Tony Lavelli, an all-America basketball player at Yale University in the 1940's and a forward with the Boston Celtics and the Knicks, was equally adept at hook shots and halftime renditions on the accordion.
He was drafted in 1949 by the Boston Celtics. He had a clause in his contract that allowed him to entertain the crowd at halftime with his accordion, $125.00 per game, in addition to his $13,000 annual salary. Some basketball historians give Tony credit for saving the early Celtic franchise with his entertaining playing.
He studied music at Yale University and the Julliard School. Also recorded two albums.
He was drafted in 1949 by the Boston Celtics. He had a clause in his contract that allowed him to entertain the crowd at halftime with his accordion, $125.00 per game, in addition to his $13,000 annual salary. Some basketball historians give Tony credit for saving the early Celtic franchise with his entertaining playing.
He studied music at Yale University and the Julliard School. Also recorded two albums.