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The 1946–47 Boston Celtics season was the first season of the Boston Celtics in the Basketball Association of America (BAA/NBA). Walter A. Brown was the man who was responsible for starting the franchise. On an early June day in 1946, Brown, who operated the Boston Garden arena and was part of the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins, was the driving force behind the Basketball Association of America and the Celtics birth. After considering several team names, including Whirlwinds, Unicorns and Olympics, Brown opted for Celtics. He hoped to grab the attention of Boston's large Irish American population. John Davis "Honey" Russell was hired as the first Celtics coach, and the team soon began its inaugural season, losing its first game 59–53 to the Providence Steamrollers. Although the Celtics would eventually become the signature franchise of the NBA, the club had a lacklustre first season as they started with 0 wins and 5 losses. The Celtics won their first game of the season against the Toronto Huskies.
The Celtics featured a young Kevin Connors, otherwise known as Chuck Connors who in addition to playing professional basketball; would play in the Major Leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cubs. Connors would game infamy by going out to Hollywood and starring as the “Rifleman” for millions of western fans across the world. Also on th roster were Dutch Garfinkel and Connie Simmons who scored 18 points. They were coached by HOFer, John “Honey” Russell. The Detroit Falcons played their only season in the first year NBA before folding. They featured professional basketball pioneers such as Moe Becker, Robert Dille, Grady Lewis, Stan Miasek, and Milt Schoon.
This game played on March 6, 1947 in Boston was won by the Celtics 74-65. There were only 4000 fans in attendance.
Offered is a first year program. We’ve never seen a Celtics program from their first year in the NBA. Program features Tight binding, no missing pages, no writing in program. Some wear, but overall EX plus condition. Did we say exceedingly rare?
Item: 8292
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