Boston Celtics: A tribute to Tom Heinsohn

Boston Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn passed away at the age of 86 on Tuesday.

The saying of 2020 sucks has become common vernacular this year. On Tuesday, Boston Celtics got some news that only added to the dumpster fire that is this year. Beloved Celtics legend Tommy Heinsohn has passed away.

Heinsohn’s career began in the 1950s. He was named Rookie of the Year in his first season where he nearly averaged a double-double.  Heinsohn would spend his entire playing career in Boston winning eight championships with the team as a player.

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Just as a player you could say that Heinsohn was a legend. He easily could have ended up in the Hall of Fame just based on his playing days.

But Heinsohn had a lot more left in the tank. Four years after his playing days were over, he became head coach of the team.

Heinsohn continued his winning ways. He won two NBA championships as a head coach and also was named Coach of the Year for the 1972-73 season.

After nine seasons Heinsohn was done working on the bench and two years later would find himself in his most beloved role. For a lot of Celtics fans, this is where we first met Tommy. Heinsohn became the color commentator for the Celtics TV broadcasts in 1981.

As recently as this past season Heinsohn was calling games with his play by play partner Mike Gorman.

For a younger person like myself, my introduction to Heinsohn was amazing. We heard him on TV boldly calling out officials and giving out “Tommy Points” to players who would be hustling all over the floor. He made every broadcast a blast to watch. It’s hard to imagine Celtics games without him.

Rest in Peace Tommy Heinsohn you will forever be remembered by Celtics fans for all you have done for the organization. Watching C’s games won’t be the same without you.