to meet Tommy, and I wish I could’ve talked Celtics basketball with him. He made me love the Celtics and the game of basketball. Most sports fans don’t know who their color commenter is, Celtics fans aren’t most sports fans. He’s coined phrases such as “that’s a Tommy point” when someone has a hustle play, or “the little guy” when Isaiah Thomas was on the team. Everyone who met Heinsohn loved him. Celtics fans loved him. He may be gone, but his legacy will never be forgotten. My heart is heavy as I write this. Celtics games will never sound the same. May Tommy Heinsohn rest in paradise.
