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Basketball World Mourns Death of Celtics Founder Red Auerbach

Celtics founder and one of the true patriarchs of American basketball, Red Auerbach, died of a heart attack at the age of 89. Auerbach produced the greatest basketball dynasty in the history of the nation and served the Celtics tirelessly and with dedication that became his life?s mission. Even after his retirement, the Celtics kept Red on as team president after he brought them victory no less than 16 times as coach and advisor.

Arnold ?Red? Auerbach was born in Brooklyn in 1917. As a student, he played three seasons of undistinguished basketball at George Washington University before switching to coach of the Washington Capitols ? a move that brought him instant success and a career of abundant victories. In 1950, Auerbach took over from Alvin ?Doggy? Julian as the Boston Celtic?s coach, and from that year on the previously unheard of team never had a losing record in the 16 seasons that Auerbach was on the bench. His trademark cigar would always come out just as he was sure that the Celtics would be winning yet another match.

Auerbach was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969. Up until 1994, when Lenny Wilkens overtook him, Red held the record for the NBA coach with the greatest number of wins (938 in total). Many remember Red not only for his sporting brilliance but also for his compassion and great caring about people. He is survived by 2 daughters, a grand daughter and three great-grandchildren.