Fellow Goodboy Ron “Cubby” Myerow is a keen observer of the Boston sports scene, and offers up his own personal appreciation for Celtics’ icon Arnold “Red” Auerbach, who passed away last week:

I did not realize how big Arnold “Red” Auerbach was
back in the 1960’s. Growing up as a kid in New England
I was a big Boston Bruins and Red Sox Fan. Red built
a dynasty for the Boston Celtics with great players like Cousy,
Russell and Heinsohn to name a few.

Back then he had no assistant coaches, and basically
ran the team alone. Imagine 8 straight consecutive
championships. I think 17 championships total as a
coach and general manager. The one thing that sticks out
in my mind was when he drafted Larry Bird in 1978. Larry
was one of the best players in the NBA. Red said that
Larry was one of the most self motivated players he had
ever seen.

Red was a unique coach who could light up a cigar
during a game and seemed to be well liked by all his
players. I heard M.L. Carr on the radio say he was like another
parent. I’m sure he will be greatly missed by all and
especially the Boston Celtics.

Thanks, Cubby for that touching tribute to a Boston icon who revolutionized the sport of professional basketball, and who truly was a legend in his own time. Couldn’t have said it better myself. Here’s hoping we’ll be graced with more keen Cubby insights into all things Boston sports in this space from time to time – the man knows his sports and he sure loves his Bruins (although I’m sure that affection has taken a beating these past few years).

BTW, in addition to his sports knowledge, dude knows how to do graphics as well. You can check out some of his work on his website.

Great to have Cubby in da house!

(Ain’t that a great picture? It’s Bill Russell, Red, and John “Hondo” Havlicek celebrating yet another Celtics championship.)