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Celtics in The Preseason v2

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Barnstorming through New England

The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991


© 2016 Michael Hamel
MichaelHamel.net

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Preface

2016 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Basketball Association of America, a forerunner of today’s NBA. Walter Brown and a group
of his Arena Managers Association of America colleagues created the new league to fill their arenas on otherwise quiet nights in their schedules
between hockey, boxing, and other events. Brown named his entry the Boston Celtics, and after some shaky early years, the team developed into
one of the premier sports franchises in the United States.

Celtics history has been well-documented, but some aspects deserve a closer look. For years, general information about Celtics training camp and
preseason schedules has been readily available. This article attempts to bring these topics into clearer focus, by listing specific dates, locations,
and preseason scores as found in contemporary newspaper reports. More research is still needed; this initial version is incomplete for several
reasons. In their early years, Celtics coverage in Boston newspapers was spotty, and national coverage exhibition games was rare. Even as
preseason scores were reported more regularly, the precise location of the game would be omitted, even in game stories. Lastly, formal lists of
players participating in training camp were not consistently reported in newspapers, especially before the 1970’s. Online newspaper archives have
been essential to recapturing and compiling this information, but there are many Boston and New England-based newspapers whose back issues
are available only on microfilm which is much more time-consuming to use. Up to now I have only scratched the surface of the information
available on microfilm.

In the following tables:

1. Dates listed for the opening of training camp include cases, beginning in the late 1960’s, when rookies were expected to show up a day or
two earlier than the veterans as an extension of the main training camp. These dates do NOT include separate rookie/free agent camps or
“tryout camps” held earlier in the summer/fall.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 2

2. The lists of “Other Players in Camp” are unofficial and likely incomplete. In these sections, players listed in bold played at least one regular
season game in the NBA and/or ABA during their careers, while those in normal typeface never reached the pros. If the player had not yet
made their pro debut prior to appearing in Celtics training camp, the player’s draft position (if any) or their college information is listed in
parenthesis; if the player had already played in the NBA or ABA, his last team is listed in parenthesis.

3. Scores of exhibition games are listed with the Celtics score first, followed by their opponent’s point total. The name of the arena where
the game was held is listed if known.

This collection ends in 1991 for a simple reason: that year marked the final preseason of Larry Bird’s career, and the last time that the Celtics held
their training camp at Hellenic College before moving to Brandeis University. Also, on a personal note, the Boston Celtics teams of the 1990’s and
early 2000’s were disappointing to watch, so researching those seasons held little interest for me.

Gearing Up

Preparing for a professional basketball season is equal parts hard work and tedium, exhaustion and tension. Daily practices and drills can get old
fast, even when the head coach decides to liven things up by bringing in a female aerobic dance instructor to lead the daily calisthenics (Louise
Boland, 1983).1 And there’s plenty of down time, either for searching out a movie theatre ten miles away to watch a James Mason picture in
Laconia, New Hampshire (1953)2 or eating a light lunch while admiring the view of the Cape Cod Canal out of the camp’s cafeteria windows (at
Mass Maritime, late 1970’s).3 Meanwhile, for the players on the fringe of the roster, there is the ever-present notion that today could spell the
end of your stay; the realization that when the words of the multi-purpose greeting “Can I see you for a moment?” are spoken in your direction,
the conversation that follows could signify the end of your professional dreams – or, for the chosen few, represent a turning point that propels
your career forward.

For the coaches, general manager, and other staff, training camp and preseason games are a time to experiment, learn, and face the cold reality
of how projections made on paper during the offseason translate on an actual basketball court. This process is imperfect, in part because preseason
games are merely “exhibitions.” Veteran stars play limited minutes or sit out with minor injuries that would be shrugged off during the regular
season, never mind the playoffs, and many of the participants will end up (depending on the era) displaying their talents in the Eastern League,
CBA, NBA D-League, or on an asphalt court shooting at a ragged net hanging from a slightly rusted rim during their lunch break from a “real” job.

Several generations of Boston Celtics players have gone through these rituals of fall.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 3

The Boston Celtics franchise was one of the original members of the BAA, and, following a series of “elimination workouts in Chicago, New York
and [at] Worcester,”4 head coach John “Honey” Russell and a collection of prospects gathered at the Boston Arena gym on September 30, 1946
for the team’s first official training camp. With housing in short supply in post-WWII Boston, the players slept in rooms located above the gym,
and ate their meals at the nearby Lenox Hotel. The Lenox, which later became Red Auerbach’s personal home-away-from-home (he continued to
maintain a residence in Washington, D.C. for his family), would also host the Celtics yearly team dinner on the eve of training camp throughout
the 1950’s and most of the 1960’s. The dinners were primarily a team bonding exercise, but also served as an opportunity for the Celtics, who
were always in pursuit of better press coverage, to entertain Boston newspaper writers. These events continued to be held even as the team
struggled to find a consistent training site. After a fire damaged the Arena gym in 1948 – sending nine players out into the streets at 6 o’clock in
the morning5 – the Celtics trained at the Boston Garden in 1949, then experimented with a number of sites, including a Cambridge prep school
(Browne & Nichols, in 1954), Northeastern University, and even a high school in Ellsworth, Maine.

Maine might seem to be a strange place to find an NBA training camp, but during the Celtics first decade and a half of existence, the team played
their preseason games almost exclusively in New England. Not only did this save on travel costs, but it provided an opportunity to attract more
fans to a league that was still in its infancy. “I thought we had to sell the game, market the game, make people understand just how good these
guys were. They really didn't get it,”6 Auerbach told author John Feinstein five decades later. During this period of Auerbach’s coaching career, the
Celtics would play a series of preseason games against a single NBA opponent, mixing in intrasquad contests and exhibitions against local amateur
“All-Star” teams. “[T]here were teams we played who had a couple guys who had been local hotshots and they actually walked on the court
thinking they had a chance to beat us,”7 Auerbach later said. Red added that he would usually tell his players “to win by thirty, no more than forty”8
to prove how much better the Celtics were than the best of the “local heroes.” How else could he convince notoriously frugal New Englanders to
respond to ads in their local papers inviting them to buy tickets to watch the Celtics play in the Garden?

These New England tours also produced a series of stories about the poor driving habits of Auerbach and his players. Frank Ramsey later recalled
how Auerbach, driving on a fog-engulfed Maine Turnpike one night, was “following the white lines, and he drove into a Howard Johnson’s doing
about eighty miles an hour. [Gene] Conley was sitting right next to him, and he swallowed his chewing tobacco.”9 Fast driving also came naturally
to some of the players, including Bill Russell, who once had to have his car rescued from a “50-foot precipice”10 in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Time
failed to mellow Auerbach behind the wheel; after Kevin McHale signed his rookie contract in 1980, he was forced to endure a harrowing ride
from the Garden out to Hellenic College as Red’s passenger. McHale later told a reporter that Red was “going one hundred miles an hour. He was
all over the place, and there was cigar smoke, and he was looking over at me and talking while he was driving. And I was thinking I was going to
die on my first day in Boston.”11

As the Celtics and the NBA matured, the team began playing more exhibitions outside of New England. After playing the Minneapolis Lakers in
towns from Bangor to Greenfield to Newport nearly every night for two weeks in October 1959, the two teams agreed to a similar series the
following year. But with the Lakers relocating to Los Angeles for the 1960-61 season, the teams split their 1960 preseason slate in half, playing the
first half in New England and the second half in California.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 4

Though NBA exhibition games did not officially count in the standings, the level of competition was frequently intense. In 1957, Richie Guerin of
the Knicks missed nearly a month of the regular season after breaking a thumb while throwing a punch at Bill Sharman in their preseason finale.12
Six years later, new NBA Commissioner Walter Kennedy fined Auerbach $500 for failing to leave the court after being ejected by Mendy Rudolph
for arguing a call.13 In 1973, Tom Heinsohn would earn a third technical foul in an exhibition game for the same infraction.14 When the NBA deigned
to play preseason games against ABA clubs in the 1970’s, league pride raised the stakes. As Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe wrote following the
Celtics first such encounter, a 116-115 loss to the New York Nets on an off-balance prayer by Bill Melchionni that banked in with four seconds left,
“[w]hile each club was blasé about the ABA-NBA rivalry beforehand, the way they contested the game in the fourth quarter – both coaches went
with their iron – left no doubt as to the desire each team had to win.”15 And one of the most infamous nights of the Celtics-76ers rivalry of the
early 1980’s occurred on October 16, 1983 at the Garden, as the two teams squared off in a series of colorful altercations featuring Cedric Maxwell
vs. Moses Malone, Larry Bird vs. Marc Iavaroni, and Red Auerbach (who had bounded out of his seat in the stands to protest the officiating) vs.
Philadelphia coach Billy Cunningham.

Some exhibition games served a nobler purpose as a vehicle for raising money for charity or another good cause. On October 21, 1958, the Celtics
participated in a doubleheader (with the St. Louis Hawks, Cincinnati Royals, and Detroit Pistons) to aid Maurice Stokes, who had fallen ill in March
with post-traumatic encephalopathy after hitting his head on the floor during the Royals’ final game of the regular season. The illness left him
partially paralyzed and in need of constant medical care in an era where the NBA had no pension plan.16 Walter Brown was also an early supporter
of efforts to build a Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, the ”birthplace of basketball” and the Celtics participated in several
“Hall of Fame” benefit games during the 1950’s and 60’s.

There were also games staged to help celebrate a local hero and cash in on his popularity to sell more tickets. In 1960 the Celtics played the Lakers
in Bill Sharman’s hometown of Porterville, California; 2700 tickets to the town’s new high school gym were sold out in a single day, and Sharman
was given “the papers for a registered Angus heifer”17 during a halftime ceremony. A year later, a game in Lexington, Kentucky that was supposed
to be a happy homecoming for former University of Kentucky stars Frank Ramsey and Cliff Hagan was marred by segregation policies. The Phoenix
Hotel’s coffee shop refused to serve Sam Jones and Satch Sanders, and all of the black players on both the Celtics and Hawks refused to play in the
game.18 Ramsey publically supported them; not only was he embarrassed that the incident took place, but a week earlier, Bill Russell and K.C.
Jones had suffered the same slight in a hotel bar in Marion, Indiana, which only magnified the events in Lexington.19

Back in 1950, the Celtics first black player, Chuck Cooper, made his NBA debut during the preseason, and there were other famous “firsts” during
training camp and the exhibition season over the years. Every Celtics player whose number was eventually retired began their career in Boston
with a preseason game, except for Bill Russell, who did not report to Boston until December 1956 due to his participation in the Summer Olympics
in Melbourne, Australia. Other debuts occurred by happenstance. Pete Maravich played his first game for the Atlanta Hawks in 1970 on the same
night that Dave Cowens debuted for Boston, and Moses Malone first wore his “Sixers” #2 uniform in October 1982 while playing against the Celtics
in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1959, the first professional meeting of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain took place at the Minneapolis Armory as
part of an exhibition doubleheader that also featured the Minneapolis Lakers and Detroit Pistons. About 2500 fans paid between $10 and $100 a
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 5

ticket20 and watched as Chamberlain “made proud Bill Russell look like an ordinary basketball player” for most of the contest before Russell scored
8 late points.21 Chamberlain outscored Russell 26 to 16 overall,22 but Boston won 103-98, setting a precedent that would be repeated many times
during the following years.

The Celtics also saw their share of strange events during the preseason. In 1951, owner Walter Brown’s home in Newton, Massachusetts was
robbed while he and his family were watching the Celtics play in Vermont.23 Four years later, after playing a series of seven exhibition games
against each other, the Celtics and Royals “exchanged” a pair of veteran centers: an injury-plagued Connie Simmons signed with the Royals, then
the next day the Celtics bought Arnie Risen, who had been holding out. In 1963, first-round draft choice Bill Green refused to accompany the team
on a flight at the start of their exhibition tour with the St. Louis Hawks, and was summarily dropped from the squad because of his fear of flying.

There were also some “flights” of a different kind. One day in 1975, Cyrus Mann borrowed teammate Larry Cannon’s white Cadillac convertible,
drove to Logan Airport and flew out of Boston – without ever telling the Celtics he was leaving.24 Joe Pace also unexpectedly drove out of camp
(in his own car) three years later, though Bob Ferry, the general manager of Pace’s former employer, the Washington Bullets, remarked that he
“had to laugh when Red told me, because [Pace] also walked out of training camp each year he was with us.”25 In one case, it was Auerbach who
made a player disappear, shipping the newly acquired John Johnson back to Houston after playing in one exhibition game for Boston in 1977,
claiming that the Rockets had “totally misrepresented” the length and financial specifics of Johnson’s contract.26

But perhaps the strangest, though oddly appropriate, event was Dave Cowens’s abrupt retirement in 1980. Cowens had walked away from the
game before, missing 30 games during a “leave of absence” in the middle of the 1976-77 season, but now felt that his feet and ankles could not
take the pounding of another NBA season. Cowens directly reached out to the fans by penning an unprecedented “retirement letter” which he
handed to Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe to have it printed in its entirety in the next day’s paper.27 “Why is it that athletes who retire always allow
other people to write their career obituary?” Cowens began, before explaining that he would feel “guilty” earning his salary without being able to
play at his best. “I do not want anyone to suspect that I was only going through the motions as a player. My whole reputation has been one of
giving maximum effort, and I want to be remembered as just such a player.”28

Throughout the years, the Celtics have seen their share of superstars burst onto the scene during training camp, from Cousy to Bird, along with
some tremendous teases that later flamed out (Earl Williams, for one). There have been contract disputes and holdouts, especially in the 1970’s
and 80’s when these became almost yearly occurrences (Havlicek, Chaney, Silas, Havlicek again, Wicks, Archibald, McHale, Parish…), good trades
(and bad), and difficult cuts. But most of all, through most of the years documented in these pages, there was plenty of entertaining basketball for
Boston fans to enjoy.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 6

1946-47 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Boston Arena gym (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: September 30
Regular Season opener: November 2

Head Coach: John “Honey” Russell


Assistant Coach: Danny Silva

Rosters

Al Brightman, Chuck Connors, Warren Fenley, Wyndol Gray, Mel Hirsch, Tony Kappen, Harold Kottman,
Regular Season opener (12):
Connie Simmons, Johnny Simmons, Art Spector, Virgil Vaughn, Red Wallace

Eddie Boyle (6-3, Temple), Edward Buckley (Harvard), Howie Delmar (6-3, USC), Ray Gaisser (Evansville High
Other players in camp: School), Wendol Hill (6-2, Iowa), Bob Kitterman (5-11 Iowa), Paul Rooney (Pacific Marine Team), Harold
Rothman (6-8, Illinois Central), Vic Segal (Iowa)

Exhibition Game Results

Unknown

1947-48 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Boston Arena gym (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: ~October 20 (TBD)
Regular Season opener: November 13

Head Coach: John “Honey” Russell


Assistant Coach: Danny Silva
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 7

Rosters

Chuck Connors, Bulbs Ehlers, Jack Garfinkel, Cecil Hankins, Charlie Hoefer, John Janisch, Saul Mariaschin, Mel
Regular Season opener (12):29
Riebe, Ed Sadowski, Connie Simmons, Art Spector, Gene Stump

Al Brightman (1946-47 Celtics), Jack Hewson (1947 draft), Jerry Kelly (1946-47 Celtics), George Monroe
Other players in camp:
(1946-47 St. Louis Bombers),30 Stan Noszka (1946-47 Pittsburgh Ironmen)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 11/7 Providence Steam Rollers Portland Exhibition Building, 65-54 Connie Simmons and Cecil Hankins 13 each to lead
Portland, ME Celtics. Ernie Calverly 12 for Steam Rollers
Sat 11/8 Providence Steam Rollers Waterbury, CT 44-49
Sun 11/9 Providence Steam Rollers Worcester, MA ?

1948-49 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Boston Arena gym (Boston, MA)31


Camp opened: October 1
Regular Season opener: November 4

Head Coach: Alvin “Doggie” Julian


Assistant Coach: Henry McCarthy32

Rosters

Johnny Bach, Hank Beenders, Bulbs Ehlers, Jack Garfinkel, Chick Halbert, John Hazen, Al Lucas, Stan Noszka,
Regular Season opener (12):
Mel Riebe, Jim Seminoff, Art Spector, Gene Stump

Paul Campbell (Dartmouth),33 Lou Desci (Bucknell/Harvard), Tom Kelly (1948 draft), Stan Stutz (1947-48
Other players in camp:
Knicks, traded to Baltimore Bullets for Al Lucas the day before the regular season), Ken Walter (Ohio U.)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 8

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Wed 10/27 Providence Steam Rollers Fitchburg Arena, Fitchburg, MA 66-64 Mel Riebe led scorers with 23 and made game-
winning layup which was also Boston’s first lead of
the game.
Sat 10/30 Providence Steam Rollers Portland Exhibition Building, 70-75
Portland, ME
Sun 10/31 Providence Steam Rollers Memorial Auditorium, 62-?3
Burlington, VT

1949-50 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Boston Garden (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: October 3
Regular Season opener: November 3

Head Coach: Alvin “Doggie” Julian


Assistant Coach: Henry McCarthy

Rosters

Johnny Ezersky, Hoot Gibson,34 Sonny Hertzberg, George Kaftan, Bob Kinney, Ed Leede, George Nostrand,
Regular Season opener (12):
Dermie O’Connell, Jim Seminoff, Howie Shannon, Art Spector, Brady Walker

Jackie Allen (RI State),35 Johnny Bach (1948-49 Celtics), Tom Blair (Northeastern), John Borys (Oklahoma),
Ernie Calverley (1948-49 Providence Steam Rollers), Joe Camic (NBL 1948-49 Hammond Calumet
Buccaneers), Paul Campbell, John Gallagher (Duquesne), Ken Goodwin (RI State, signed from disbanded
Other players in camp:
Providence Steam Rollers?), Bill Johnson (Baylor), Joe Mullaney (3rd Rd 1949), Les Pugh (1948-49 Providence
Steam Rollers), John Seagrist (Texas Wesleyan), Red Speicher (Bowling Green), Bill Vandenburgh (1949 draft),
Russ “Tubber” Washburn (1949 draft), Joe Wright (Brigham Young)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 9

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Sat 10/22 New York Knickerbockers Providence, RI ?
Sun 10/23 Philadelphia Warriors Allentown, PA 76-93
Tue 10/25 Baltimore Bullets Memorial Auditorium, 65-66
Burlington, VT
Sat 10/29 Baltimore Bullets Providence, RI 72-74

1950-51 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Fargo Building (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: September 25
Regular Season opener: November 1

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Chuck Cooper, Bob Cousy, Bob Donham, Andy Duncan, Sonny Hertzberg, Ed Leede, Ed Macauley, John
Regular Season opener (11):36
Mahnken, Kenny Sailors, Ed Stanczak, Brady Walker

Hank DeZonie (NBL 1948-49 Dayton Rens), Charlie Harmon (Toledo), Tony Lavelli (1949-50 Celtics), Ken
Other players in camp:37
Reeves (4th Rd 1950), Isaac Walthour

Note: Cooper was the first black player drafted and signed by the Celtics. Walthour was the second black player signed by the team38 and was
joined in camp by fellow African-Americans DeZonie39 and Harmon.40
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 10

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Wed 10/18 Baltimore Bullets Bangor Auditorium (I), Bangor, 102-92
ME
Thu 10/19 Baltimore Bullets Houlton High School, Houlton, 100-90 Leede 24; Dick Mehen 18
ME
Sun 10/22 Baltimore Bullets Memorial Auditorium, 72-60
Burlington, VT
Mon 10/23 Baltimore Bullets Newport, NH 86-66
Thu 10/26 Syracuse Nationals Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, 73-85 Macauley 24; Seymour/Gabor 14
NY Doubleheader with Rochester defeating Fort
Wayne 68-49 in the other game.
Fri 10/27 Baltimore Bullets Waterbury, CT CANCELLED41
Sat 10/28 Baltimore Bullets Providence, RI 75-83
Sun 10/29 Baltimore Bullets Boston Arena, Boston, MA 98-85 Cousy 20 points on 7 for 22 shooting, and “shot,
passed and dribbled in spectacular fashion”42;
Don Rehfeldt 14

1951-52 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Boston Arena (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: September 24
Regular Season opener: November 4

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Bob Brannum, Chuck Cooper, Bob Cousy, Dick Dickey, Bob Donham, Bob Harris, Ed Macauley, John Mahnken,
Regular Season opener (10):
Bones McKinney, Bill Sharman
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 11

John Furlong (3rd Rd 1951), Rip Gish (5th Rd 1951), Kleggie Hermsen (1950-51 Celtics), Jim Luisi (6th Rd 1951),
Other players in camp:
Frank Kudleka (1950-51 Celtics)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Mon 10/15 Baltimore Bullets Houlton High School, Houlton, 90-71
ME
Tue 10/16 Baltimore Bullets Bangor Auditorium (I), Bangor, 99-85 Macauley 28, Cousy 22
ME
Wed 10/17 Baltimore Bullets Waterville, ME 100-87 Macauley 17; Rehfeldt/Eddie Calhoun 17
Fri 10/19 New York Knicks Albany, NY 82-88
Sat 10/20 Baltimore Bullets Barre, VT 75-91 Cooper 13; Barksdale 19
Sun 10/21 Baltimore Bullets Memorial Auditorium, 96-74 Cooper 14. Frank Saul 13
Burlington, VT
Sat 10/27 Baltimore Bullets Washington, DC 90-88
Sun 10/28 New York Knicks Boston Arena, Boston, MA 79-78 Cousy made game-winning shot; Max Zaslofsky
then made a “70-foot one-hand heave a fraction
of a second after the final buzzer sounded…”43
Macauley 18, Boryla/Lumpp 14

1952-53 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Boston Arena (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: September 22
Regular Season opener: October 31

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 12

Bob Brannum, Chuck Cooper, Bob Cousy, Bob Donham, Bob Harris, Kleggie Hermsen, Ed Macauley, John
Regular Season opener (10):
Mahnken, Kenny Rollins, Bill Sharman

Gene Conley (1952 draft), Mo Mahoney (6th Rd 1950 – Military Service [Army]), Don Rehfeldt (1951-52
Other players in camp:
Hawks)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Mon 10/13 Rochester Royals Ellsworth, ME 67-65 Sharman game-winning basket
Tue 10/14 Rochester Royals Bangor Auditorium (I), Bangor, 70-78 Cousy 22
ME
Wed 10/15 Rochester Royals Houlton High School, Houlton, 94-91 ot
ME
Thu 10/16 Rochester Royals Calais, ME 91-89
Sat 10/18 Rochester Royals Portland Exhibition Building, 85-75
Portland, ME
Sun 10/19 Rochester Royals Burlington, VT 77-86 Macauley 19, Wanzer 16
Sat 10/25 Rochester Royals Madison Square Garden, New 80-74 Cousy 22, Wanzer 22
York, NY Opening game of doubleheader; New York Knicks
defeated College All-Stars 66-61 in nightcap,
benefit for Millicent Hearst Free Milk Fund.

1953-54 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Ellsworth High School (Ellsworth, ME)44


Camp opened: September 29
Regular Season opener: November 1

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 13

Don Barksdale, Ernie Barrett, Bob Brannum, Chuck Cooper, Bob Cousy, Bob Donham, Bob Harris, Ed
Regular Season opener (10):
Macauley, Ed Mikan, Bill Sharman

Other players in camp: Chet Noe (2nd Rd 1953)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Mon 10/12 Rochester Royals Houlton High School, Houlton, 84-73
ME
Tue 10/13 Rochester Royals Millinocket, ME 83-80 Celtics led by 14 in third quarter, then Royals
rallied for a 72-68 lead before Boston went on a 9-
0 run to take the lead for good.
Wed 10/14 Rochester Royals Bangor Auditorium (I), Bangor, 99-86 Cousy 30
ME
Thu 10/15 Rochester Royals Portland Exhibition Building, 68-72
Portland, ME
Fri 10/16 Rochester Royals Worcester, MA 76-74 Cousy game-winning shot with 3 seconds left.
Macauley 18; Swanson 15
Sat 10/17 Rochester Royals Waterville, ME 70-86 Sharman 18; Risen/Swanson/Coleman 12
Sun 10/18 Rochester Royals Memorial Auditorium, 85-86 ot Macauley 25; Davies 19
Burlington, VT Former Celtic Jack Garfinkel served as a referee,
along with Jim Gaffney
Mon 10/19 Rochester Royals Springfield High School, 80-65 Harris 18; McMahon 14
Springfield, VT
Tue 10/20 Philadelphia Warriors Dartmouth Alumni Gymnasium, 85-48 Sharman 14; Neil Johnston 14
Hanover, NH
Wed 10/21 Philadelphia Warriors Tilton, NH 70-62 Cousy 16
Sat 10/24 Syracuse Nationals Madison Square Garden, New 77-69 First game of a doubleheader; in the second game,
York, NY played “for the benefit of the free milk fund,”45
the New York Knicks defeated a College All-Star
team 89-71
Sun 10/25 New York Knicks New London, CT 99-98 Cousy 31; Gallatin 24
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 14

1954-55 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Browne & Nichols School (Cambridge, MA)46


Camp opened: September 27
Regular Season opener: October 30

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Don Barksdale, Bob Brannum, Bob Cousy, Ed Macauley, Red Morrison, Jack Nichols, Togo Palazzi, Frank
Regular Season opener (10):
Ramsey, Fred Scolari, Bill Sharman

Jim Buchanan (6th Rd 1952), Gene Conley (1952-53 Celtics),47 Hank Daubenschmidt (3rd Rd 1954), Tony
Other players in camp: Daukas (10th Rd 1954), Jim Iverson (2nd Rd 1952), Jules Mugnier (8th Rd 1952),48 Worthy Patterson (Military
Service [Army], then 1957-58 Hawks), Skippy Whitaker (1952 draft by Indianapolis Olympians)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Mon 10/11 Rochester Royals Houlton High School, Houlton, 86-92 Ramsey 16; Risen 17
ME
Tue 10/12 Rochester Royals Ellsworth, ME 102-85
Wed 10/13 Rochester Royals Portland Exhibition Building, 68-83 Cousy 16; Davies 17
Portland, ME
Thu 10/14 Rochester Royals Alumni Gymnasium, Dartmouth 84-81 Macauley 18, Sharman 16; Davies 19
College, Hanover, NH
Fri 10/15 Rochester Royals Lewiston Armory, 93-94 Macauley 26; Davies 16
Lewiston, ME
Sat 10/16 Rochester Royals Rumford Armory, Rumford, ME 85-83 Cousy 19; Davies 21
Sun 10/17 Rochester Royals Manchester, NH 100-94 Sharman 24; Wanzer 15
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 15

Mon 10/18 Rochester Royals State Armory, Hartford, CT 95-99 Macauley 22; Spears 14. Attendance 2700 despite
poor court conditions.49
Tue 10/19 Rochester Royals Bristol, CT 87-86 Sharman 17 including game-deciding free throw;
Davies/Christensen 12
Wed 10/20 Rochester Royals New London, CT 84-97 Cousy pulled a tendon in right leg in first quarter
Fri 10/22 Rochester Royals Case Gym, Willimantic, CT 100-98 Sharman 20; Coleman 16
Sun 10/24 Rochester Royals Bridgeport, CT 83-93 Sharman 21; McMahon 17
Mon 10/25 College All-Stars50 Boston Garden, Boston, MA 107-106 Cousy 25; Pettit 15
Second game of doubleheader, Knicks defeated
Royals 83-81.

1955-56 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Northeastern University (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: September 26
Regular Season opener: November 5

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Ernie Barrett, Bob Cousy, Dick Hemric, Jim Loscutoff, Ed Macauley, Red Morrison, Jack Nichols, Togo Palazzi,
Regular Season opener (10):
Arnie Risen, Bill Sharman

Don Barksdale (1954-55 Celtics), Henry Dooley (13th Rd 1955), Bob Harris (1953-54 Celtics), Bob Hughes
51
Other players in camp: (Texas Southern), Vern McNeal (Tennessee State), Dean Parsons (8th Rd 1955), Jerry Pease (USC), Connie
Simmons (1954-55 Nationals)

Note: Frank Ramsey spent the season in the military.


Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 16

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Mon 10/10 Philadelphia Warriors Bangor Auditorium (I), Bangor, 92-70 First appearance for Tom Gola.
ME52
Tue 10/11 Philadelphia Warriors Houlton High School, Houlton, 139-140 ot Rookie Tom Gola broke a bone in his right hand
ME while attempting to grab a rebound. “The middle
finger of my right hand hit the ball and I heard
something snap.”53 Cast put on at Madigan
Hospital.
Wed 10/12 Philadelphia Warriors Fort Fairfield, ME 100-97 Cousy 23; Arizin 24
Fri 10/14 Rochester Royals Augusta, ME 104-94 Barrett 23; Twyman 20
Sat 10/15 Rochester Royals Woodsville, NH 111-128 Palazzi 24, Cousy 22; Stokes 18
Sun 10/16 Rochester Royals Manchester, NH 109-115 Hemric 25; Twyman 20 (both rookies)
Mon 10/17 Rochester Royals Otis Air Force Base, Cape Cod, 112-111 Cousy game-winning shot with 20 seconds left.
MA Palazzi 19, Cousy/Sharman 18 each; Stokes 23
Tue 10/18 Rochester Royals Worcester, MA 110-103 Cousy 21, Palazzi 15 (both from Holy Cross);
Twyman 28
Wed 10/19 Rochester Royals Gardner, MA 99-97 ot Cousy 20; McMahon 16
Thu 10/20 Rochester Royals Eastern States Coliseum, West 81-104 Royals outscored Celtics 35-12 in third quarter.
Springfield, MA Sharman 18; Coleman 20. Benefit game for
Basketball Hall of Fame. Walter Brown shipped the
Boston Garden parquet floor to the arena for the
game.54
Sun 10/23 College All-Stars Boston Garden, Boston, MA 102-95 Macauley 24; Fleming 23 (and a broken nose)
Mon 10/24 Rochester Royals Willimantic, CT 93-104
Tue 10/25 Rochester Royals Rochester, NH 89-88 Sharman 25. Celtics ended game on a 16-5 run
over the final four minutes - Sharman and Cousy
combined to score all of Boston’s points.
Wed 10/26 Rochester Royals Fort Devens, MA 119-97 Palazzi 21
Thu 10/27 Rochester Royals State Armory, Hartford, CT 75-89 Sharman 14; Wanzer 16. Benefit for Hartford
Fireman’s Protective Association; attendance
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 17

2100.55 Celtics conducted clinic at Weaver High


School in afternoon.
Fri 10/28 New York Knicks Brass Center, Bridgeport, CT 64-95 Nichols 15; Sears 12
Tue 11/1 New York Knicks Convention Hall, Saratoga 119-133 Second game of a doubleheader that featured the
Springs, NY Saratoga Kaycee vs. the Hudson Falls Greenjackets

1956-57 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Northeastern University (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: September 24
Regular Season opener: October 27

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Bob Cousy, Dick Hemric, Tom Heinsohn, Jim Loscutoff, Jack Nichols, Togo Palazzi, Andy Phillip, Arnie Risen,
Regular Season opener (10):
Bill Sharman, Lou Tsioropoulos

Dick Estergard (7th Rd 1954), Vic Molodet (8th Rd 1956), Johnny Silk (Boston College), Buzzy Wilkinson (3rd Rd
Other players in camp:
1955), Jim Young (8th Rd 1954)

Note: Frank Ramsey spent the start of the season in the military. Palazzi would be dropped from the roster when Bill Russell joined the team in
December after competing in the Olympics, but the Celtics maintained Palazzi’s rights until they sold him to Syracuse on December 29.

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Mon 10/8 Rochester Royals Houlton High School, Houlton, 108-95 Cousy, Heinsohn, Tsioropoulos 16; Twyman 15
ME
Tue 10/9 Rochester Royals Bangor Auditorium (II?), 100-102 Hemric 17; Wanzer 16
Bangor, ME
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 18

Wed 10/10 Rochester Royals Boothbay Harbor, ME 92-97


Thu 10/11 Rochester Royals St. Dominic Arena, Lewiston, 90-89 Cousy 18; Burrows 17
ME56
Fri 10/12 Rochester Royals Bethel, ME 96-90 Nichols 17; Green 20
Sat 10/13 Rochester Royals Andover, MA 75-85 Nichols 15, Cousy 14; Twyman 16
Sun 10/14 Rochester Royals Fort Devens, MA 94-99 Nichols 15; Twyman 20
Mon 10/15 Rochester Royals Otis Air Force Base, Cape Cod, 88-78 Cousy 19; Burrows/Regan 12
MA Attendance 1500
Tue 10/16 Rochester Royals Gardner, MA 77-84 Tsioropoulos 15; Twyman 13
Thu 10/18 Rochester Royals North Adams, MA 102-88 Sharman 28; Regan 16
Fri 10/19 Rochester Royals Springfield, VT ?
Sat 10/20 Rochester Royals New Haven Arena, New Haven, 103-96 Cousy 20; Ricketts 18
CT
Sun 10/21 New York Knicks Convention Hall, Saratoga 99-105 Heinsohn 24; Braun 19
Springs, NY

1957-58 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Northeastern University (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: September 23
Regular Season opener: October 22

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Jack Nichols, Andy Phillip, Frank Ramsey, Arnie Risen,
Regular Season opener (11):57
Bill Russell, Bill Sharman, Lou Tsioropoulos

Jim Ashmore (4th Rd 1957), Mark “Buzzie” Davis (12th Rd 1955), Dick Hemric (1956-57 Celtics), Maurice King
Other players in camp: (6th Rd 1957, then entered Military Service), Jackie Moore (1956-57 Warriors), Johnny Moore (7th Rd 1955,
then Military Service), Chuck Schramm (3rd Rd 1957), Dan Swartz (4th Rd 1956), Bill Von Weghe (8th Rd 1957)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 19

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 10/4 Cincinnati Royals Plattsburgh Air Force Base, 100-98
Plattsburgh, NY
Sat 10/5 Cincinnati Royals Plattsburgh Air Force Base, 93-108
Plattsburgh, NY
Sun 10/6 Cincinnati Royals Rutland, VT 102-84 Russell 13; Lovellette 19
Mon 10/7 Cincinnati Royals Brattleboro High School, 79-77 Risen 11; Marshall 16
Brattleboro, VT
Tue 10/8 Cincinnati Royals Boothbay Harbor, ME 98-108 Russell 20; Stokes/Ricketts 17
Risen, Loscutoff, Nichols out with the flu.
Wed 10/9 Cincinnati Royals Houlton High School, Houlton, 92-88
ME
Thu 10/10 Cincinnati Royals Bangor Auditorium (II?), 98-103 Cousy 16; Lovellette 27
Bangor, ME
Fri 10/11 Cincinnati Royals Lewiston Armory, Lewiston, ME 96-90 Cousy 18, all in second half. Russell out with “bad
cold.”
Sat 10/12 Cincinnati Royals Westbrook, ME 94-106 Jones 16; Marshall/Piontek/Duckett 17
Sun 10/13 New York Knicks New Haven Arena, New Haven, 102-100 Richie Guerin broke his right thumb when he
CT punched Bill Sharman in the head. Knicks owner
Ned Irish was outraged and exchanged angry
comments with Auerbach and Brown in the press.

1958-59 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Boston Arena (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: September 22
Regular Season opener: October 25

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach


Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 20

Rosters

Gene Conley, Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Bill
Regular Season opener (11):58
Sharman, Ben Swain, Lou Tsioropoulos

Other players in camp: Jim Cunningham (3rd Rd 1958), Dom Flora (4th Rd 1958), Red Morrison (1957-58 Hawks)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Mon 10/6 Cincinnati Royals Bangor Auditorium (II?), 106-89 Russell 25; Green 14
Bangor, ME
Tue 10/7 Cincinnati Royals Houlton High School, Houlton, 113-101 Russell 16; Piontek 23
ME
Wed 10/8 Cincinnati Royals Westbrook, ME 98-96 Ramsey/Russell 16; Twyman 21
Thu 10/9 Cincinnati Royals Lewiston Armory, Lewiston, ME 92-86 Ramsey 17; Palmer 15. Si Green “collapsed at the
start of the game and was hospitalized. His
condition was reported not serious.”59 Occurred
during warmups, and returned to the team the
next day but did not play.
Fri 10/10 Cincinnati Royals Newport, NH 116-113
Sat 10/11 Cincinnati Royals Memorial Auditorium, 85-94 Heinsohn 19
Burlington, VT
Mon 10/13 Cincinnati Royals Glens Falls, NY 84-62 Cousy 20
Tue 10/14 Cincinnati Royals Brattleboro High School, 101-95
Brattleboro, VT
Wed 10/15 Cincinnati Royals Carl Nichols Gym, Greenfield 102-97 Cousy 16. Opening night for new gym. 1300
High School, Greenfield, MA attendance, standing room only crowd.60
Fri 10/17 Cincinnati Royals Dean Junior College, Franklin, 100-85 Dedication of new $300,000 gym; Lou Pieri, part
MA owner of the Celtics, was president of Dean’s
board of trustees
Sat 10/18 Cincinnati Royals Chicopee, MA 125-103 Heinsohn 28
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 21

Sun 10/19 Cincinnati Royals State Armory, Hartford, CT 96-98 Cousy 23; Palmer 22. Benefit for Hartford
Fireman’s Protective Association; attendance 2100
Tue 10/21 St. Louis Hawks Cincinnati, OH 108-106 K.C. Jones 15 points in fourth quarter. First game
of a doubleheader to benefit Maurice Stokes who
fell ill in March 1958. In the second game Detroit
defeated Cincinnati 108-103. Attendance 5511
and Cincinnati officials said they raised
$10,121.40.61

1959-60 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Babson Institute (Wellesley, MA)


Camp opened: September 21
Regular Season opener: October 17

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Gene Conley, Bob Cousy, Gene Guarilia, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Maurice King,62 Jim Loscutoff,
Regular Season opener (12):
Frank Ramsey, John Richter, Bill Russell, Bill Sharman

Gene Brown (5th Rd 1958), Bart Leach (4th Rd 1955), Joe Liebler (5th Rd 1955 by Pistons),63 Ben Swain (1958-
Other players in camp:
59 Celtics, knee injury), Lou Tsioropoulos (1958-59 Celtics, back injury)64

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Thu 10/1 Minneapolis Lakers Houlton High School, Houlton, 110-101 Sam Jones 17; Leonard 19.
ME
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 22

Fri 10/2 Minneapolis Lakers Bangor Auditorium (II?), 104-98 Cousy 16; Garmaker 31
Bangor, ME
Sat 10/3 Minneapolis Lakers Central Maine Youth Center, 100-94 Russell 20; Leonard/Hamilton 16
Lewiston, ME65 Heinsohn out with a knee injury, LaRusso ejected
with two technical fouls.
Sun 10/4 Minneapolis Lakers Boston Garden, Boston MA 107-84 7pm start. First of a doubleheader with Boston
Bruins vs. Providence Reds hockey game as the
nightcap. AP story says the floor was “slippery.”
Mon 10/5 Minneapolis Lakers Dover, NH ? (Celtics won)
Tue 10/6 Minneapolis Lakers Littleton, NH 123-107 Sam Jones 25; Hawkins 20
Heinsohn and Krebs ejected for fighting
Cousy out ill, Baylor still in military service
Wed 10/7 Minneapolis Lakers Windsor, VT 117-101 Heinsohn 22. Jim Krebs ejected for the second
game in a row for arguing with referees
Thu 10/8 Minneapolis Lakers Carl Nichols Gym, Greenfield 123-97 Sharman 26; Fleming 20. Boston led 38-13 after
High School, Greenfield, MA the first quarter.
Fri 10/9 Minneapolis Lakers Pittsfield Armory, Pittsfield, MA 114-117 K.C. Jones/Richter 19, Cousy 18 in first game back.
Hawkins 27.
Sat 10/10 Minneapolis Lakers Andover, MA 125-102
Sun 10/11 Minneapolis Lakers State Armory, Hartford, CT 134-108 Garmaker 24. Baylor and Russell DNP. Benefit for
Hartford Fireman’s Protective Association;
attendance 1800
Mon 10/12 Minneapolis Lakers Newport, RI 101-97
Tue 10/13 Minneapolis Lakers Keaney Gym, University of 105-104
Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Wed 10/14 Philadelphia Warriors Minneapolis Armory, 103-98 Chamberlain 26, Russell 16 but “even on
Minneapolis, MN backboards” (in first meeting as pros).
Doubleheader in which Lakers defeated Detroit
Pistons 100-94.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 23

1960-61 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Babson Institute (Wellesley, MA)


Camp opened: September 19
Regular Season opener: October 22

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Gene Conley, Bob Cousy, Gene Guarilia, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Frank Ramsey,
Regular Season opener (11):
Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, Bill Sharman

Sid Cohen (4th Rd 1960), Dave Keleher (6th Rd 1958), Togo Palazzi (1959-60 Nationals), Harold Sappington,67
Other players in camp:66
Jim Smith (2nd Rd 1958), Guy Sparrow (1959-60 Warriors)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 9/30 Los Angeles Lakers Bangor Auditorium (II?), 129-137 Heinsohn 22; Baylor 34
Bangor, ME First NBA game for “Los Angeles Lakers”; Vice
President Richard Nixon spoke in Bangor earlier in
the day as part of his presidential campaign.68
Sat 10/1 Los Angeles Lakers Norwich University, Northfield, 132-126
VT
Sun 10/2 Los Angeles Lakers Memorial Auditorium, 104-98 Cousy 20; Baylor 37
Burlington, VT
Mon 10/3 Los Angeles Lakers Worcester, MA 120-108 Heinsohn 22, Ramsey 16, Sparrow 14
Baylor 25, West 23, Joliff 16
Tue 10/4 Los Angeles Lakers Lenox High School, Lenox, MA69 118-103 Sanders 17/17 (Russell out injured)
Baylor 25/13/4 (pts/reb/ast), West 14/11
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 24

Wed 10/5 Los Angeles Lakers Alumni Hall, Providence 110-119 Baylor 40, Lakers led by as much as 28 (106-78).
College, Providence, RI
Thu 10/6 Los Angeles Lakers Keaney Gym, University of 105-104 Cousy/Sam Jones 14; Baylor 23
Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Fri 10/7 Los Angeles Lakers Rogers High School, Newport, 126-128 ot Russell 27, Sam Jones 22; Baylor 27, West/Krebs
RI 21
Sun 10/9 Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles, CA 106-101 Cousy 17, Sam Jones 13; Baylor 30
This was the Lakers first game in Los Angeles70
Mon 10/10 Los Angeles Lakers Bakersfield, CA 98-108 Russell 25; Baylor 25
Tue 10/11 Los Angeles Lakers Swing Auditorium, San 110-96 Cousy 23; Baylor 18
Bernardino, CA
Wed 10/12 Los Angeles Lakers Long Beach, CA 117-113 ot Sharman 23, Russell 21/37
102-all at end of regulation
Thu 10/13 Los Angeles Lakers Santa Barbara, CA 119-100 Sharman 29, Russell 16/19; Selvy 25
Baylor and West both out.
Fri 10/14 Los Angeles Lakers Porterville Junior High School, 102-82 Sharman 23, K.C. Jones 20; LaRusso 17
Porterville, CA Bill Sharman had attended high school in
Porterville and was honored at halftime.
Sat 10/15 Los Angeles Lakers San Diego, CA 97-91 Russell 18/27, Baylor 42/23
Sun 10/16 Los Angeles Lakers Anaheim, CA 106-98

1961-62 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Babson Institute (Wellesley, MA)


Camp opened: September 18
Regular Season opener: October 21

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach


Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 25

Rosters

Al Butler, Carl Braun, Bob Cousy, Gene Guarilia, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Gary
Regular Season opener (1271):
Phillips, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders

Dick Davies (11th Rd 1960 by Hawks), Mike Graney (3rd Rd 1960), Wayne Lawrence (5th Rd 1960, played for
Other players in camp:
Tuck Tapers in the NIBL)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Sat 9/30 Los Angeles Lakers University of San Francisco, San 106-111 Russell 24; Baylor 35, West 29
Francisco, CA
Sun 10/1 Los Angeles Lakers University of San Francisco, San 120-114
Francisco, CA
Mon 10/2 Los Angeles Lakers San Luis Obispo, CA 121-116 Loscutoff and Ray Felix fought in second quarter
“but neither landed a solid blow, and neither was
ejected.”72
Tue 10/3 Los Angeles Lakers Bakersfield, CA 107-106 West lost ball while attempting to drive for a
game-winning basket in the final seconds.
Wed 10/4 Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Sports Arena, Los 102-111
Angeles, CA
Fri 10/6 Syracuse Nationals Worcester Boys’ Trade High 127-117 Heinsohn 25, Sam/K.C. 21; Greer 16
School, Worcester, MA Cousy out with “[bone] spur on his right elbow”
Benefit game for “N.E. Colleges fund”
Sat 10/7 Syracuse Nationals Memorial Auditorium, Utica, 106-112
NY
Mon 10/9 Chicago Packers Evansville, IN 93-91
Tue 10/10 Chicago Packers Columbus, IN 102-97
Wed 10/11 Chicago Packers Marion, IN 99-109 Ramsey 15, Cousy 6 in return from injury. Bellamy
29 (partly vs. Russell). Russell and K.C. Jones
refused service at hotel bar.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 26

Fri 10/13 Philadelphia Warriors Madison Square Garden, New 88-97 Heinsohn 19, Auerbach ejected in third quarter for
York, NY arguing with referee; Chamberlain 25/27, 19
points in second half. First game of doubleheader.
Sun 10/15 St. Louis Hawks St. Louis, MO 124-127 ot Pettit 39
Mon 10/16 St. Louis Hawks Wichita, KS 104-113
Tue 10/17 St. Louis Hawks Lexington, KY 103-128 Ramsey 24; Hagan 21. Game was held to celebrate
the two former University of Kentucky stars. None
of the black players participated due to incident at
Phoenix Hotel.
Wed 10/18 Syracuse Nationals Peavey Gym, Babson Institute, 114-111 Russell 27; Kerr 19
Wellesley, MA Benefit for Dr. Gordon Trim Memorial Fund73

1962-63 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Babson Institute (Wellesley, MA)


Camp opened: September 19
Regular Season opener: October 20

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Bob Cousy, Gene Guarilia, John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Clyde
Regular Season opener (12):
Lovellette, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, Dan Swartz

Tom Chappelle (11th Rd 1962 by Hawks), Chuck Chevalier (8th Rd 1962), Jim Hadnot (3rd Rd 1962), Gary
Other players in camp:
Phillips (1961-62 Celtics), Ned Twyman (6th Rd 1961)

Note: Jack Foley (2nd Rd 1962) did not report to the Celtics until he completed his stint in the Coast Guard in mid-December. Foley received a 30-
day roster exemption and played sparingly for the team until the exemption expired; he was then sold to the Knicks.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 27

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 10/5 New York Knicks White Plains, NY 111-104 Cousy 17, Havlicek 13 in debut; Naulls 20/12
Sat 10/6 New York Knicks New Haven, CT 92-99 Sanders 20; Butler 21
Mon 10/8 St. Louis Hawks Galesburg, IL 94-97
Tue 10/9 St. Louis Hawks Kansas City, KS 127-108 Sam Jones 24, Russell 23; Pettit 30
Wed 10/10 St. Louis Hawks Parsons High School, Parsons, 116-104 Tom Heinsohn 18; Pettit 27
KS
Thu 10/11 St. Louis Hawks Quincy, IL 119-134 Heinsohn/K.C. Jones 16; Vaughn 27
Havlicek, Beaty, Bob Duffy all missed game due to
the College All-Stars game in New York on Friday.
Fri 10/12 Syracuse Nationals Madison Square Garden, New 115-108 Russell 21; Bianchi 18 (16 of the Nats’ 20 in the
York, NY third quarter). Doubleheader which also featured
the Knicks defeating the College All-Stars 132-112.
Sat 10/13 St. Louis Hawks St. Louis, MO 129-130
Sun 10/14 St. Louis Hawks Rockford, IL 135-122
Mon 10/15 Detroit Pistons Fort Wayne, IN 122-115
Wed 10/17 Syracuse Nationals Memorial Auditorium, Utica, 110-124 Heinsohn 18; Costello 22. Cousy out with a
NY shoulder injury suffered vs. Detroit.

1963-64 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Babson Institute (Wellesley, MA)


Camp opened: September 18
Regular Season opener: October 16

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach


Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 28

Rosters

John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Jim Loscutoff, Clyde Lovellette, Johnny McCarthy, Willie
Regular Season opener (12):
Naulls, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried

Vinny Ernst (6th Rd 1963), Bill Green (1st Rd 1963), Gene Guarilia (1962-63 Celtics), Jim Hadnot (3rd Rd 1962),
Other players in camp:
Chuck Kriston (3rd Rd 1963)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Tue 10/1 New York Knicks Oceanside High School, 95-92 Havlicek 26; Heyman 18
Oceanside, NY
Wed 10/2 New York Knicks Upsala College, East Orange, NJ 112-108
Thu 10/3 Baltimore Bullets Moline, IL 103-101 Russell 20; McGill 21 (14 in fourth). Boston had led
by as many as 23 early in the fourth quarter.
Sat 10/5 St. Louis Hawks Ottumwa, IA 96-99 Auerbach two technical fouls; before the game
first-round pick Bill Green was released for
refusing to fly from St. Louis to Ottumwa.74
Mon 10/7 St. Louis Hawks Springfield, MO 116-134 Heinsohn 27; Pettit 30, Beaty 19/22
Tue 10/8 St. Louis Hawks Lincoln University Field House, 108-92 Havlicek/Heinsohn 19; Bridges 17
Jefferson City, MO
Wed 10/9 St. Louis Hawks Evansville, IN 98-114 Sam Jones 27; Hagan 25, Pettit/Beaty 23
Thu 10/10 St. Louis Hawks Murray State College, Murray, 106-117 Havlicek 22; Pettit 20
KY
Sat 10/12 St. Louis Hawks St. Louis, MO 109-129 Russell and Heinsohn did not play.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 29

1964-65 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Babson Institute (Wellesley, MA)


Camp opened: September 14
Regular Season opener: October 17

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Ron Bonham, John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Willie Naulls, Bevo Nordmann, Bill Russell,
Regular Season opener (11):
Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried, John Thompson

Jeff Blue (8th Rd 1964), Duane Corriveau (10th Rd 1964), Rich Falk (7th Rd 1964), Ray Flynn (4th Rd 1963 by
Other players in camp: Nationals/76ers), Charlie Kelley (9th Rd 1964), Joe Strawder (4th Rd 1964), Levern Tart (6th Rd 1964), Nick
Werkman (5th Rd 1964)

Note: Mel Counts (1st Rd 1964) joined team in late October after the 1964 Summer Olympics ended (he played his first game for the Celtics on
10/31).
Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Thu 10/1 New York Knicks Springfield College, Springfield, 104-100 Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony; “all
MA proceeds ticketed for the Hall of Fame”75
Fri 10/2 New York Knicks Huntington Station, NY 106-103 Sam Jones 22; Boozer 29
Sat 10/3 New York Knicks White Plains, NY 108-120 Reed 20
Mon 10/5 St. Louis Hawks Knoxville, TN 101-117 Bonham 18; Guerin 17
Tue 10/6 St. Louis Hawks Memphis, TN 105-116 Havlicek 30; Beaty 24
Wed 10/7 St. Louis Hawks Ed Diddle Arena, Bowling 113-106 Sam Jones 31
Green, KY
Thu 10/8 St. Louis Hawks Omaha Civic Auditorium, 114-108
Omaha, NE
Fri 10/9 St. Louis Hawks Denver, CO 122-119
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 30

Sat 10/10 St. Louis Hawks Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, 112-108 Sam Jones 33
WI
Mon 10/12 Baltimore Bullets Cleveland, OH 85-111 Sanders 20; Howell 26
Russell coached Celtics because Auerbach
returned to Boston to meet with the
Celtics/Garden staff.
Tue 10/13 Philadelphia 76ers “C.Y.O. Gym”, Scranton, PA 109-121 52-52 at half

1965-66 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Babson Institute (Wellesley, MA)


Camp opened: September 13
Regular Season opener: October 16

Head Coach: Arnold “Red” Auerbach

Rosters

Ron Bonham, Sihugo Green, John Havlicek, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Willie Naulls, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders,
Regular Season opener (11):
Larry Siegfried, John Thompson, Ron Watts

Mel Counts (1964-65 Celtics, injured to start season), George Deehan (7th Rd 1965), Ollie Johnson (1st Rd
Other players in camp:
1965), Richie Tarrant (4th Rd 1965)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 9/24 Los Angeles Lakers Seattle, WA 117-109 Siegfried 29; West 19
Sun 9/26 Los Angeles Lakers Missoula, MT 98-120 Goodrich 19
Mon 9/27 Los Angeles Lakers Logan, UT 112-123 S. Jones 29; West 21
Tue 9/28 Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Sports Arena, Los 110-115 Second game of doubleheader; Warriors-Royals
Angeles, CA (without holdout Oscar Robertson) in opener
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 31

Thu 9/30 Los Angeles Lakers Cal Western, Point Loma, CA 111-124 S. Jones 28; West 30
Fri 10/1 San Francisco Warriors Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA 110-128 Russell injured knee in third quarter. Second game
of doubleheader; Lakers defeated Royals 115-104
in opener
Mon 10/4 St. Louis Hawks Lawton, OK 98-99
Tue 10/5 St. Louis Hawks Tulsa, OK 97-93
Wed 10/6 Philadelphia 76ers Raleigh, NC 100-103 Sam Jones 22; Wally Jones 24
Tournament featuring Boston, St. Louis, Baltimore,
and Philadelphia. St. Louis def. Baltimore 103-81 in
the first game, then played Philadelphia on 10/7.
Thu 10/7 Baltimore Bullets Raleigh, NC 115-108 Bonham 25; Howell/Johnson 18
Fri 10/8 Philadelphia 76ers Charlotte, NC 126-128 ot Tournament featuring Boston, St. Louis, Baltimore,
and Philadelphia. Baltimore 118 def. St. Louis 105,
then played Philadelphia on 10/9.
Sat 10/9 St. Louis Hawks Charlotte, NC 97-91
Mon 10/11 Philadelphia 76ers Louisville, KY 104-93 Tournament featuring Boston, St. Louis, Baltimore,
and Philadelphia. St. Louis def. Cincinnati 113-104
in the first game, then played Boston on 10/12.
Tue 10/12 St. Louis Hawks Louisville, KY 100-97 Sam Jones 26
Wed 10/13 Baltimore Bullets Springfield College, Springfield, 101-143 Sam Jones 31; Bellamy 24
MA The late Walter Brown and the Celtics Promotion
Director and league statistician Bill Mokray were
inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

1966-67 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Babson Institute (Wellesley, MA)


Camp opened: September 12
Regular Season opener: October 15

Head Coach: Bill Russell


Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 32

Rosters

Jim Barnett, Mel Counts, John Havlicek, Bailey Howell, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Toby Kimball,76 Don Nelson, Bill
Regular Season opener (12):
Russell, Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried, Ron Watts

Other players in camp: John Austin (4th Rd 1966), Leon Clark (2nd Rd 1966), Art Heyman (1965-66 76ers), Gary Turner (3rd Rd 1966)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 9/30 New York Knicks Herricks High School, Herricks, 132-108 Howell 20; Bellamy 30
NY
Sat 10/1 New York Knicks IBM Field House, Endicott, NY 108-104 Siegfried 20; Bryant 21
Sun 10/2 New York Knicks Memorial Auditorium, Utica, 97-113 Bellamy 25
NY
Mon 10/3 St. Louis Hawks Owensboro, KY 95-90
Tue 10/4 St. Louis Hawks Nashville, TN 112-91 Howell 26; Guerin 15
Wed 10/5 St. Louis Hawks St. Petersburg, FL 98-106
Thu 10/6 St. Louis Hawks Alexandria, VA 96-97 Howell 21; Bridges 16
Fri 10/7 Philadelphia 76ers New Orleans, LA 117-129 Havlicek 27; Walker 33
Sat 10/8 Cincinnati Royals Muncie, IN 116-124
Sun 10/9 Cincinnati Royals Dayton, OH 100-104
Mon 10/10 Cincinnati Royals Columbus, OH 112-107 Havlicek 27; Robertson 23
Tue 10/11 Cincinnati Royals Moline, IL 101-89 Sanders 22; Robertson 21

1967-68 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Boston State College (Boston, MA)77


Camp opened: September 14
Regular Season opener: October 14

Head Coach: Bill Russell


Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 33

Rosters

Wayne Embry, Mal Graham, John Havlicek, Bailey Howell, Johnny Jones, Sam Jones, Don Nelson, Bill Russell,
Regular Season opener (12):
Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried, Tom Thacker, Rick Weitzman

Lou Alexander (Prairie View), Willis (Spider) Bennett (undrafted, later played in ABA), Don Carlos (8th Rd
Other players in camp: 1967 by Lakers), Ed Hummer (6th Rd 1967), Guy Hughes (South Carolina State), Neville Shedd (4th Rd 1967),
Gary Turner (3rd Rd 1966)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 9/29 Philadelphia 76ers San Juan, Puerto Rico 96?-99
Sat 9/30 Philadelphia 76ers San Juan, Puerto Rico ?
Sun 10/1 Philadelphia 76ers San Juan, Puerto Rico ?
Tue 10/3 St. Louis Hawks Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, 114-112 ot
TN
Thu 10/5 Detroit Pistons Moline, IL 106-116
Fri 10/6 Chicago Bulls Milwaukee, WI 106-98 Havlicek 22, Russell 16 rebounds; Rodgers 27
Sat 10/7 Chicago Bulls East Chicago, IN 111-114
Sun 10/8 Detroit Pistons Binghamton, NY 124-98 Sam Jones 22
Tue 10/10 Philadelphia 76ers Wilkes-Barre, PA 111-113

1968-69 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Tobin Gym (Roxbury, MA)78


Camp opened: September 16
Regular Season opener: October 18

Head Coach: Bill Russell


Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 34

Rosters

Emmette Bryant, Mal Graham, John Havlicek, Bailey Howell, Rich Johnson, Sam Jones, Bud Olsen, Don
Regular Season opener (12*):
Nelson, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried

Al Beard (former Globetrotter, ABA 1967-68 New Jersey Americans), Bill Butler (9th Rd 1968), Ed Hummer (6th
Other players in camp: Rd 1967), Thad Jaracz (5th Rd 1968), Bill Langheld (12th Rd 1968), George Plimpton (writer), Rick Weitzman
(1967-68 Celtics, joining Army)

*Note: Celtics only carried 11 players to open the season because first-round pick Don Chaney was scheduled to return from military service
(Camp Polk, Louisiana) in January and would take the 12th roster spot.

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Tue 9/24 Atlanta Hawks Salem, VA 89-102 Beaty 26, Russell 18 rebounds
Writer George Plimpton played the final two
minutes for the Celtics after having attended
training camp as a research project.
Wed 9/25 Atlanta Hawks Kingsport, TN 92-99 Howell 18; Hudson 28
Sun 9/29 Philadelphia 76ers Wilmington, DE 100-140 76ers 50 points in second quarter on 20-28 FG
shooting (74-63 half)
Mon 9/30 Philadelphia 76ers Wilkes-Barre, PA 115-138 Jackson 25
Sat 10/5 Philadelphia 76ers Memorial Auditorium, 108-116 Howell 28/Havlicek 27; Greer 24
Burlington, VT
Sun 10/6 Cincinnati Royals Columbus, OH 114-124 Siegfried 25; Dierking 31/Robertson 28
Mon 10/7 Cincinnati Royals Connersville, IN 102-108 Siegfried 20; Van Arsdale 19
Royals led by 22 in first quarter.
Tue 10/8 Cincinnati Royals Muncie, IN 98-86 Howell 26; Robertson 23
Wed 10/9 Atlanta Hawks Waterloo, IA 102-111 Siegfried 23; Beaty 28
Thu 10/11 Atlanta Hawks Des Moines, IA 132-109 Siegfried 27; Bridges 22
Sat 10/12 Detroit Pistons Kalamazoo, MI 114-115 Siegfried 36; Bing 22
Russell 27 rebounds
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 35

Tue 10/14 Philadelphia 76ers Bangor Auditorium (II), Bangor, 116-110 Siegfried 26/Sanders 24; Jackson 22
ME

1969-70 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Boston State College (Boston, MA)


Camp opened: September 1579
Regular Season opener: October 17

Head Coach: Tom Heinsohn

Rosters

Jim Barnes, Emmette Bryant, Don Chaney, Hank Finkel, John Havlicek, Bailey Howell, Rich Johnson, Steve
Regular Season opener (12):
Kuberski, Rich Niemann, Don Nelson, Satch Sanders, Larry Siegfried

Andy Benson (University of Houston), Johnny Jones (ABA 1968-69 Kentucky Colonels), Jim Kissane (ABA
Other players in camp: 1968-69 Memphis Pros), Bill/Henry Pickens (Georgia Southern), Gordon Smith (9th Rd 1969), Jo Jo White (1st
Rd 1969, Military Service80), John Thomas (South Dakota State)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Wed 9/24 Atlanta Hawks Columbia Coliseum, Columbia, 103-91 Havlicek 17; Hudson 32
SC
Thu 9/25 Atlanta Hawks Jackson, MS 109-113 Howell 1881; Jim Davis 23
Sat 9/27 Atlanta Hawks Gainesville, GA 133-125 Siegfried 26; Caldwell 20
Mon 9/29 Cincinnati Royals Jackson, TN 98-111 Finkel 21; Tom Van Arsdale 23
First game for Cousy coaching against Celtics
Tue 9/30 Cincinnati Royals Charleston, WV 108-123 Havlicek 39; Roberson 32
Sat 10/4 Philadelphia 76ers Atlantic City, NJ 136-133 Nelson 23; Cunningham 42
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 36

Sun 10/5 New York Knicks Memorial Auditorium, Utica, 105-108 Bryant 17; Reed 22/15
NY
Thu 10/9 Cincinnati Royals Bloomfield High School, 109-108 Siegfried 28, Finkel 19/13. None of the Royals
Bloomfield, CT normal starters started.
Fri 10/10 New York Knicks Bangor Auditorium (II), Bangor, 101-120
ME
Sat 10/11 Philadelphia 76ers Rochester, NY 118-116

1970-71 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: September 14
Regular Season opener: October 13

Head Coach: Tom Heinsohn

Rosters

Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Bill Dinwiddie, Hank Finkel, John Havlicek, Rich Johnson, Steve Kuberski, Don
Regular Season opener (12):
Nelson, Garfield Smith, Jo Jo White, Art Williams, Willie Williams

Tom Carter (5th Rd 1970), Jon McKinney (4th Rd 1970), Rex Morgan (2nd Rd 1970), Satch Sanders (injured to
Other players in camp:
start the season), Gordon Smith (9th Rd 1969)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Tue 9/22 Atlanta Hawks Florida State, Tallahassee, FL 121-105 Chaney 19; Hudson 17
First game for Dave Cowens – 16 and game-high
17 rebounds; First game for Pete Maravich (did
not play in an earlier exhibition – the Maurice
Stokes game) 16 points in 32 minutes.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 37

Wed 9/23 Atlanta Hawks Jacksonville, FL 119-111 Chaney 26, Cowens 16/13; Hudson 28, Maravich
4-for-16 vs. Chaney (14 pts).
Fri 9/25 Atlanta Hawks Columbus, GA 161-136 Chaney/Nelson 26; Maravich 22
White absent due to military reserves
commitment.
Sat 9/26 Atlanta Hawks St. Petersburg, FL 118-121 Chaney 27; Hudson 30, Maravich 22
Sun 9/27 New York Knicks University of Hartford, 107-120 White 27; Stallworth 23
Hartford, CT
Tue 9/29 Buffalo Braves Horseheads Junior High School 88-130 Art Williams 13; Don May 20
West Gym, Horseheads, NY
Wed 9/30 Buffalo Braves State University of New York at 119-123 White 27; Don May 21. Celtics led 62-42 at half.
Binghamton, Binghamton, NY
Sun 10/4 New York Knicks Lancaster, PA 129-102 Finkel 23, Cowens 17/23; Reed 24
Wed 10/7 Philadelphia 76ers Bristol Central High School, 115-119 Nelson 23; Cunningham 24
Bristol, CT

1971-72 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Gordon College (Wenham, MA)


Camp opened: September 16
Regular Season opener: October 15

Head Coach: Tom Heinsohn

Rosters

Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Clarence Glover, Hank Finkel, John Havlicek, Steve Kuberski, Rex Morgan, Don
Regular Season opener (12):
Nelson, Satch Sanders, Garfield Smith, Jo Jo White, Art Williams

Leroy Chalk (13th Rd 1971), Bill Dinwiddie (1970-71 Celtics), Ed Hummer (6th Rd 1967), Jon McKinney (4th Rd
Other players in camp:
1970), Jim Rose (2nd Rd 1971), Skip Young (7th Rd 1971)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 38

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Sat 9/25 New York Knicks Memorial Auditorium, Utica, 85-121
NY
Sun 9/26 New York Knicks Trinity College, Hartford, CT 88-106 Nelson 18; Frazier 20

Tue 9/28 Philadelphia 76ers Hazelton, PA 122-112 Nelson 25; Greer 22, Cunningham out injured.
Sat 10/2 Buffalo Braves Fredonia State College, 117-111 ot Havlicek 31; Garrett 22
Fredonia, NY
Sun 10/3 New York Nets (ABA) West Hempstead, NY 115-116 White 21; Barry 24. Melchionni “28-foot off
balance jumper banked in with four seconds to
play” gave Nets lead. Havlicek then missed two
game-winning shot attempts.
Mon 10/4 Philadelphia 76ers Pottsville, PA 129-113 Nelson 15
Tue 10/5 Carolina Cougars (ABA) Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, 107-100 Cowens 27/20; McDaniels 25
NC
Wed 10/6 Memphis Pros (ABA) Memphis, TN 115-94
Thu 10/7 Buffalo Braves Onondaga County War 110-98 White 21, Cowens 13/12; Kauffman 22
Memorial Auditorium,
Syracuse, NY

1972-73 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Buzzards Bay, MA)


Camp opened: September 11
Regular Season opener: October 11

Head Coach: Tom Heinsohn


Assistant Coach: John Killilea
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 39

Rosters

Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Hank Finkel, John Havlicek, Steve Kuberski, Mark Minor, Don Nelson, Satch
Regular Season opener (12):
Sanders, Paul Silas, Paul Westphal, Jo Jo White, Art Williams

Bill Dinwiddie82 (1971-72 Bucks), Clarence Glover (1971-72 Celtics), Wayne Grabiec (3rd Rd 1972), Rex
Other players in camp:
Morgan (1971-72 Celtics), Garfield Smith (1971-72 Celtics)

Exhibition Game Results83

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 9/22 Milwaukee Bucks Montreal Forum, Montreal, 103-107
Canada
Tue 9/26 Philadelphia 76ers Madison Square Garden, New 102-106 Cowens 20/7; Carter 27
York, NY First game of a doubleheader, second game
featured Knicks vs. Braves
Wed 9/27 Virginia Squires (ABA) Norfolk Scope, Norfolk, VA 127-111 White 23; Barr 20
Sat 9/30 New York Nets (ABA) Nassau County Coliseum, 118-94
Uniondale, NY
Tue 10/3 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 111-97 Cowens 32/21; Frazier 21
York, NY
Wed 10/4 Carolina Cougars (ABA) Greensboro Coliseum, 124-104 White 31; Lewis 19, 22-0 run by Cougars in 4th
Greensboro, NC quarter
Thu 10/5 Atlanta Hawks Flowers Hall, Florence State 120-122 White 38; Maravich 42
University,84 Florence, AL
Sat 10/7 Atlanta Hawks Savannah, GA 123-102

1973-74 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Buzzards Bay, MA)


Camp opened: September 11
Regular Season opener: October 12
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 40

Head Coach: Tom Heinsohn


Assistant Coach: John Killilea

Rosters

Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Steve Downing, Hank Finkel, Phil Hankinson, John Havlicek, Steve Kuberski, Don
Regular Season opener (12):
Nelson, Paul Silas, Paul Westphal, Jo Jo White, Art Williams

Clarence Glover (1971-72 Celtics), Martinez Denmon (3rd Rd 1973), Wayne Grabiec (3rd Rd 1972), Byron
Other players in camp:
“Snake” Jones (5th Rd 1973), Sam McCamey85 (8th Rd 1972)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 9/21 Buffalo Braves Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, 96-88 Westphal 16; McMillian 15
ME First NBA game for Ernie DiGregorio
Sat 9/22 Buffalo Braves Madison Square Garden, New 100-140 21-2 run from second to third quarter extended
York, NY Braves 57-50 lead to 78-52; First game of a
doubleheader with Phoenix Suns defeating New
York Knicks 93-89 in the second game.
Mon 9/24 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 98-108 Chaney 22; Frazier 16
York, NY Second game of a doubleheader; Phoenix Suns
defeated Atlanta Hawks 104-99 in the first game
Fri 9/28 New York Knicks Providence Civic Center, 89-95 Chaney 23; DeBusschere 25
Providence, RI
Sun 9/30 Carolina Cougars (ABA) Greensboro Coliseum, 86-93 Originally scheduled for 9/29 but the floor (laid
Charlotte, NC over an ice rink) was too slippery to play on.
Tue 10/2 Indiana Pacers (ABA) Indiana State Fair Coliseum, 110-100 White 26; McGinnis 21
Indianapolis, IN
Thu 10/4 Utah Stars (ABA) Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, UT 94-105 Chaney 21; Boone 22
Second game of a doubleheader: Denver Rockets
113, Phoenix Suns 111
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 41

Sun 10/7 New York Nets (ABA) Nassau Veterans Memorial 121-102 Havlicek 37; Erving 23
Coliseum, Uniondale, NY

1974-75 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Buzzards Bay, MA)


Camp opened: September 19
Regular Season opener: October 18

Head Coach: Tom Heinsohn


Assistant Coach: John Killilea

Rosters

Jim Ard, Don Chaney, Ben Clyde, Steve Downing, Hank Finkel, John Havlicek, Glenn McDonald, Don Nelson,
Regular Season opener (12):
Paul Silas, Kevin Stacom, Paul Westphal, Jo Jo White

M.L. Carr (5th Rd 1973 by Kings), Dave Cowens (broken foot at start of season), Phil Hankinson (knee injury
Other players in camp:
at start of season), Byron “Snake” Jones (5th Rd 1973), Dave Sorenson (1972-73 76ers)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Sat 9/28 Denver Nuggets (ABA) Asheville Civic Center, 98-106 Chaney 16;86 Simpson 25, Bobby Jones 23/12 in
Asheville, NC pro debut
Cowens injured his right arch (contusion, not a
break) and missed the second half and the next
four preseason games.
First basketball game played at the new Ashville
Civic Center.
Sun 9/29 Denver Nuggets (ABA) Greensboro Coliseum, 100-122 Nelson 18; Simpson 25
Greensboro, NC
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 42

Fri 10/4 Buffalo Braves Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, 103-113 Havlicek/Westphal 17; McAdoo 31
Ontario, Canada
Sat 10/5 Milwaukee Bucks Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, 98-112 White 19, Jabbar 24 (injured in fourth quarter)87
Buffalo, NY
Sun 10/6 Detroit Pistons St. John’s Arena (Ohio State), 106-100 Havlicek/White 19; Lanier 27/11
Columbus, OH
Tue 10/8 Milwaukee Bucks Madison Square Garden, New 96-106 White 24; Dandridge 35
York, NY Cowens played but broke a bone in his right foot
in the third quarter.88 Second game of a
doubleheader; Braves 119, Knicks 83 in opener.
Thu 10/10 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 101-92 Second game of a doubleheader; Braves 108,
York, NY Bucks 99 in opener
Sun 10/13 Philadelphia 76ers Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, 101-99 White 26, Havlicek 24; Mix 26
ME Benefit for Maine Sports Hall of Fame

1975-76 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Buzzards Bay, MA)


Camp opened: September 26
Regular Season opener: October 24

Head Coach: Tom Heinsohn


Assistant Coach: John Killilea

Rosters

Jim Ard, Tom Boswell, Dave Cowens, Hank Finkel,89 John Havlicek, Glenn McDonald, Don Nelson, Paul Silas,
Regular Season opener (12):
Charlie Scott, Ed Searcy, Kevin Stacom, Jo Jo White

Jerome Anderson (3rd Rd 1975), Darryl Brown (5th Rd 1975), Larry Cannon (1973-74 76ers), Phil Hankinson
Other players in camp:
(1974-75 Celtics), Cyrus Mann (4th Rd 1975), Larry Robinson (4th Rd 1974 by Rockets)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 43

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 10/3 Washington Bullets Dayton, OH 108-109 Scott 26; Leonard Robinson 21
Sat 10/4 Kansas City Kings St. John’s Arena (Ohio State), 106-117 Scott 21; Archibald 25
Columbus, OH
Sun 10/5 Philadelphia 76ers Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 109-113 White 19; McGinnis 26
CT
Thu 10/9 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 97-109 White 16; Frazier 24
York, NY
Sat 10/11 Chicago Bulls Madison Square Garden, New 112-82 Nelson 17; Poindexter 16
York, NY
Sun 10/12 Portland Trail Blazers Memorial Coliseum, Portland, 85-82 Nelson 20, Cowens 9/15; Petrie 19
OR
Tue 10/14 Portland Trail Blazers Gill Coliseum (Oregon State), 95-114 Cowens out with sprained ankle, Walton out with
Corvallis, OR injuries from Sunday.90
Proceeds to benefit the Oregon State University
Student-Athletic Scholarship Fund.
Fri 10/17 Denver Nuggets (ABA) McNichols Sports Arena, 114-124 Havlicek 24, Nelson 22, Cowens 19/11; Simpson
Denver, CO 35, Thompson 33

1976-77 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Buzzards Bay, MA)


Camp opened: September 23
Regular Season opener: October 21

Head Coach: Tom Heinsohn


Assistant Coach: John Killilea

Rosters
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 44

Jim Ard, Tom Boswell, Norm Cook, Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Steve Kuberski, Curtis Rowe, Fred Saunders,
Regular Season opener (12):
Charlie Scott, Kevin Stacom, Jo Jo White, Sidney Wicks

Jerome Anderson (3rd Rd 1975), Darryl Brown (5th Rd 1975), Jerry Fort (3rd Rd 1976), Lewis Linder (4th Rd
Other players in camp: 1976), Glenn McDonald (1975-76 Celtics), Louis McKinney (5th Rd 1976), Ed Searcy (1975-76 Celtics), Dave
Sorenson (1972-73 76ers)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Wed 10/6 Kansas City Kings Wichita, KS 104-112 Scott 22; Boone 26
Thu 10/7 Kansas City Kings City of Omaha Auditorium, 123-129 Scott 24, White 23, Havlicek 22; Boone 34
Omaha, NE
Fri 10/8 Philadelphia 76ers The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 103-134 Scott 18; Collins 21
Sun 10/10 Cleveland Cavaliers St. John’s Arena (Ohio State), 99-103 White 23; C. Russell 20
Columbus, OH
Tue 10/12 Denver Nuggets McNichols Sports Arena, 104-108 Scott 28; Thompson 28
Denver, CO
Thu 10/14 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 99-141 Carter 23; Cowens out with back spasms, newly
York, NY acquired Sidney Wicks out with groin pull
Fri 10/15 Philadelphia 76ers Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 115-116 White 27, Ard 21/18 (pts/reb); Mix 20, Caldwell
CT Jones 11/12; Cowens, Wicks, Scott out injured
Sat 10/16 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 122-119 ot White 32; Moe Layton 34
York, NY Cowens, Wicks, Monroe out injured

1977-78 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Buzzards Bay, MA)


Camp opened: September 21
Regular Season opener: October 19
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 45

Head Coach: Tom Heinsohn91


Assistant Coach: Satch Sanders92

Rosters

Dave Bing, Tom Boswell, Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Cedric Maxwell, Curtis Rowe, Fred Saunders, Charlie
Regular Season opener (11):93
Scott, Kevin Stacom, Jo Jo White, Sidney Wicks

Jim Ard (1976-77 Celtics), Darryl Brown (5th Rd 1975 – failed physical), Skip Brown (3rd Rd 1977), Biff Burrell
(6th Rd 1975 by Suns), Norm Cook (1976-77 Celtics), Jeff Cummings (4th Rd 1977), Mike Dabney (3rd Rd 1976 by
Other players in camp:
Lakers), Jerry Fort (3rd Rd 1976), Tom Harris (8th Rd 1977), John Johnson (1976-77 Rockets),94 Steve Kuberski
(1976-77 Celtics), Bill Langloh (5th Rd 1977)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Sat 10/1 Philadelphia 76ers The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 98-120 Dave Bing 15, Maxwell 9/4/5 in first game;
McGinnis/Collins 19
White (heel) and Cowens (sore throat) out
Game two of doubleheader; Milwaukee-New York
in opener
Tue 10/4 Buffalo Braves Cumberland County Civic 108-105 ot Cowens 16/12, Scott 16, White 14; Knight 21,
Center, Portland, ME95 Archibald/Smith 19
Wed 10/5 Philadelphia 76ers Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 109-103 Cowens 20/6/4 (pts/reb/ast)
CT
Thu 10/6 Washington Bullets Madison Square Garden, New 115-118 Bing/Boswell/Fred Saunders 14; Grevey 26, Larry
York, NY Wright 25
First game of a doubleheader; Knicks defeated
76ers 104-98
Sat 10/8 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 103-131 Maxwell 18/14; McAdoo out with pulled leg
York, NY muscle
Sun 10/9 Cleveland Cavaliers St. John’s Arena (Ohio State), 92-99 Rowe 23; Foots Walker 15
Columbus, OH
Tue 10/11 New York Knicks Dayton, OH 109-113 White 21; Haywood 27/12
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 46

Thu 10/13 Chicago Bulls Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY 120-99 White 22; Gilmore 24/17
Cowens 8/16, Ard 10/15, Boswell 12/13 (Celtics
outrebounded Bulls 74-46)

1978-79 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: September 15
Regular Season opener: October 13

Head Coach: Satch Sanders96


Assistant Coach: K.C. Jones, Bob MacKinnon97

Rosters

Dennis Awtrey, Tony Archibald, Marvin Barnes, Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Jeff Judkins, Billy Knight, Cedric
Regular Season opener (11):
Maxwell, Earl Tatum, Jo Jo White, Earl Williams

Biff Burrell (6th Rd 1975 by Suns), Joe Pace (1977-78 Bullets), Curtis Rowe (heel injury – began season on five-
Other players in camp:
game injured list), Dana Skinner (3rd Rd 1978), Chuckie Williams (1976-77 Cavaliers)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 9/22 New York Knicks Metro Center, Halifax, Nova 103-98 Knight 26; Haywood 22
Scotia Cowens (back), Earl Monroe and Jim McMillian
(unsigned FAs), McAdoo (injured ankle), and Ray
Williams (swollen knee) did not play.
Sun 9/24 New York Knicks Providence Civic Center, 100-97 Tatum 18, Earl Williams 16/11; Beard 18
Providence, RI
Fri 9/29 New Jersey Nets Rutgers Athletic Center, 99-116 Earl Williams 13/17
Piscataway, NJ
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 47

Sat 9/30 Philadelphia 76ers The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 113-132 Earl Williams 22/19, Maxwell 19/11
Wed 10/4 Cleveland Cavaliers Cumberland County Civic 103-108 Cowens returned from back trouble to play 15
Center, Portland, ME minutes; Williams injured left index finger in
fourth quarter (torn ligaments).
Benefit for Maine Sports Hall of Fame
Thu 10/5 Washington Bullets Madison Square Garden, New 106-113 Knight 29; Grevey 22
York, NY Williams missed game (injury)
First game of a doubleheader (6pm)
Sat 10/7 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 109-110 Knight 41
York, NY Second game of a doubleheader
Sun 10/8 Philadelphia 76ers St. John’s Arena (Ohio State), 102-110 Earl Williams 24/13; Marvin Barnes missed flight
Columbus, OH from New York to Ohio.

1979-80 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: September 14
Regular Season opener: October 12

Head Coach: Bill Fitch


Assistant Coach: K.C. Jones

Rosters

Tony Archibald, Larry Bird, M.L. Carr, Don Chaney, Dave Cowens, Eric Fernsten, Chris Ford, Gerald Henderson,
Regular Season opener (11):
Jeff Judkins, Cedric Maxwell, Rick Robey

Steve Castellan (7th Rd 1979), Nick Galis (4th Rd 1979), Wayne Kreklow (3rd Rd 1979), Ricky Marsh (1977-78
Other players in camp: Warriors), Curtis Rowe (1978-79 Celtics), Kevin Stacom (1978-79 Celtics),98 Glenn Sudhop (8th Rd 1979), David
Thompson, Stan Wright (undrafted, University of Rhode Island)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 48

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Thu 9/27 Philadelphia 76ers Madison Square Garden, New 90-115 Bird 18/6 in Celtics debut; B. Jones 16
York, NY First game of a doubleheader; Knicks defeated
Nets 126-94 in the second game.
Fri 9/28 Washington Bullets The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 116-101 Cowens 25, Bird 13/11
Sat 9/29 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 106-131 Bird 36/15, pulled from game with Celtics trailing
York, NY 93-90 with 9:27 left.
Tue 10/2 Philadelphia 76ers Providence Civic Center, 117-98 Bird 19
Providence, RI
Wed 10/3 Indiana Pacers Hulman Center, Indiana State 90-99 Maxwell 21, Bird 17/16 (6 for 18 shooting);
University, Terre Haute, IN Johnson 25 for Pacers
Attendance 10,226
Fri 10/5 New York Knicks War Memorial Auditorium, 111-102 Bird 19/19; Williams 24
Rochester, NY
Sat 10/6 Philadelphia 76ers Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, 101-120 Cowens 19/13, Bird 14/8; Erving 23
ME
Sun 10/7 New York Knicks St. John’s Arena (Ohio State), 122-119 Bird 25/12/6
Columbus, OH

1980-81 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: September 1299
Regular Season opener: October 10

Head Coach: Bill Fitch


Assistant Coaches: K.C. Jones, Jimmy Rodgers
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 49

Rosters

Tony Archibald, Larry Bird, M.L. Carr, Eric Fernsten, Chris Ford, Gerald Henderson, Wayne Kreklow, Cedric
Regular Season opener (11):
Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Rick Robey

Jim Brandon (8th Rd 1980 by Jazz), Dave Cowens (retired), Greg Deane (1979-80 Jazz), Ken Evans (6th Rd 1980),
Other players in camp: B.B. Flenory (undrafted, Duquesne), Arnette Hallman (2nd Rd 1980), Rufus Harris (5th Rd 1980), Les Henson (7th
Rd 1980), Pete Maravich (retired), Don Newman (3rd Rd 1980), Ronnie Perry (3rd Rd 1980)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Sun 9/21 New Jersey Nets New Haven Coliseum, New 106-99 Henderson 16; O’Koren 16
Haven, CT First game for McHale (4/3 in 10 minutes) and the
Boston debut for Parish (6/5 in 19 minutes).
Tue 9/23 New York Knicks Cumberland County Civic 113-104 Henderson 20; Ray Williams 19
Center, Portland, ME
Thu 9/25 Milwaukee Bucks Madison Square Garden, New 110-121 Henderson 20, Bird 16/11, Parish 8/10; Cummings
York, NY 19, Lanier out with groin pull
First game of doubleheader; Nets beat Knicks 111-
101 in nightcap
Fri 9/26 Milwaukee Bucks Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 95-104 Cowens 17/9; M. Johnson 23
CT
Sat 9/27 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 107-113 Cowens/Henderson 20, Parish 17/10, McHale
York, NY 8/11; Williams 26
Bird played 10 minutes then sat out with the flu.
Mon 9/29 Indiana Pacers Market Square Arena, 97-105 Maxwell/Henderson 16, McGinnis 29
Indianapolis, IN Cowens last game with Celtics (4/5 in 24 minutes).
Wed 10/1 Chicago Bulls Roberts Stadium, Evansville, IN 113-103 Bird 37/7/3; Kenon 25, Gilmore 17/16

Fri 10/3 New York Knicks Hulman Center, Indiana State 124-103 Henderson 24, Bird 23/17/9; R. Williams 22
University, Terre Haute, IN
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 50

1981-82 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: September 27100
Regular Season opener: October 30101

Head Coach: Bill Fitch


Assistant Coaches: K.C. Jones, Jimmy Rodgers

Rosters

Tony Archibald, Larry Bird, Charles Bradley, Terry Duerod, Eric Fernsten, Chris Ford, Gerald Henderson, Tracy
Regular Season opener (12):
Jackson, Cedric Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Rick Robey

Jim Brandon (8th Rd 1980 by Jazz), M.L. Carr (right leg injury, began season on 10-day injured list), Ernie
Other players in camp: DiGregorio (1977-78 Celtics), Glenn Hagan (2nd Rd 1978 by 76ers), John Johnson (3rd Rd 1981), Wayne
Kreklow (1980-81 Celtics), George Morrow (8th Rd 1981)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 10/9 Philadelphia 76ers Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 103-94 Bird 33
CT
Sat 10/10 New York Knicks Providence Civic Center, 93-89 Maxwell/McHale 14; Newlin 22
Providence, RI
Mon 10/12 Los Angeles Lakers The Forum, Inglewood, CA 102-111 Parish 24/15, Bird 18/12; Jabbar 42, Magic
17/13/15 (pts/reb/ast)
Thu 10/15 Seattle SuperSonics Seattle Center Coliseum, 88-98 Celtics starters sat out fourth quarter; Gus
Seattle, WA Williams 18/8 ast in 30 minutes. Rolling Stones
concert at the Kingdome, the Sonics usual home.
Sat 10/17 Seattle SuperSonics Vancouver Coliseum, 112-106 Bird 30/12, Parish 14/12; Shelton 26, Sikma 19/15
Vancouver, B.C.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 51

Sun 10/18 Portland Trail Blazers Memorial Coliseum, Portland, 99-114 Maxwell 18, Natt 19
OR
Wed 10/21 Milwaukee Bucks Madison Square Garden, New 104-88 Bird 19/8 then sat out second half, McHale 18/10;
York, NY M. Johnson 15
Game one of a doubleheader. Nets defeated
Knicks 89-82.
Mon 10/26 Denver Nuggets Springfield Civic Center, 130-112 all of Fame Game102
Springfield, MA Bird 26/11, Parish 19/12; English 23, Issel 18/10

1982-83 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: September 30
Regular Season opener: October 29

Head Coach: Bill Fitch


Assistant Coaches: K.C. Jones, Jimmy Rodgers

Rosters

Danny Ainge, Tony Archibald, Larry Bird, Charles Bradley, Quinn Buckner, M.L. Carr, Gerald Henderson, Cedric
Regular Season opener (12):
Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Rick Robey, Darren Tillis

Terry Duerod (1981-82 Celtics), Eric Fernsten (1981-82 Celtics), Chris Ford (1981-82 Celtics), Panagiotis
Other players in camp: Glannakis (9th Rd 1982), Tony Guy (2nd Rd 1982), Darryl Mitchell, Perry Moss (3rd Rd 1982), John Schweitz (6th
Rd 1982)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 10/8 Philadelphia 76ers Providence Civic Center, 101-105 Bird 25/8; Malone 22/6 (first game for 76ers)
Providence, RI
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 52

Tue 10/12 New York Knicks Cumberland County Civic 113-88 Bird 21; Grunfeld 18
Center, Portland, ME
Wed 10/13 Milwaukee Bucks Boston Garden, Boston, MA 104-105 Parish 19/11; Lister 18, Cowens 14/6 in 25 minutes
playing for former teammate Don Nelson
Fri 10/15 Los Angeles Lakers Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 110-105 Bird 22; Nixon 18
CT
Sat 10/16 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 111-81 Bird/Parish 18
York, NY
Tue 10/19 San Antonio Spurs Strahan Coliseum (Southwest 132-107 Parish 22/8; Gervin 21
Texas State), San Marcos, TX
Thu 10/21 San Antonio Spurs Hemisfair, San Antonio, TX 110-101 Bird 19/12, McHale 16/13; Gervin 30
Sat 10/23 Philadelphia 76ers Stokely Athletic Center, 103-101 Parish 18; Erving 18, Malone 12/13
Knoxville, TN

1983-84 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: September 30
Regular Season opener: October 28

Head Coach: K.C. Jones


Assistant Coaches: Jimmy Rodgers, Chris Ford

Rosters

Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Quinn Buckner, M.L. Carr, Carlos Clark, Gerald Henderson, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite,
Regular Season opener (12):
Cedric Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Scott Wedman

Paul Atkins (6th Rd 1983), Charles Bradley (1982-83 Celtics), Winfred King (3rd Rd 1983), Craig Robinson (3rd Rd
Other players in camp:
1983), John Schweitz (6th Rd 1982)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 53

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Sat 10/8 Phoenix Suns Arizona Veterans Memorial 126-118 Bird 31/9/6
Coliseum, Phoenix, AZ
Mon 10/10 Phoenix Suns ASU (Arizona State) Activity 114-117 Bird 22; Nance 25
Center, Tempe, AZ
Tue 10/11 Los Angeles Lakers The Forum, Inglewood, CA 121-103 Bird 20/13/10 in 29 minutes; Kareem, Worthy,
Rambis all out, Scott not yet signed
Thu 10/13 Los Angeles Lakers The Forum, Inglewood, CA 129-126 Maxwell 30, McHale 29, Bird 25; Wilkes 20, Nater
18
Sun 10/16 Philadelphia 76ers Boston Garden, Boston, MA 99-86 McHale 20/14, Wedman 18; Threatt 18
Malone-Maxwell and Bird-Iavaroni fights
Wed 10/19 Philadelphia 76ers UTC Arena (University of 110-120 McHale 27; Toney 32
Tennessee-Chattanooga),
Chattanooga, TN
Fri 10/21 Los Angeles Lakers Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 127-98 Parish 29/11, Bird 24/9; Kareem 17/5, Magic
CT 10/6/5
Sat 10/22 Los Angeles Lakers Worcester Centrum, 102-100 Bird 25/11; Magic 18/9/11
Worcester, MA

1984-85 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: September 28
Regular Season opener: October 26

Head Coach: K.C. Jones


Assistant Coaches: Jimmy Rodgers, Chris Ford103
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 54

Rosters

Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Quinn Buckner, Rick Carlisle, M.L. Carr, Carlos Clark, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite,
Regular Season opener (12):
Cedric Maxwell, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Scott Wedman

Gerald Henderson (1983-84 Celtics; traded to Seattle 10/16), Ronnie Williams (2nd Rd 1984), Michael Young
Other players in camp:
(1st Rd 1984)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Tue 10/9 Philadelphia 76ers Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 122-108
CT
Wed 10/10 Houston Rockets Worcester Centrum, 124-105
Worcester, MA
Fri 10/12 Houston Rockets Boston Garden, Boston, MA 113-118
Sun 10/14 Utah Jazz Las Vegas, NV 111-101
Tue 10/16 Houston Rockets The Summit, Houston, TX 114-101 Johnson 26, Bird 23, Parish 20/18

Thu 10/18 Dallas Mavericks Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX 118-116 Bird 22


Fri 10/19 Detroit Pistons Cincinnati Gardens, Cincinnati, 113-115 Bird 33
OH
Sun 10/21 Phoenix Suns Providence Civic Center, 97-109
Providence, RI
Tue 10/23 Utah Jazz Springfield Civic Center, 104-105 Hall of Fame Game
Springfield, MA Rick Barry and Bill Russell debut as WTBS partners.

1985-86 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: September 28
Regular Season opener: October 25
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 55

Head Coach: K.C. Jones


Assistant Coaches: Jimmy Rodgers, Chris Ford

Rosters

Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Rick Carlisle, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Jerry Sichting,
Regular Season opener (12):
Sam Vincent, Bill Walton, Scott Wedman, Sly Williams

Andre Battle (2nd Rd 1985), Carlos Clark (1984-85 Celtics), Rick Lamb (5th Rd 1983 by Suns), Tracy Mitchell
Other players in camp: (Texas Christian University; Lowell (MA) High School),104 David Thirdkill (1984-85 three teams; resigned by
Celtics on 12/5 after Sly Williams was released on 12/3)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 10/4 Philadelphia 76ers Boston Garden, Boston, MA 111-109 Bird 30/17
USA Today sportswriter David DuPree briefly
played for the Celtics in the fourth quarter105
Sun 10/6 Los Angeles Lakers Providence Civic Center, 111-124
Providence, RI
Tue 10/8 Los Angeles Lakers Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 110-109 McHale 18/11; Magic 33, Kupchak 22/11
CT
Wed 10/9 Washington Bullets Worcester Centrum, 95-101 McHale 23/11; Ruland 20
Worcester, MA
Sun 10/13 New Jersey Nets Cumberland County Civic 121-110 Attendance 8122
Center, Portland, ME
Tue 10/15 Indiana Pacers Market Square Arena, 94-98
Indianapolis, IN
Thu 10/17 Los Angeles Lakers The Forum, Inglewood, CA 124-128
Sat 10/19 Los Angeles Lakers The Forum, Inglewood, CA 124-116 With six seconds remaining in the opening period,
Maurice Lucas shoved Robert Parish over a press
table during a fight; both were ejected, along with
Sly Williams.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 56

1986-87 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: October 3
Regular Season opener: October 31

Head Coach: K.C. Jones


Assistant Coaches: Jimmy Rodgers, Chris Ford

Rosters

Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Rick Carlisle, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Fred Roberts,
Regular Season opener (12):
Jerry Sichting, David Thirdkill, Sam Vincent, Bill Walton

Other players in camp: Scott Wedman (on injured list to start season)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 10/10 Philadelphia 76ers Boston Garden, Boston, MA 130-114 Bird 33; Toney 17
Alex English played for the Celtics in the second
quarter as part of a movie shoot.106
Sat 10/11 Washington Bullets Baltimore, MD 115-105 Bird 20/8/12; Whatley 12, Malone 11/13
Tue 10/14 Washington Bullets Providence Civic Center, 101-96 Bird 24; D. Henderson 14
Providence, RI
Fri 10/17 Houston Rockets Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 113-104 Bird 28/10/8; Olajuwon 15/11
CT Sellout 15,133
Mon 10/20 Detroit Pistons Worcester Centrum, 104-111 McHale 21, Bird 17/13; V. Johnson/Rodman 19
Worcester, MA Ainge out injured
Wed 10/22 Indiana Pacers Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN 117-119 ot McHale 29; Wiliams 29
Fri 10/24 Dallas Mavericks Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX 99-102 Tarpley 17/12 in 21 minutes
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 57

Sat 10/25 Houston Rockets The Summit, Houston, TX 102-100 Bird 22/8, Parish 20/11; Olajuwon 28/12
Same night as Red Sox Game 6 World Series loss
Mon 10/27 Dallas Mavericks Springfield Civic Center, 102-89 Bird 36/7/4; Hall of Fame Game
Springfield, MA

1987-88 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: October 9 (Rookie camp began October 4)
Regular Season opener: November 6

Head Coach: K.C. Jones


Assistant Coaches: Jimmy Rodgers, Chris Ford

Rosters

Mark Acres, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Darren Daye, Conner Henry, Dennis Johnson, Greg Kite, Reggie Lewis,
Regular Season opener (12):
Brad Lohaus, Robert Parish, Fred Roberts, Jerry Sichting

Rick Carlisle (1986-87 Celtics), Gerry Corcoran (7th Rd 1987), Choo Kennedy (4th Rd 1987), Kevin McHale (on
injured list to start season), Mike O’Koren (1986-87 Bullets), Tom Sheehey (4th Rd 1987), Sam Vincent (1986-
Other players in camp:
87 Celtics, traded 10/16), Bill Walton (on injured list to start season), Scott Wedman (1986-87 Celtics, traded
10/16), Anthony Welch (3rd Rd 1986 by Mavericks)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 10/16 Houston Rockets The Summit, Houston, TX 99-104 Reggie Lewis 12 points in debut. At halftime, after
not playing in the first half, Wedman and Vincent
were informed that they were traded to Seattle.107
Sun 10/18 Dallas Mavericks Reunion Arena, Dallas, TX 121-119 Acres 19/11; Aguirre 37
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 58

Tue 10/20 Atlanta Hawks Providence Civic Center, 119-97 Bird 24


Providence, RI
Thu 10/22 Philadelphia 76ers Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 111-107 Ainge 28; Barkley 36
CT
Sun 10/25 New Jersey Nets Worcester Centrum, 117-98 Ainge 18; Williams 15/10
Worcester, MA
Wed 10/28 Houston Rockets Boston Garden, Boston, MA 125-106 Ainge 20, Bird 17/9/5
Fri 10/30 Utah Jazz BYU Marriott Center, Provo, 109-95 Bird 28/10, Ainge 21
Utah
Sun 11/1 Detroit Pistons Centennial Hall, Toledo, Ohio 104-100

1988-89 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: October 9 (Rookie camp began October 4)
Regular Season opener: November 6

Head Coach: Jimmy Rodgers


Assistant Coaches: Chris Ford, Lanny Van Eman

Rosters

Mark Acres, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Ron Grandison, Dennis Johnson, Reggie Lewis, Brad Lohaus, Kevin
Regular Season opener (12):
McHale, Robert Parish, Jim Paxson, Ramon Rivas, Brian Shaw

Other players in camp: Gerald Paddio (3rd Rd 1988), Ennis Whatley (1987-88 Hawks)
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 59

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Thu 10/13 Cleveland Cavaliers Providence Civic Center, 80-121 McHale16, Bird 10; Nance 24, Daugherty 16/9
Providence, RI
Fri 10/14 Atlanta Hawks Worcester Centrum, 121-100 Parish 23/15; Bird 21/10/8; Shaw 8/11/10
Worcester, MA
Sun 10/16 Atlanta Hawks Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 124-109 Bird 22, Shaw 20/10/9; Wilkins 27
CT
Fri 10/21 Yugoslavian National Palacio de Desporte, Madrid, 113-85 Bird 27; Tony Kukoc 17, Dino Radja 15, Vlade Divac
Team Spain 9/8
McDonald’s Open semifinals
Real Madrid defeated Scavolini Pesaro (Italian
champs) 108-96
Sun 10/23 Real Madrid Palacio de Desporte, Madrid, 111-96 Bird 29; Drazen Petrovic 22/6/6
Spain McDonald’s Open championship game
Yugoslavia defeated Scavolini Pesaro 100-91 for
third place
Wed 10/26 Milwaukee Bucks Boston Garden, Boston, MA 126-117 Bird 27/6/12, Parish 20/15; Cummings 19, Breuer
15/11
Thu 10/27 Milwaukee Bucks Cumberland County Civic 128-84 Bird 24
Center, Portland, ME
Sat 10/29 Washington Bullets Thompson-Boling Arena, 113-120 Parish 30; Grant 20
Knoxville, TN Attendance of 23,811 was reportedly “the largest
in NBA exhibition history”108

1989-90 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: October 6
Regular Season opener: November 3
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 60

Head Coach: Jimmy Rodgers


Assistant Coaches: Chris Ford, Lanny Van Eman

Rosters

John Bagley, Larry Bird, Kevin Gamble, Dennis Johnson, Joe Kleine, Reggie Lewis, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish,
Regular Season opener (12):
Jim Paxson, Ed Pinckney, Charles Smith, Kelvin Upshaw

Scooter Barry (Undrafted from Kansas, son of Rick Barry),109 Dave Popson (1988-89 two teams), Michael
Other players in camp:
Smith (1st Rd 1989 – on injured list to start season)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 10/13 New Jersey Nets Worcester Centrum, 96-74 Lewis 17, Bird 13/8/8 in return from heel surgery;
Worcester, MA Morris 19
Mon 10/16 Philadelphia 76ers Providence Civic Center, 114-90 McHale 21/9; Hawkins 18
Providence, RI
Tue 10/17 San Antonio Spurs Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 111-99 Robinson/Elliott 22
CT
Sat 10/21 San Antonio Spurs HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, 115-97 Pinckney 17/16; Robinson 23/8
TX
Sun 10/22 Houston Rockets The Summit, Houston, TX 109-100 McHale 22/9, Bird 21/8; Parish and Olajuwon out
injured
Wed 10/25 Houston Rockets Boston Garden, Boston, MA 119-101
Fri 10/27 Utah Jazz Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, 92-94 Lewis 23
OH
Sun 10/29 Washington Bullets St. John Arena, Columbus, OH 123-89 Lewis 24, Pinckney 23/9

1990-91 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: October 5
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 61

Regular Season opener: November 2

Head Coach: Chris Ford


Assistant Coaches: Don Casey, Jon Jennings

Rosters

Larry Bird, Dee Brown, Kevin Gamble, Joe Kleine, Reggie Lewis, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Ed Pinckney,
Regular Season opener (12):
Dave Popson, Brian Shaw, Michael Smith, Stojko Vrankovic

John Bagley (1989-90 Celtics, out injured), Carrick DeHart (Cal-Santa Barbara), Sasha Dordevic (Yugoslavia),
Eric McArthur (Cal-Santa Barbara), Jim Paxson (1989-90 Celtics, on suspended list to start season while
Other players in camp:
Celtics tried to trade him, waived December 12), Charles Smith (1989-90 Celtics, injured to start season,
waived December 12, re-signed March 4)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Tue 10/16 Detroit Pistons Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 116-98 Gamble 21, Shaw 12/5/9 in return from a season
CT in Italy
Fri 10/19 Denver Nuggets McNichols Arena, Denver, CO 173-155 Lewis 32; Bird 16/21/13
Sat 10/20 Utah Jazz Dee Events Center, Ogden, 114-107
Utah
Mon 10/22 Atlanta Hawks Worcester Centrum, 122-127 Bird 19/15/10, Brown 19 with 10 assists in debut;
Worcester, MA Wilkins 34
Wed 10/24 Denver Nuggets Boston Garden, Boston, MA 158-135 Bird 21/13/15, Shaw 22/6/11
Fri 10/26 Washington Bullets The Aud, Buffalo, NY 104-96 Lewis 29, Bird out with back injury110
Sat 10/27 Cleveland Cavaliers SkyDome, Toronto, Ontario, 115-121 Lewis 26, Bird out with back injury; Price 26
Canada Attendance 15,025; most of upper deck was
closed to limit ticket availability to 20,000
Mon 10/29 Utah Jazz Providence Civic Center, 120-102 Bird 28/11; Parish 23/11
Providence, RI
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 62

1991-92 Boston Celtics

Training Camp: Hellenic College (Brookline, MA)


Camp opened: October 5
Regular Season opener: November 1

Head Coach: Chris Ford


Assistant Coaches: Don Casey, Jon Jennings

Rosters

John Bagley, Larry Bird, Rick Fox, Kevin Gamble, Joe Kleine, Reggie Lewis, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Ed
Regular Season opener (12):
Pinckney, Kevin Pritchard, Larry Robinson, Brian Shaw

Dee Brown (1990-91 Celtics, out injured), Ricky Calloway (1990-91 Kings), Anderson Hunt (UNLV), Steve
Other players in camp: Scheffler (1990-91 Hornets), Michael Smith (1990-91 Celtics), Stojko Vrankovic (1990-91 Celtics – out injured
[flu] to start season), Kennard Winchester (1990-91 Rockets), A.J. Wynder (1990-91 Celtics)

Exhibition Game Results

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


Fri 10/11 Los Angeles Lakers Boston Garden, Boston, MA 104-118 Worthy 21
Sat 10/12 Los Angeles Lakers Worcester Centrum, 117-107 Brown 28
Worcester, MA
Tue 10/15 New York Knicks Madison Square Garden, New 106-103 Lewis 22; Ewing 28
York, NY
Wed 10/16 New York Knicks Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, 101-111
CT
Fri 10/18 Indiana Pacers Providence Civic Center, 116-118 Parish 22, Bird/Lewis 20
Providence, RI
Tue 10/22 Los Angeles Lakers The Forum, Inglewood, CA 105-121 Bird 24
Doubleheader with Bucks defeating Spurs 110-102
Wed 10/23 San Antonio Spurs The Forum, Inglewood, CA 115-112 Brown 29/7/10, Bird 25/7/7
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 63

Doubleheader with Bucks defeating Lakers 119-98


in “championship game” of four team tournament
Sat 10/26 Washington Bullets Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, 93-86
NY

Boston Celtics Training Camp Summary, 1946-1991

Year Training camp location Start of camp Start of regular season


1946 Boston Arena gym 9/30 11/2
1947 Boston Arena gym ~10/20 11/13
1948 Boston Arena gym 10/1 11/4
1949 Boston Garden 10/3 11/3
1950 Fargo Building 9/25 11/1
1951 Boston Arena 9/24 11/4
1952 Boston Arena 9/22 10/31
1953 Ellsworth High School 9/29 11/1
1954 Browne & Nichols School 9/27 10/30
1955 Northeastern University 9/26 11/5
1956 Northeastern University 9/24 10/27
1957 Northeastern University 9/23 10/22
1958 Boston Arena 9/22 10/25
1959 Babson Institute 9/21 10/17
1960 Babson Institute 9/19 10/22
1961 Babson Institute 9/18 10/21
1962 Babson Institute 9/19 10/20
1963 Babson Institute 9/18 10/16
1964 Babson Institute 9/14 10/17
1965 Babson Institute 9/13 10/16
1966 Babson Institute 9/12 10/15
1967 Boston State College 9/14 10/14
1968 Tobin Gym 9/16 10/18
1969 Boston State College 9/15 10/17
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 64

1970 Hellenic College 9/14 10/13


1971 Gordon College 9/16 10/15
1972 Massachusetts Maritime Academy 9/11 10/11
1973 Massachusetts Maritime Academy 9/11 10/12
1974 Massachusetts Maritime Academy 9/19 10/18
1975 Massachusetts Maritime Academy 9/26 10/24
1976 Massachusetts Maritime Academy 9/23 10/21
1977 Massachusetts Maritime Academy 9/21 10/19
1978 Hellenic College 9/15 10/13
1979 Hellenic College 9/14 10/12
1980 Hellenic College 9/12 10/10
1981 Hellenic College 9/27 10/30
1982 Hellenic College 9/30 10/29
1983 Hellenic College 9/30 10/28
1984 Hellenic College 9/28 10/26
1985 Hellenic College 9/28 10/25
1986 Hellenic College 10/3 10/31
1987 Hellenic College 10/9 11/6
1988 Hellenic College 10/7 11/4
1989 Hellenic College 10/6 11/3
1990 Hellenic College 10/5 11/2
1991 Hellenic College 10/5 11/1

Note, since 1992 the Celtics have used two different training sites:

1992-1998 Brandeis University


1999- HealthPoint facility, Waltham, MA
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 65

Partial List of Boston Celtics Preseason Intrasquad and Games against non-NBA opponents, 1946-1991

Date Opponent Location Score Notes


10/21/1949 Waterbury Coppers Waterbury Armory, Waterbury, 88-63 Ed Leede led Celtics with 12 points; Boston led 46-
(Eastern League) CT 30 at the half.
10/27/1949 Westchester Whirls Westchester County Center, 101-92 Whirls, stocked with former New York Rens
White Plains, NY players, also competed against Knicks and Lakers
10/22/1951 Local All-Stars Berlin High School, Berlin, NH 90-55 Macauley 18. All-Stars were late, and Celtics held
an impromptu scrimmage while waiting.111
10/23/1951 Local All-Stars Springfield, VT
10/24/1951 Local All-Stars New Bedford High School, New 81-50 Cousy 12; Al Palmieri 16 (“Former Rhode Island
Bedford, MA State star”) for New Bedford. Attendance 1000
10/25/1951 Local All-Stars Plymouth, NH?
10/21/1952 Local All-Stars Fitchburg, MA
10/22/1952 Local All-Stars Athol, MA
10/23/1952 Local All-Stars New Bedford, MA
10/24/1952 Local All-Stars Plymouth, MA
10/26/1952 Local All-Stars Lenox, MA
10/27/1952 Local All-Stars Worcester, MA
10/28/1952 Clinic Andover, MA
10/29/1952 Reynold’s Club of Everett, Memorial Gymnasium, Reynold’s Club won “last season’s New Englands
MA Sanford, ME emi-professional basketball crown.”
10/22/1953 Local All-Stars Athol, MA
10/23/1953 Local All-Stars Westfield, MA
Fall 1953 Local All-Stars Turners Falls, MA
Fall 1953 Local All-Stars Holyoke, MA
Fall 1953 Local All-Stars North Adams, MA
Fall 1953 Local All-Stars Pittsfield, MA
Fall 1953 Local All-Stars Gardner, MA
10/9/1954 Intrasquad Stonington, ME
10/21/1954 Lenox Merchants Lenox, MA 82-87 Sharman 33, Macauley 24, Cousy out injured
Ray Felix, holding out from the Knicks, led semi-
pro Merchants with 17. Former Celtic Mo
Mahoney scored 10. The Merchants regularly
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 66

played NBA teams during the preseason and the


regular season.
10/28/1954 Intrasquad Natick High School, Natick, MA Dedication of new 1,000 seat gym in new $3.5
million high school.
10/29/1955 Lenox Merchants Pittsfield Armory, Pittsfield, MA Scheduled to be first game for Arnie Risen as a
member of the Celtics
10/24/1956 Intrasquad Draper Gym, Hopedale, MA 102-92 Greens (Loscutoff 33, Cousy 32) def. Whites
(Nichols 22, Sharman 21)
10/16/1957 Intrasquad Draper Gym, Hopedale, MA 84-78 Cousys (Risen 21, Heinsohn 20) def. Russells
(Tsioropoulos 22, Russell 18)
9/28/1959 New England College All- Classical High School gym “Proceeds will help construct a new playing field
Stars for the West Lynn National Little League”
All-Stars included Ronnie Perry from Holy Cross.
9/30/1959 Intrasquad Leominster, MA
9/23/1960 Intrasquad Hanscom Field, Bedford, MA
9/24/1960 Intrasquad Lynn, MA
9/26/1960 Intrasquad Brockton, MA
9/27/1960 Intrasquad Roxbury,MA
9/28/1960 Intrasquad Gardner, MA
9/29/1962 Intrasquad Peavey Gym, Babson Institute, ~300 high school basketball players were expected
Wellesley, MA to attend
10/18/1962 Intrasquad Keene, NH
Sept 1963 Intrasquad Peavey Gym, Babson Institute,
Wellesley, MA
Sept 1963 Intrasquad New Bedford, MA
Sept 1963 Intrasquad Biddeford, ME
Sept 1963 Intrasquad Fitchburg, MA
Sept 1963 Intrasquad Wayland, MA
9/23/1964 Intrasquad Peavey Gym, Babson Institute, No admission, but collection for benefit of Bay
Wellesley, MA State Society for the Crippled and Handicapped
Children
9/24/1964 Intrasquad Brookline High School, Benefit for Kiwanis Scholarship Fund
Brookline, MA
9/25/1964 Intrasquad Rockland, ME
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 67

9/26/1964 Intrasquad Portsmouth, NH


9/27/1964 Intrasquad West Newbury, MA
Fall 1964 Intrasquad Harwichport, MA
Fall 1964 Intrasquad Chelmsford, MA
Fall 1964 Intrasquad Marlboro, MA
9/18/1965 Intrasquad Dover, NH
9/22/1965 Intrasquad Rockland, ME
9/21/1966 Intrasquad Keene, NH
9/22/1966 Intrasquad Dennis-Yarmouth Regional
High School, Yarmouth, MA
9/22/1967 Intrasquad New Bedford, MA
9/24/1967 Intrasquad Hartford, CT
10/13/1969 Intrasquad Plymouth, NH
10/2/1970 Intrasquad Bishop Feehan High School,
Attleboro, MA
10/8/1970 Intrasquad Peterboro, NH
9/24/1971 Intrasquad Brockton High School,
Brockton, MA
10/1/1971 Intrasquad University of New Hampshire,
Durham, NH
10/8/1971 Intrasquad Gordon College, Wenham, MA
10/24/1981 Intrasquad Rochester, NY 105-102 Greens (McHale 20/15) def. Whites (Bird
43/14). Jimmy Rodgers coached the Greens, K.C.
Jones the Whites. Attendance 5000.

Revised April, 2016


Originally posted January, 2016

Sources

1
Dan Shaughnessy, “K.C.’s Sunshine Band,” Boston Globe, October 4, 1983.
2
Jack Barry, “Why Jack Barry Spent His Vacation Touring With the Celtics,” Boston Globe, November 1, 1953.
3
John Powers, “The Celtics visit the Cape…,” Boston Globe, October 3, 1976.
4
“Boston Celtics Start Basket Ball Practice Tomorrow at Arena,” Boston Globe, September 29, 1946.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 68

5
“Back Bay Fire Costs Celtics ‘New Look’,” Boston Globe, November 3, 1948.
6
Feinstein, John & Red Auerbach. Let Me Tell You a Story: A Lifetime in the Game. New York: Back Bay Books, 2005, p64.
7
Feinstein, Let Me Tell You a Story, p128.
8
Feinstein, Let Me Tell You a Story, p64.
9
Shaughnessy, Dan. Ever Green: The Boston Celtics: A history in the words of their players, coaches, fans & foes, from 1946 to the present. New York: St.
Martin’s Press, 1990, p20.
10
Jerry Nason, “Hamilton Lists Great Grid Teams of Three Decades,” Boston Globe, October 12, 1957.
11
Shaughnessy, Ever Green, p241.
12
Bill Shechman, “Same Feud, New Fuel; ‘Knicks Cry,’ -- Brown,” Boston Globe, October 16, 1957.
13
October 1, 1963.
14
September 30, 1973 vs. Carolina Cougars (ABA).
15
Bob Ryan, “Melchionni shot tips Celtics as ABA Nets win, 116-115,” Boston Globe, October 4, 1971.
16
Bryan Curtis, “The Stokes Game,” Grantland.com, August 16, 2013. http://grantland.com/features/bryan-curtis-tragic-inspirational-story-maurice-stokes/ .
17
Wire story, “Celtics beat Lakers 102-82,” Eugene Register-Guard, October 15, 1960.
18
“Segregation Hits C's Negro Stars,” Boston Globe, October 18, 1961; Russell, Bill with Alan Steinberg. Red and Me: My Coach, My Lifelong Friend. New York:
Harper Collins, 2009, p79-80.
19
Heinsohn, Tom with Leonard Lewin. Heinsohn, Don't You Ever Smile? The Life & Times of Tommy Heinsohn & the Boston Celtics. New York: Doubleday, 1976,
p83.
20
Wire story, “Chamberlain Vs. Russell – Plus Ingemar,” Toledo Blade, October 14, 1959. “Most of the 230 tickets that were sold at $100 apiece were
purchased by corporations as a helping hand to the struggling club. But some were bought by individuals. No tickets are being offered for less than $10.”
21
Wire story, “Russell Leads Celts To 103-98 Victory,” Eugene Register-Guard, October 15, 1959.
22
Wire story, “Ingo and Lakers Draw Only 2,500,” Milwaukee Journal, October 15, 1959. Heavyweight boxing champion Ingemar Johansson, who had knocked
out Floyd Patterson to win the crown in June 1959, made an appearance between games. The Lakers won their game 100-94.
23
“Burglars Ransack Newton Home of Boston Garden Head,” Boston Globe, October 22, 1951.
24
Bob Ryan, “Cannon's car found at Logan,” Boston Globe, October 9, 1975. Cannon was attempting a comeback from medical problems and did not make the
team.
25
Bob Ryan, “Celtics’s query: Where's Pace?,” Boston Globe, September 19, 1978.
26
John Powers, “Celtics reject Johnson,” Boston Globe, October 6, 1977.
27
Ryan, Bob. Scribe: My Life in Sports. New York: Bloomsbury, 2014, p2-3. Ryan wrote that he agreed to edit Cowens’s statement, and that the published
version was “80 to 85 percent Cowens and 15 to 20 percent Ryan.”
28
Dave Cowens, “’I gave a little extra’,” Boston Globe, October 2, 1980.
29
A note on NBA.com states that rosters were reduced to 10 for the 1947-48 season, but 12 players appeared for the Celtics in the second game of the season.
The Celtics may have been given a roster exemption, or rosters may have been reduced to 10 in December.
30
Monroe would play 22 regular season games and 3 playoff games with the Celtics this season, while also attending law school. “Celtics Begin Workouts,”
Christian Science Monitor, October 1, 1948.
31
On the morning of November 2, a fire ripped through the gym and the area where the players were staying. See “Back Bay Fire Costs Celtics ‘New Look’,”
Boston Globe, November 3, 1948 and Wire story, “Athletes Flee Fire In Boston U Gym,” Pittsburgh Press, November 2, 1948. The title of the Globe article refers
to the “four sets of new uniforms” that were lost in the fire.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 69

32
Art Spector was released on November 19 to make room for Tony Lavelli, and was immediately named as an assistant coach.
33
On October 19, Campbell, Desci, and Kelly were loaned to the Celtics unofficial affiliate in the American Basketball League, the Hartford Hurricanes, and
Walter was sold to the Hurricanes on the same day. Bob Zaiman, “Boston Club Options Four Players to Hurricanes,” Hartford Courant, October 20, 1948. The
Hurricanes franchise played in Hartford beginning during the 1947-48 season (on December 19, after relocating from Elizabeth, New Jersey, where they were
named the Braves) through the 1949-50 season. See: http://apbr.org/abl2552.html
34
Gibson was acquired from the Tri-Cities Hawks on October 21. “Bruins, Montreal at Garden Tomorrow,” Christian Science Monitor, October 22, 1949.
35
Allen, Bach, Campbell, Goodwin, Seagrist, Speicher, Vandenburgh, Washburn, and Wright would all be assigned to the Celtics affiliate in the American
Basketball League, the Hartford Hurricanes. “Celtics Send 6 Players to Hurricanes,” (Bridgeport, CT) Sunday Herald, October 16, 1949; “`Canes Sign Texas Giant
Get Set For Sunday Game,” Hartford Courant, October 21, 1949; “Bill Vandenburgh and Johnny Bach Join Hurricanes,” Hartford Courant, October 22, 1949.
36
Rosters were reduced to 10 on December 1.
37
The Celtics selected Chuck Share number one overall in the 1950 draft, but Share signed with the Waterloo Hawks who had been dropped by the NBA and
joined the new (and short-lived) National Professional Basketball League for the 1950-51 season. Share was then dealt to the Pistons in 1951 in exchange for Bill
Sharman.
38
“Boston Celtics Sign 2nd Tan Cage Ace,” The (Baltimore) Afro-American, August 12, 1950. Walthour is described as 21 years old and having played for the Harlem
Yankees the previous two years.
39
Freedman, Lew. Dynasty: The Rise of the Boston Celtics. Guilford, CT: Lyons Press, 2008, p29.
40
Jacobson, Steve. Carrying Jackie’s Torch: The Players who Integrated Baseball – and America. Chicago: Lawrence Hill, 2007, p109.
41
“Celtics Play Bullets at Arena Sunday,” Boston Globe, October 24, 1950.
42
Jack Barry, “Celtics Score 98-85 Win; Cousy Tallies 20,” Boston Globe, October 30, 1950.
43
Jack Barry, “Cousy Hoops Gives Celts 79-78 Win,” Boston Globe, October 29, 1951. A Globe photograph shows Bob Brannum, who usually wore #18, wearing a
#19 jersey with #24 on shorts.
44
Jack Barry, “Why Jack Barry Spent His Vacation Touring With the Celtics,” Boston Globe, November 1, 1953. “They had been quartered from Sept. 28 to Oct.
12 at the historic Burrell House in Ellsworth, ME., practicing for two weeks at the local high school gym, a magnificent structure.” The team had also spent three
weeks at Ellsworth in 1952.
45
Wire story, “Celtics, Knicks Win,” Boston Globe, October 25, 1953.
46
The school formally merged with the (mostly) girls-only Buckingham School in 1974 to form Buckingham, Browne & Nichols; see
http://www.bbns.org/page.cfm?p=517
47
Conley “retired” and left the team on October 29 to focus on baseball. He would rejoin the Celtics in 1958.
48
This pick is listed in most sources as “Gordon Mungier” of Spring Hill College, but that institution’s record book and Hall Of Fame both list Jules Mugnier as the
correct spelling. For example: http://shcbadgers.com/sports/2014/7/29/MBB_0729144503.aspx?path=mbball
49
Frank Cline of the Hartford Courant wrote that “All in all it was a poorly planned and horribly executed excuse for a basketball game.” Frank Cline, “Royals
Beat Celtics, 99-95 Before 2,700 At Armory,” Hartford Courant, October 19, 1954. His complaints included: poor lighting, a sound system that many could not
hear, and a scoreboard so small that few could read it. The game was preceded by a contest between “Frankie’s Drive-In” and the Hartford Courant basketball
team, won by Frankie’s 56-54.
50
The “College All-Stars” were comprised of high-profile NBA rookies who played a series of exhibition games against NBA teams before rejoining their own
clubs.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 70

51
Note that Dooley, Hughes, and McNeal were African-Americans. A photo uncovered on Facebook, which includes Walter Brown and what appear to be eight
members of the Celtics 1955 rookie class, features four African-American players; if the photo is correct, the fourth player is missing from my list of training camp
attendees.
52
The new Bangor Auditorium (II) opened on October 1, 1955 to replace the original 1897 building, but the 1897 building continued to be used until it was
demolished in 1965. The new facility hosted a Celtics regular season game against the Syracuse Nationals on December 30, 1955 and newspaper articles suggest
that the first basketball games held in the new arena were high school games in December, which would mean that the October game was held in the old
building. See David M. Fitzpatrick, “History of the Bangor Auditorium,” Bangor Daily News, January 16, 2013: http://bangordailynews.com/2013/01/16/the-
weekly/auditoriumhistory-2/
53
Wire story, “Gola Fractures Hand in Game Against Celtics,” Boston Globe, October 12, 1955.
54
“Celtics, Rochester Play at Springfield, Aid Hall of Fame,” Boston Globe, October 20, 1955. Eddie Shore donated the use of the arena, and the
baskets/backboards were donated by Springfield-based American International College. Article states “the entire receipts going to the Hall of Fame scheduled
for erection on the Campus of Springfield College where the game was born in 1891.” It would take years to raise the funds to build the original Hall of Fame,
and plans for a lavish $1.25-million facility with a rotunda and a landscaped mall were slashed in half and reduced to a modest two-story rectangular brick
building that would open in 1968. Also see John Powers, “A Western Showdown: Where does the Basketball Hall of Fame belong?...,” Boston Globe, November
2, 1980. The building would host a reported 630,179 visitors from 1968 until it closed on June 9, 1985, three weeks before a new $11.4-million facility opened
next to the Connecticut River and Interstate 91 in Springfield. Wire story, “Hall of Fame closes door,” The Lewiston Journal, June 10, 1985.
55
Frank Cline of the Hartford Courant gave the Firemen’s Association credit for improving the court conditions and getting the “Armory in as fine a shape as
possible for a basketball game.” Frank Cline, “Royals Whip Celtics Easily 89 to 75,” Hartford Courant, October 28, 1955.
56
Five weeks later, on the afternoon of November 18, the seven-year-old arena would burn to the ground as a result of an explosion caused by an ammonia
(refrigerant) gas leak in the building. R. Bruce Huntington, “Investigate Ruins of St. Doms Arena,” Lewiston Evening Journal, November 19, 1956. The arena was
empty at the time of the fire.
57
Rosters may have been reduced to 10 in December, since Loscutoff was injured in the third game of the season, played twice more in November before having
season-ending surgery, and was never replaced on the roster.
58
Rosters were reduced to 10 in December.
59
Wire story, “Celtics Win 4th in Row,” Boston Globe, October 10, 1958.
60
Jason Butynski, “Jaywalking: Barnstorming,” Greenfield (MA) Recorder, January 13, 2015. Nichols Gym was replaced in 2015 and hosted its last basketball game
in December 2014; see Kathleen McKiernan, “Greenfield High School nears final phase of construction,” Greenfield (MA) Recorder, January 3, 2015.
61
Wire story, “Celts Nip St. Louis In Benefit,” Boston Globe, October 22, 1958. Plans for the doubleheader were announced in May (see “Maurice Stokes Day
Scheduled By Pros,” Gadsden Times, May 9, 1958) just two months after Stokes fell ill. Note that the first annual “Maurice Stokes Game” at Kutsher’s Country
Club in New York’s Catskills would take place the following summer on August 4, 1959. http://grantland.com/features/bryan-curtis-tragic-inspirational-story-
maurice-stokes/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GY123yxYCE
62
Returning servicemen received a 60-day roster exemption, which allowed the Celtics to carry Maurice King on opening night. Rosters were reduced to 10 on
December 15.
63
Spelled “Lieber” in many NBA draft sources, but “Liebler” in contemporary sources and on the Holy Cross web site.
64
Tsioropoulos would retire on September 25 due to continued problems with a “disc on his spine” that had required an operation. “Tsioropoulos Retires From
Boston Celtics,” Hartford Courant, September 27, 1959.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 71

65
New building which opened in January 1959, replacing St. Dominic’s Arena that had burned down in 1956 (see earlier note). The new building, which was also
referred to as “St. Dominic’s Arena,” would later host the famous Ali-Liston “phantom punch” fight in 1965. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/20/sports/the-
night-the-ali-liston-fight-came-to-lewiston.html?_r=0
66
John Richter planned to sit out the season due to a blood clot in his left arm. He never played in the NBA again. “Celt’s Richter Sidelined By Blood Clot,” Boston
Globe, September 10, 1960.
67
A Google search in July 2015 uncovered a document for sale that contained Sappington’s signature (with “Texas” signed after his name) along with the
signatures of Russell, Sanders, K.C. Jones, and Sam Jones.
68
Nixon spoke at the “new” Bangor Auditorium. It is unclear if the Celtics played this game at the “new” or “old” arena. Wire Story, “Nixon Asks Voters Look At
Record,” Berkshire Eagle, October 1, 1960.
69
Attendance was 575 in a 620 seat gym on Housatonic Street in Lenox. The school was later replaced as the high school and renamed as the Cameron School.
In 2001 the school was sold and the gym became a cafeteria for an assisted-living facility. Derek Gentile, “Celtics-Lakers rivalry dates back to Lenox, 1960,”
Berkshire Eagle, June 2, 2008.
70
Wire story, “Celtics Trip Los Angeles,” Eugene Register-Guard, October 10, 1960. Mel Zikes, “Lakers Lose L.A. Opener by 106-101,” Los Angeles Times, October
10, 1960.
71
All 12 players played on opening night. Rosters were reduced to 11 on December 15, and the Celtics sold Al Butler to the Knicks on December 10 to reach that
limit.
72
Wire story, “Cousy Stars – Loscutoff Fights,” Eugene Register-Guard, October 3, 1961.
73
Dr. Gordon Trim had been the president of Babson College from 1957 until his sudden death on May 5, 1961. http://www.babson.edu/about-babson/at-a-
glance/babsons-history/timeline/Pages/from-institute-to-college.aspx
74
John J. Archibald, “Green Won’t Fly, Celtics Give Him Air,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 7, 1963. When later asked about Green’s potential, Auerbach
answered, “I sure would have liked to see him play in this series with the Hawks. But he insisted on coming from Boston to St. Louis by bus, and when he got
here Friday he said he didn’t want to fly to Ottumwa, Ia., with us for Saturday’s game. He has a phobia about flying.”
75
Wire story, “Knicks-Celts to Play Hall of Fame Game,” The Day, July 24, 1964.
76
Kimball was the Celtics third-round pick in 1965, but spent the 1965-66 season playing in Italy for the Ignis Varese team in the Italian National League. See Wire
Story, “Celtics Draftee Accepts Offer To Play in Italy,” The Telegraph, June 15, 1965, and Wire Story, “Kimball To Celtics, Released By Italian 5,” The Norwalk Hour,
September 17, 1966. Ignis won the inaugural European Intercontinental Cup championship in 1965 and Kimball scored 13 points in the title game. See
http://www.linguasport.com/baloncesto/internacional/clubes/intercontinental/intercontinental_e.htm
77
Boston State College was merged into University of Massachusetts-Boston in 1982.
78
Camp was originally scheduled to be held at the Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod, but the Boston Globe reported on September 5 that a scheduling conflict
would force the team to move to the Cambridge YMCA for the first four days (rookies only) and then Brandeis University (September 19 and forward). But the
Globe’s articles on September 16 and beyond specifically state that the camp was being held at the Tobin Gym, which was also an occasional practice site during
the regular season.
79
Rookies reported on the 15th, veterans on the 17th.
80
Jo Jo White was in the Marine Corps Reserves and was supposed to report to the Celtics on December 18, but then got leave so he would be available for the
first 5 games. But when the Celtics picked up Niemann on October 16, they left White on the inactive list; White would make his debut on November 14.
81
At halftime, the Jackson Touchdown Club presented Howell with their 1968 “professional Athlete of the Year Award” – a curious choice until you realize that
Howell had starred at Mississippi State University as a collegian. Wire story, “Atlanta defeats Celtics, 113-110,” The Delta Democrat-Times (Greenville,
Mississippi), September 26, 1969.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 72

82
Dinwiddie’s wife passed away the week before camp opened, and he was cut before the team’s first preseason game. Wire Story, “Havlicek is Holdout,” The
(Nashua, NH) Telegraph, September 14, 1972.
83
This season the NBA adopted a rule, proposed by the NBA Players Association, which limited each team to 8 preseason games. Bob Ryan, “For crying out loud
boys, give Havlicek his wish,” Boston Globe, September 17, 1972.
84
Now known as the University of North Alabama.
85
McCamey is listed in most draft sources as “McCarney” but McCamey is the correct spelling. See the 2012-13 Oral Roberts Men’s Basketball Media Guide and
several contemporary newspaper stories on Google News.
86
The day before, Chaney ended his holdout and signed a contract with the ABA's Spirits of St. Louis, effective at the start of the 1975-76 season after he played
out his option during 1974-75.
87
With 11:13 left to play, Don Nelson scratched Kareem’s left eye, then Abdul-Jabbar “pounded the basket support in frustration” and broke “the fourth
metacarpal bone in his right hand.” Abdul-Jabbar was expected to be out 3-6 weeks and did not return to action until November 23. Bob Ryan, “Bucks beat
Celtics, but Jabbar fractures hand,” Boston Globe, October 6, 1974.
88
X-rays the next day showed that Cowens broke the first metatarsal bone in the foot. Expected to be out seven weeks, Cowens returned on November 22 with
Boston having posted a 9-8 record in his absence.
89
Finkel was released on November 19 without playing a game. Jerome Anderson was activated to replace him.
90
Sunday was Walton’s first game of the preseason after suffering a broken toe. During the game Walton injured his right eye in the third quarter while battling
John Havlicek for a loose ball, then was involved in a car accident after the game and ended up in the hospital for overnight observation for what were described
as minor injuries.
91
Heinsohn was fired in January 1978 and replaced by Satch Sanders.
92
Sanders was elevated to head coach in January 1978 and hired K.C. Jones to replace him. Prior to the season, Sanders had replaced John Killilea, who left
Boston for Milwaukee for a dual role as an assistant to head coach Don Nelson and as the Bucks assistant director of player personnel.
93
Rosters were sliced from 12 to 11 players for the 1977-78 season and would not be restored to 12 until the 1981-82 season.
94
Johnson was acquired by the Celtics in the offseason, and played in the October 4 exhibition game against Buffalo (2 points in 7 minutes) before being returned
to the Rockets due to a dispute about his contract.
95
The facility opened in March 1977: http://www.ticketluck.com/venues/Cumberland-County-Civic-Center/index.php
96
Sanders was fired in November 1978 and replaced with Dave Cowens, who served as player-coach.
97
MacKinnon was as assistant coach and director of player personnel for the Buffalo Braves in 1977-78. When John Y. Brown swapped the Braves for the Celtics,
he retained MacKinnon’s contract, and named him as an assistant coach with the Celtics on August 22. MacKinnon left Boston a year later to join Kevin Loughery’s
staff in New Jersey.
98
Stacom signed with the Indiana Pacers in July 1978 and was then sold back to the Celtics in February 1979.
99
A separate rookie camp opened a week earlier.
100
Most veterans were slated to report on October 2 after the conclusion of a rookie/free agent “orientation camp.” The Celtics had held a separate rookie camp
back in August.
101
Compared with previous years, the start of the season was pushed out by three weeks so the playoffs could end after May sweeps, a critical television ratings
measurement period; the goal was to have playoff games aired live on CBS instead of on tape delay.
102
The Celtics played in at least three “Hall of Fame” benefit games in Springfield during the 1950’s and 1960’s, and also participated in the first “Hall of Fame
Game” at the Springfield Civic Center after it opened in 1972. That exhibition game took place during the regular season on November 13, 1972, with the
Celtics defeating the Pistons 119-117. See Bob Ryan, “Celtics, on exhibit, stay hot,” Boston Globe, November 14, 1972.
Barnstorming through New England: The Boston Celtics in the Preseason, 1946-1991 73

103
Ed Badger is listed in some sources as a Celtics assistant from 1984 through 1988, but his title in the Celtics Media Guides of the period was “Chief Scout” or
“Scout.” Badger spent most of his time on the road, not with the team.
104
http://www.lhsathletichalloffame.com/listings/tracy-mitchell-class-of-1979/
105
“USA Today scribe David DuPree, 39, played 41 seconds for the Celts at the start of the fourth quarter and held Cheeks scoreless. Boston outscored
Philadelphia, 3-0, while DuPree was on the floor... “ Dan Shaughnessy, “Bird's On; Celtics, Too,” Boston Globe, October 5, 1985.
106
A film crew for the upcoming feature “The Amazing Grace and Chuck” was on hand for a pregame scrimmage and the first two minutes of the second
quarter. Alex English of the Denver Nuggets “made a cameo appearance in the second quarter wearing a Celtics uniform (Fred Roberts No. 31) and joined Greg
Kite, Jerry Sichting, Sam Vincent and Rick Carlisle against Philadelphia's Perry Moss, Danny Vranes, Tim McCormick, David Wingate and Ron Rowan. English was
inserted into the actual game as part of a staged sequence for the movie in which he plays a Celtic.” Michael Vega, “English Becomes Celtic For Show,” Boston
Globe, October 11, 1986.
107
Bob Ryan, “Vincent, Wedman Traded,” Boston Globe, October 17, 1987.
108
Michael Vega, “Rookie Sweating Out Final Cut,” Boston Globe, October 30, 1988.
109
http://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1990/01/10/scooter-barry-runs-from-dads-shadow/f9a59632-334a-4318-9838-558b9ea3205c/
110
“Celtics fans have Michael Jordan to blame for Bird's latest back woes. He accidentally nailed Bird in the sacroiliac area during the celebrity basketball game
at last month’s Kenny Rogers get-together outside Atlanta. It happened just before training camp.” Peter May, “Celtics Pluck Jazz To Finish Out Exhibition
String,” Boston Globe, October 30, 1990.
111
Wire story, “600 See Celtics Win Exhibition At Berlin,” Lewiston Daily Sun, October 24, 1951.

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