Country Mike Blog

Celtics and Tritt

Mike Sudhalter  |  June 18, 2008

I am so happy about the Boston Celtics' winning their record 17th World Championship and cementing themselves as the greatest franchise in NBA History.

And I'm glad they won it in six games, because now I can go see Travis Tritt Thursday night at the San Joaquin County Fair in Stockton.

The win means so much to me and my family. Sports is a great outlet, and sometimes, it can be a stress reliever. 2008 has been a difficult year for me and my family. But watching the Celtics always put a smile on our faces.

I wanted this championship for the Big Three - Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. But more importantly, I wanted it for my 25-year-old sister, who doesn't remember the Celtics' 1986 title 22 years ago. For my dad, who grew up with the great Celtics championship teams but wondered if he'd ever see them raise another green and white banner in Boston.

The Celtics have always been an important part of my life. I started going to games in the early 1980's, and my dad always likes to tell the story of how I used to want to leave the game during the warm-ups as a five-year-old.

Rooting for the Celtics is a long-time family tradition, fourth-generation to be exact. My great-grandfather was one of 12 children, born in Boston in the year 1896 - five years after the sport was created in Springfield.

His son was a huge Celtics fan and took my dad and his brothers to games. And that tradition was passed down to me.

It's been a long time coming for No. 17, but I'm already getting excited about the prospects of the 18th crown next season.