Auerbach (Red) is born in Brooklyn.

The son of Russian immigrants, Red Auerbach graduates from George Washington University, serves in the U.S. Navy, and becomes a coach in professional basketball. He moves to Washington, D.C., is hired to coach the Boston Celtics on September 7, 1950, and makes his home at the Hotel Lenox during the basketball season. Auerbach becomes the most successful coach in NBA history, known for lighting up his trademark “victory cigar” at the end of games once victory is assured. He retires as coach in 1966,* continues with the team as general manager, and president, and retires in 1997. Auerbach dies in Washington, D.C. on October 28, 2006.