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The 1946-47 season marked the humble beginnings of what would eventually become one of the most storied franchises in sports history. The Boston Celtics were founded by Walter A. Brown, who operated the Boston Garden arena and was affiliated with the NHL's Boston Bruins. Brown was instrumental in establishing both the Basketball Association of America (which would later become the NBA) and the Celtics franchise in early June 1946.
Before settling on the iconic "Celtics" name, Brown considered several alternatives including Whirlwinds, Unicorns, and Olympics. He ultimately chose "Celtics" to appeal to Boston's significant Irish American community – a strategic decision that would help establish deep roots in the city's cultural identity.
For their inaugural season, the team hired John "Honey" Russell as head coach. The Celtics' journey began inauspiciously with a 59-53 loss to the Providence Steamrollers and continued to struggle, starting the season with five consecutive losses before finally securing their first victory against the Toronto Huskies.
The roster featured several notable players, including a young Chuck Connors (born Kevin Connors), who would later achieve greater fame as an actor starring in the television western "The Rifleman" after also playing Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. Other key players included Dutch Garfinkel and Connie Simmons, who contributed 18 points in one memorable performance.
This was a time of pioneers in professional basketball, with teams like the Detroit Falcons (who folded after just one season) featuring early basketball trailblazers such as Moe Becker, Robert Dille, Grady Lewis, Stan Miasek, and Milt Schoon.
Though far from the championship juggernaut they would later become, this inaugural season laid the foundation for what would eventually grow into the most successful franchise in NBA history.
Offered is an original 1946-47 Boston Garden Ticket Envelope with Boston Celtics Basketball Home Schedule on one side.
As a bonus, we are including 2 tickets for the February 28, 1947 Ice Follies at the Boston Garden. The overall condition is excellent with minor overall wear.
This is the first schedule of any kind that we have ever seen for the FIRST YEAR NBA – Boston Celtics.
This is exceedingly rare!!!!!!
Item: 13908
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