CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — In continuing its series of events celebrating books and courage and legends, Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Greater Boston presents M. L. Carr, who will share his inspiring life story on Sunday, April 30, at 12:15 p.m., in the Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall of the church complex at 145 Brattle St. All are welcome to attend. A complimentary light luncheon will be served.
Fr. Vasken A. Kouzouian, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, stated, “We are excited to welcome former Boston Celtics great M.L. Carr to Holy Trinity. M.L.’s warm and personable nature puts you at ease within moments of meeting him. Having accomplished greatness in the NBA, M.L. has reached even higher success in his post-player career as a champion of youth programs designed to help today’s younger generation understand their potential and stay focused on their goals. In this day and age, when young people are challenged in ways unimaginable only a generation ago, M.L.’s message is a must hear for all ages who have a hand in raising a young person today.”
Michael Leon (“M.L.”) Carr is an American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and American Basketball Association (ABA), and former head coach and General Manager of the Boston Celtics. He is part and parcel of the Boston Celtics’ rich tradition and history especially as a member of the 1981 and 1984 Celtic teams that overcame long odds to hang banners in the old Boston Garden.
Carr, a native of North Carolina, is a 1973 graduate of Guilford College, where he led the team to the NAIA Small College Championship. Drafted by teams in both the NBA and ABA, he eventually played overseas (in Israel) for a year before landing in the ABA in 1975 with the Spirits of St. Louis. The next season, M.L. signed with the Detroit Pistons, playing for that team for three years before signing in Boston. While a player with the Celtics (from 1979-1985), he played on two NBA championship teams in 1981 and 1984. He was instrumental in leading the Celtics’ defense past the favored Philadelphia 76ers in the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals, on the way to Boston’s 14th NBA championship. He is perhaps best known for the steal and dunk he made in overtime of Game Four in the 1984 NBA Finals against the Lakers in Los Angeles. That play sealed the win for Boston, tied up the series and helped propel the Celtics to the title.
And who could forget the towel? Carr was famous for waving a towel during crucial situations to fire up the Celtics. The towel at that time accomplished bridging the emotion of how great the Boston fans were with how much they wanted the Celtics to win. Since then, whenever he has entered a room, all the kids wave towels or all the business people wave napkins.
Following his retirement, Carr became the general manager of the Celtics in 1994 (until 1997) and took over as coach for two seasons (1995-1996 and 1996-1997 season). After the 1997 season, he became the Celtics’ director of corporate development.
