By Official release
Posted Feb 10 2010 5:10PM
NEW YORK -- New York Knickerbockers legend Carl Braun, a true pioneer of professional basketball, passed away this morning in Florida at the age of 82 of natural causes.
"Carl Braun was the first superstar of the New York Knicks and a cornerstone of our franchise's early success," said Knicks president of basketball operations Donnie Walsh. "Watching him play at the Old Garden was a privilege for us New Yorkers in the 1940's and 50's. He is a true legend in our sport and he will be missed."
The Brooklyn-native, born on Sep. 25, 1927, represented the Knicks in five consecutive NBA All-Star Games (1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957) and was a member of the 1953 Eastern Division Championship team. Braun finished his Knicks career as the franchise's all-time leading scorer (10,449), despite missing two seasons serving in the military, and is still fifth behind only Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed and Allan Houston.
His 740 games played is fourth on the team's all-time list. For parts of two seasons, he served as the Knicks' player/coach from 1959-60 through 1960-61. In 1961-62, Braun ended his playing career as a member of the NBA Champion Boston Celtics. Prior to his professional basketball career, Braun was a minor league pitcher in the New York Yankees organization. On Mar. 23, 2009, Braun was honored at the Inaugural Knicks Legends Night at Madison Square Garden, along with Richie Guerin, Reed, Frazier, Bernard King, Ewing and the late Dick McGuire.
Braun is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan, four grown daughters: Patricia, Susan, Nancy and Carol, and six grandchildren.
The following arrangements have been made:
Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m.
Funeral mass at St. Christopher's Roman Catholic Church
12001 SE Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
(772) 546-5150
Followed immediately by lunch at Mariner Sands Country Club, Stuart, FL
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Christopher's, at the address listed above.
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