The picnic

[JB]

Here is a summary of the events at the picnic from a poster to  
CelticsBlog and my response below that.-JB
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I'll do my best to sum up the BBQ.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon at Waterworks in Quincy, the Celtics  
held their annual Season Ticket Holder BBQ. THis marks a change in  
venue from the Celtics training facility out in Waltham.

Upon arrival at Waterworks, the first thing I moticed was the huge  
gathering of fans waiting on line. It was great to see so many fans  
in attendance. I'm don't know the numbers of current season ticket  
holders but compared to years past, it appears that more people have  
bought tickets thus necessaitating the move from Waltham. When I  
finally made my way into Waterworks, I moved directly to the food  
line to make sure that I ate and to my surprise spotted 2 Larry  
O'Brien trophies (I think they were real). I made my way through the  
place, scoping out players along the way. Of course all eyes were  
searching for Paul but he was a no-show. Nor did I see Wally, in fact  
the only true vetern presence that came was Theo Ratliff, who arrived  
at the end. Other players that were attended were; A Jefferson, K  
Perkins, Delonte, Gerald, Sebestian, Rajon, Leon Powe, Pittsnogle,  
Gomes, Scal, Tony, Allen Ray. I may have missed some but that's who I  
saw. The entire coaching staff was in attendance as well as some old  
C's; like Cousy, Heinsohn, Parish, Max, JoJo and I could have sworn I  
saw Satch Sanders (can anyone else vouch for that, was he sitting  
with Cousy?) Of course how could I forget the Celtics Dance Team.  
They were all there and it appeared that most guys were as interested  
in them as the players but that's not too surprising. They will  
certainly be fun to watch.

Greg Dickerson from FSN "mc-ed" the event as he pulled Danny, Doc,  
Allen Ray, Sebestian, and Rajon onto the stage at various points for  
some Q&A. The Q&A was pretty tame as the audience tossed some  
softball questions (I suppose Shira and Steve are safe for another  
year). The only memorable moment was when Telfair guarenteed the  
playoffs this year. That was great to hear but big talk from a guy  
who may not start, however it appear that he is stepping up into a  
leadership role as Allen and Rajon deferred to Sebestian during their  
portion of the Q&A.

Overall, I missed the intimate setting at Health Point. It allowed us  
to check out the facility and interact with the players where they  
are more comfortable. There is no substitute for seeing all teh  
original banners and stepping onto the practice parquet. While  
Waterworks certainly accomodated more people, it just seemed too big  
and really segmented the crowd especially the VIP section. I was also  
disappointed that the team did not give out any t-shirts or something  
so that fans could get them autographed like they've done in the  
past. It would have been also nice if Paul had come; being the face  
of the franchise, a Boston sports icon, and a newly minted $20  
million/year player. But since he is still recovering from his  
surgery, I'll give him a pass. Also this year you could purchase  
items and I thought that was kind of lame as even the cheapest season- 
ticket holder still pays over $500. The food was uneventful but no  
one goes for the food. The players that came were all very ammenable  
and signed autographs and took pictures. In sum, the weather was  
great, the location was ok, the food was eh, but the players, staff  
and organization were great.
-RL35
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That's a fair summation of the events.
I only remember one more player and that was Dwayne Jones.
He and Pittsnoggle were standing at the entrance way, signing as we  
left, the only two players not in green Celtics Jerseys. An omen?  
Allan Ray was brought up on the stage with Telfair and Rondo to mug  
for the crowd.
The ownership  certainly cheaped out. Not only were there no free  
souveneers, the food was reduced to hot dogs and hamburgs (not even a  
slice of cheese). In past years we've had not only the above, but  
ribs and/or chicken, with cookies, brownies and fruit salad for dessert.
No I didn't come for the food, but I noticed.
I managed to get some conversation with Doc.
I asked him about Tony Allen's knee. He said that Tony's knee  
condition was chronic and he would have "bad days" for his whole career.
  He contradicted himself though saying he hadn't lost his  
athleticism. When I questioned this he said: "except on his bad days."
I was also concerned about Wally. I asked him if he was considering  
using him as a sixth man to save the wear and tear and he said he  
was, but that Wally was healthy now. When I reminded him that Wally  
had all or most of his cartelage removed after hi freshman year at  
college, he said something about his good days and bad days, also. I  
really hope Doc takes this seriously. I not only want Wally being  
able to finnish games, I want to see him fresh enough to contribute  
in the playoffs.
Clifford Ray was pretty candid, agreeing with me that Jones and  
Pittsnoggle would compete for the last roster spot.
Armond Hill stressed that Jones was one of our tougher players and  
that Pittsnoggle was having trouble defending.
That's about it.......