First let me get the explanation of his name out of the way: Togo's father was an admirer of the great Japanese admiral (Togo) who defeated Russia in the Russo-Japanese war...Thus the name.
After a storybook career at Holy Cross Togo became the Celtics first round pick in the 1954 draft, (5th overall pick in the country)
There were even people in Worcester who said Togo was a better player than Bob Cousy but Togo modestly disagrees. "We played diffrerent positions," said Togo. "Cooz" ran the whole team and made his guys play at an accelerated pace. He controlled the tempo of the game and kept everyone involved. If they all ran and moved around to get open Bob would get them the ball exactly where they liked it to get off their shot. He called it dishing out the "sugar." If nobody was open then he dribbled around until someone DID get open or took the shot himself. On the otherhand, I was instant offense and a pretty good rebounder. I was in great shape, ran forever, and never slowed down. Of course we had a pretty good team and, with Tommy (Heinsohn) on the court with me I never was double teamed.
NOTE---Togo held the scoring and rebounding records at Holy Cross in those days but, after he graduated, Heinsohn broke them (and they still stand).
I was in high school then but, boy, do I remember those days. My buddies and I would listen to the Holy Cross games on the portable radio and followed them on the sports pages. And, back in those days there were a lot of B.C. and B.U. fans who were always willing to bet against Holy Cross. Needless to say I won almost all of my bets thanks to Togo and Tommy Heinsohn.
We had nick-names for everyone back then, probably because of the strong influence of Johnny Most who very quickly became a household name himself. Togo was the "Mad Bomber" and Heinsohn was "Tommy Gun," or "The Big T from Holy Cross." They used to say that Tommy never saw a shot he didn't like. Especially his patented hook shot from "downtown," that always seemed to go in. Tommy later explained that Auerbach told him if he was open, from 17 feet on in, and didn't take the shot he'd fine him $5. As history has shown us Tommy never had to be fined.
As for Togo, don't ever get the idea that he was a "hound," he just knew how the game was supposed to be played and he knew what his role was. Whenever he had the open shot he let it fly. If it wasn't there he passed the ball and went for the rebound. He was a great rebounder when needed, and he scored tons of points with second and third efforts. "Getting the rebounds is of vital importance," says Togo. That's why Red went for Bill Russell. If I'd been able to spend my entire career with Russ it would have changed my life," he added. (More about that later.
Togo was the epitome of a team player and did many different things on the court and did whatever was needed. Most importantly he was a winner. He knew HOW to win.
In 1950 Togo was a first team high school all-star in New Jersey as well as first team national schoolboy All-American. In 1953 he was a third team college All-American at Holy Cross and was named MVP of the Sugar Bowl Tournament in New Orleans beating out the great Bob Pettit. In 1954, as a senior, he was first team All-American. That year he led Holy Cross to the NIT championship and was named MVP of THAT tournament as well. In his last two years at The "Cross" he was voted first team All-American by the AP, UPI and Helms Poll which was the most prestigious in the country back then. He averaged 26 points a game as a senior and finished his career with a 22 PPG average and averaged 16 rebounds a game. He is the second leading scorer in Holy Cross history just behind, who else, Tommy Heinsohn. What better way to cap of such an illustrious career at Holy Cross than to be the Boston Celtics number one draft pick in 1954, (5th overall in the country.)
I first met Togo in 1995 when he was a guest speaker at a charity event in Worcester. He's an incredible motivational speaker and works tirelessly for kids', or any other, charity that asks him. Rico Petrocelli, another guest speaker of the same ilk, introduced us. I was taken by surprise when I realized that Togo was a kind, gentle, soft-spoken and unassuming gentleman instead of the cocky, "braggadocio" type one would associate with his mile-a-minute, shoot-from-the-hip gunslinger style of basketball he played (gulp) 46 years before. (Could it have possibly been that long ago?)
I found myself reverting to the "fan" I was back then and started a recollection of those years. Togo was very friendly and almost embarrassed at the compliments I gave him on those days gone by. I really enjoyed the conversation and all the stories he shared with me and told him I'd like to do a story on him. He gave me his home phone number and a great friendship began.
I always knew Togo was a member of the first world championship team (56-57) but never knew why he was traded about a third of the way into the season. As I got to know him better I finally asked him how that came about. He explained that upon coming into the Garden one morning he found, with no explanation, that Red had put him on the inactive list. He got so upset about it he shot right up to Walter Brown's (team owner) office and said, "If Red's not going to play me then I want to be traded." Walter, always a gentleman and a soft touch for his players didn't know anything about it but asked Togo to wait until Red got back tomorrow for an explanation. Togo, still fuming as young 24 year olders sometimes do, he said, "Somebody out there must want me and if Red doesn't then I want to be traded!" Walter replied, "Togo, everybody wants you but why not wait until Red gets back?" When Togo said no Walter said, "Well where would you want to go." Togo thought for a second and said he wouldn't mind playing with Dolph Schayes in Syracuse. (Now the 76ers) Walter picked up the phone, spoke to the Syracuse owner and just like that the deal was made.
NOTE:---When Togo reported to Syracuse he got to the game as the 4th quarter began and Syracuse down by 12. Togo went in and scored 12 straight points.
The next day, when Red heard the story he said to Togo, "No, you can't leave now, I've got plans for you. I just needed a roster spot for a few days and it was between you and Tsiropoulis (Lou). He just had back surgery and I had to see what he could do. I already know what you can do and it's just what I need for some future plans I have."
NOTE:---Since Togo WAS instant scoring and Frank Ramsey was still in the army, Togo was going to become the very first sixth man. Instead that job went to Ramsey and the rest is NBA history.
Wow, what a story. I wondered why we never heard about that before. After all Togo was a crowd favorite, a great teammate and, when he left it broke a lot of hearts, mine included. "I was just too young, impatient and bull-headed," said Togo so off I went to Syracuse and that was that."
I asked him who Red needed the roster spot for and he quietly, (embarrassed like) said, "Bill Russell. Holy cow, how come nobody ever heard THAT story? I asked Togo if Russ knew about that and he said he didn't. "Ironically my style of play would have fit perfectly with Russ' rebounding
(There's a story here that I'll get to in a minute.....stay tuned.
As Togo and I got deep into conversation I found out he had kind of lost touch with Red and the team and hadn't been to the Garden in years. (I felt he just didn't like to impose, not realizing he was part of Celtic history in their eyes) When I mentioned this to Jeff Twiss, VP of media relations for the Celts, he said he thought Togo had moved back to New Jersey but would love to have him come to a game. When I took Togo into the Garden and introduced him to Jeff it was like an old homecoming. Togo has been invited to every Celtic family event since, including the 50th anniversary luncheon for the first world championship team (1957) that was held in April, 2007.
Now for that story I promised...I was at the 50th anniversary luncheon and, after everyone else but the players had left, I asked Togo if he told Russ THE STORY. When he said he hadn't Russ said. "What story is that?" When Togo ever told about that fateful day Everyone started to laugh including Russell with his trademark bellowing cackle. "Now I've got one for you," Russell said taking over the floor. "Back then travel and hotel accommodations for each player were made at the beginning of the season for the entire year. I WAS "Togo Palazzi all year long." I said to Red, "What the heck is a "Togo Palazzi?" Of course that became a big joke for years.
The whole day was like magical for me and getting to chat with all the Celtic superstars of my youth was an experience. and a lifelong memory, to pass on to future generations. We were all given framed photos of that 1957 championship team and I got the "starting 6" (Russell not included of course) along with Togo to autograph it for me. I was happy for Togo to finally get recognition for being on that team and would be very proud indeed if I had anything to do with his being there.
When I asked Togo if he had written a book about his life as yet he said, "No, who'd want to hear about what I'VE done." I reminded him of the many stories he had just crying to be heard and of the many thing he'd done and awards he'd received and offered to help him write it. He was still a humble guy and said he'd think about it.
Togo not only runs a basketball camp for kids but has coached for many years at different levels...He's been a pioneer in coaching women's basketball going all the way back to 1980 when he became the first full-time women's coach at Holy Cross, compiling a 102-28 record over 5 years leading them to a first time appearance by a New England team in 1985. In 1960 he coached Babson to their first winning season (16-9) after taking over an 0-6 record. There were several more teams and great records through the years. Among them St. Mary's High in Worcester from '69'72' where they went 68-22 and won a district championship and several parochial B titles. From 72-80 Togo was assistant men's coach at Holy Cross. (6 20 win seasons, 3 NIT and 2 NCAA tournament appearances.) He's had great success wherever he's coached and when he was head coach at Framingham State in 1992 they were selected the most improved team in New England Division III.
Togo also received, for an unprecedented 3 years in a row, the Cervini-Hardy Sportsmanship award presented by basketball officials and athletic directors in Massachusetts. Togo not only teaches kids basketball but sportsmanship as well which he considers most important.
Togo's name has been put up for induction into the Massachusetts Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame and I can't possibly see him not being in there. "That would mean a lot to me," said Togo who is very proud of his Italian heritage.
I can't help thinking of how lucky I was the day I met Togo. I feel like I've re-discovered a living Celtic legend and can't wait until his book comes out........Stay tuned.....