Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, January 4, 1993 TAG: 9301040041
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BOSTON LENGTH: Medium
CELTICS' ANNOUNCER MOST DIES
Broadcaster Johnny Most, whose affection for the Boston Celtics and his gravelly voice gave a distinctive air to radio coverage of the games for nearly 40 years, died Sunday. He was 69.Most died of cardiac arrest at Cape Cod Hospital, a hospital spokeswoman said.
"Johnny Most brought basketball into the kitchens, the living rooms and most of all the young boys' bedrooms late at night and portrayed basketball as a morality play," former Celtics player, coach and now announcer Tom Heinsohn said. "There aren't very many people with pen or word of mouth that could portray it any better than Johnny Most did."
Most was "a fan of the ballclub, rooting and working at the same time," Celtics president Red Auerbach said.
Most, who had moved from New York, began broadcasting Celtics games in 1952. In recent years, he overcame numerous health problems to remain on the air.
He had hearing troubles for some time and had a stroke. He underwent triple-bypass heart surgery on Sept. 18, 1989. He had planned to return to the microphone in November 1989, but a setback kept him away until the Celtics' 29th game of the season, on Jan. 4, 1990 against Washington.
Back in his customary seat in an overhang off the Boston Garden balcony behind the Celtics bench, Most stood and waved, teary-eyed and touched by the crowd's pregame standing ovation.
"When I walked in here tonight, I thought the Garden is the most beautiful building in the world. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," he said.
Instead of doing his usual play-by-play, Most handled commentary in the second half. Glenn Ordway, who did play-by-play in his absence, continued in that role. The Celtics won 120-101.
But Most's distinctive gravelly voice had changed. He had given up cigarettes and spoke in smoother, higher tones.
The longtime broadcaster finally retired in October 1990, saying he was no longer strong enough to call the games. He was honored at Boston Garden on Dec. 3, 1990, when his microphone was formally retired.
"Johnny Most is truly a Celtic, always has been, always will be," Auerbach said at the time. "He is informative, colorful, humorous and loyal, and he's been a part of all the banners hanging in the Boston Garden."
Most's legs were amputated above the knee a year ago this week because of severe peripheral vascular disease and infection.
Most's trademark was his constant portrayal of the Celtics as the good guys and the opposing team as the villains. His enthusiasm for the Celtics was evident. He shouted like a fan over a particularly good play, and frustration was evident in his lowered voice when the Celtics faltered.