Today with the Boston Celtics, Boston Hall of Fame forward Larry Bird won The Sporting News Person of the Year Award and the Associated Press Athlete of the Year Award in 1987.
This is the first time in history that an athlete in any sport has won both awards in the same season. The glory of Larry the Legend (as Bird was sometimes called) declined during his prime in the league. It might even be a bit unlucky if you happen to believe such a thing.
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The dual honors ended up being the first time in five seasons that the Celtics failed to reach the playoff finals.
historical game
Plus, today marks the 59th anniversary of Bill Sharman’s arguably most incredible “pass” in NBA All-Star Game history. Sharman was playing in the 1957 All-Star Game when it happened, and he attempted a full-court lob to All-Star and Celtics teammate Bob Cousy, only to see the pass fly into the basket nearly three-quarters of the way down the court.
The 1953-54 Boston Celtics basketball team practices the pick-and-roll. From left to right: Bob Donham, Ed McCann, Bill Sharman and Chuck Cooper
Cousy reportedly said (per NBA.com) in response to Sharman’s unintentional ringside shot, “You never pass the ball?”
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historical milestones
Today is also the anniversary of the publication of the original 13 Rules of Basketball in the Springfield, Massachusetts, YMCA newsletter by its founder, James Naismith. Amazingly, this brief memo was the ancestor of the modern rules of the game as we know them today.
March 5, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Wilson NBA game balls are seen on the court before the Boston Celtics play the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The rules at the time were as follows:
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The ball can be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
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The ball can be struck in any direction with one or both hands (never with your fist).
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The player cannot run with the ball, the player must throw the ball from where he catches it, which is good for the person who catches the ball while running at a good speed.
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The ball must be held in or between the hands; the arms or body may not be used to hold it.
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Shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping or striking opponents in any manner is not permitted. The first violation of this rule by any person shall be considered a foul; the second player shall be disqualified from the game until the next goal or, if there is a clear intention to harm that person, disqualified from the entire game. No substitutions allowed.
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A foul is defined as hitting the ball with the fist, in violation of Rules 3 and 4, as well as Rule 5.
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If either team commits three consecutive fouls, one goal will be counted for the opponent (consecutive means that the opponent does not commit fouls at the same time).
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A goal is scored when the ball is thrown from the ground or hit into the basket and stays there (without falling), as long as the person defending the goal does not touch or interfere with the goal. If the ball comes to rest on the edge of the basket and the opponent moves the basket, it is considered a goal.
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When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the court and the first person to touch the ball shall catch the ball. If there is a dispute, the referee shall throw the ball directly into the court. The thrower has five seconds; if he holds it longer, the ball goes to his opponent. If either team insists on delaying the game, the referee shall award a foul.
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If either team commits three consecutive fouls, one goal will be counted for the opponent (consecutive means that the opponent does not commit fouls at the same time).
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The referee shall serve as the men’s referee and record the fouls and notify the referee in the event of three consecutive fouls. He has the power to disqualify persons under Rule 5.
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The referee is the judge of the ball, deciding when the ball is played, in bounds, which side the ball belongs to, and timing. He shall decide when a goal is scored and record it along with any other duties normally performed by a referee.
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Two fifteen and a half minutes, with a five minute break in between.
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The side with the most goals at that time is declared the winner. In the event of a tie, with the permission of the captain, play may continue until another goal is scored.
Birthday
On this day in 1951, Boston point guard Ernie DiGregorio was born in North Providence, Rhode Island and went on to play at his hometown Providence College. DiGregorio was drafted by the Buffalo Warriors (now the Celtics – that’s a long story) where he spent the first 4 seasons of his career before a brief stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. After being waived by Los Angeles, DiGregorio spent one season with the Celtics, averaging 3.9 points, 1 rebound and 2.4 assists in 27 games.
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 17: Confetti covers the Boston Celtics logo during Boston’s 106-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks during Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. Notice to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Former Celtics shooting guard Bobby Wilson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in the same year and month and later played in college for the Wichita State Shock. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1974, Wilson signed with Boston after being waived by Chicago in 1977 and played 12 games for the Celtics in the 1976-77 season, averaging 2 points per game.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics History: Bird earns double honors; Naismith releases Rule 1
