Cardinal Cushing and the Celtics

Cardinal Richard J. Cushing (1895-1970) was Archbishop of Boston from 1944 to 1970. In 1958 he was named a Cardinal by Pope John XXIII. Cushing was famous for his small regard for pomp and circumstance. During the 1950’s, the Boston Celtics dominated professional basketball in the U.S. One day, three of the most prominent members of the team, center Easy Ed Macauley, guard Bob Cousy, and manager Red Auerbach, were waiting for Cushing to arrive to dedicate a new Catholic school gymnasium. Macauley and Cousy, being Catholics, were at ease, but Auerbach, who was Jewish, was in a quandary: “What do I say to him? Do I kiss his ring? What the hell am I supposed to do?”

Suddenly Cushing’s chauffeur-driven big black Cadillac pulled up and out popped Cushing, resplendent in his episcopal red robes. He looked at one of his aides and said,, “OK, I’ve got twenty minutes. Let’s get this show on the road.” Looking at the three men, he called over, “Hi Red! Hi Cooz! Hi Ed!” They followed into line and followed Cushing in. Auerbach nudged Macauley and said, “Boy, that’s my kind of guy!”