Of course I was a die-hard Celtic fan from before the Red Auerbach era. When Red built what became the first Celtic Dynasty Bill Sharman was a huge part of that. Names for positions that Red assigned have sprung up over the years, like point guard (Bob Cousy was the first), third man (Frank Ramsey was the first) and shooting guard which was Bill Sharman's and did he ever fill that role to a tee. (NOTE)---Togo Palazzi was the first consideration by Red for the sixth man's job, which was for instant offense, but Togo made a big mistake which will be a story for another day soon...Stay tuned.
Sharman, upon leaving the Celtics after winning six titles, made his way to the L.A. Lakers and, with the knowledge he had learned from Red, built their championship teams which we here in Boston call "Celtics West. He passed that knowledge on to Jerry West who continued their tradition.
My own special relationship with Sharman came in the off season of 1959 when Bill was the gold pro at Unicorn Golf club in Stoneham, Mass. Of course Sharman had a hoop set up next to the pro shop and, when he had the time, he'd play a game of 21 (shooting foul shots, for all you novices). Everyone knew Bill was the greatest in the NBA but it was always a thrill to "compete" against Bill and just hang out with him. (He was one of the most affable people you ever met, unlike too many self styled superstars of today.) The loser would drop a dollar into a barrel which was for donations to the Jimmy Fund. He would let me go first and, of course, as soon as I missed he would sink elein a row and that was the ballgame but everyone still loved the experience. Well, one day, on my "umpteenth" try against Bill I sank eleven in a row for the win and Bill never even got a shot. He chuckled about it and put his buck into the barrel. I was so thrilled I put $5 into the barrel. Bill thought that was a nice gesture and gave me a brand new Titleist golf ball (The best there is for you non-golfers) which, of course I still have.
In 2007, the 50th anniversary of the Celtics first title win I was invited to the celebration dinner with the rest of that team, as well as a few hundred season ticket holders and younger media guys. I was the only sportswriter there who had actually been at that seventh game. After the luncheon I stayed and chatted with the players, the idols of my youth. When I spoke to Bill and told him that story he said, "I remember that very well, you were the only guy I ever lost to." I doubt that Bill really remembered the incident but it was a kind gesture, typical of the man Bill Sharman was. I'll always remember him that way as will the many people, fans and teammates alike whose life he touched and enriched throughout the years.
Bill Sharman may be gone but he'll never be forgotten...especially by this reporter.