Syracuse Nationals player Dolph Schayes (left) presented retiring Celtics player Bob Cousy with a gift on “Bob Cousy Day” at the Boston Garden on March 17, 1963.Dan Goshtigian/Globe Staff
I really enjoyed Bob Ryan’s column about the legendary Bob Cousy in last Sunday’s Globe (“Cousy ‘in double overtime’ at 98,” Sports, Aug. 9). Cousy made impossible behind-the-back passes and accomplished feats that seemed superhuman. Ryan did a magnificent job of capturing the spirit of the Boston Celtics dynasty.
I was lucky enough to be in the Boston Garden with my father on March 17, 1963, to celebrate Bob Cousy Day. Thousands of fans walked by a car inside the Garden that was a retirement gift to the “Houdini of the Hardwood” from the Celtics. The vehicle was covered in a film of dust that fans wrote messages on with their fingers. After my 8-year-old right index digit dragged through the grime to spell, “GO COOZ,” I told my dad I would never wash that finger again!
Later, we heard Joe Dillon, a water department worker from South Boston, break the respectful silence by yelling from a high balcony, “We love ya, Cooz!” Ryan’s column ended with that quote, which has become an iconic part of Boston lore.
Eddie Doherty
Mattapoisett