The Boston Celtics have long had one of the most ardent fanbases in the NBA, and the relationship between fans and players is one of mutual love. From sellout crowds to showing up in droves at opposing arenas, the Celtics faithful are a fervent bunch. And the players have taken notice.
Derrick White and Sam Hauser explained as such at a meet and greet event over the weekend. With fans snaking up and down the Northshore Mall, Dynasty Sports and Framing offered visitors a chance to take a photo, grab an autograph, and have a chat with two of Boston’s key guys.
“It’s Kind of crazy,” Hauser said of the fanfare. “Honestly. growing up I Kind of looked up to guys in the NBA, people that did this type of stuff and just admired it. And now to actually be that person? It’s really crazy.”
Alex Goldberg/Celtics Lab
The event was full of cheers and children of all ages smiled upon meeting White and Hauser. (“They’re so tall,” quipped one young fan.) Others brought fan art, like a custom Derrick White print Anthony, 12, got for his birthday. Still more had Celtics merchandise to have signed. One group brought a pack of gum to be passed on to Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.
“They’re definitely way taller in person,” Chris from Somerville told Celtics Wire. “They seem super nice guys, and they were great to meet. Sincerely, I’m Kind of starstruck to be real with you.”
For their part, the Celtics players were also taken back by the love. Derrick White made it clear he took the fans’ appreciation to heart.
“It’s pretty cool,” White said. “I’m thankful for all the people that shown up and wanted to be a part of it. It’s pretty crazy having my own Jersey and that people have it, too. That will never get before.”
Alex Goldberg/Celtics Lab
Hauser and White seemed thrilled to chat with fans. White was particularly cute with the younger kids. At one point a young boy handed him a crayon drawing he made. “I’m going to have to put this on my fridge,” White said.
The Colorado native explained that his time working at summer camps made him so enthusiastic about young fans, but becoming a father increased that connection.
“Being a dad now,” White said, “It Kind of changes your perspective ten everything.”
Alex Goldberg/Celtics Lab
Meeting a professional athlete at meet and greets like this is a time-honored tradition — yours truly met Leon Powe at the Natick Mall ages ago. Dynasty Sports and Framing president James Williams outlined why these are such special moments.
“These kids See all these players ten the field or ten the court rocking dog but you never get close enough to say hello,” Williams said. “But how do you get to express how you feel as a fan?”
Hauser seemed to agree. He explained that as a kid growing up in Wisconsin, he also went to a similar event, although he’s not sure if he still has the photo.
“When Aaron Rodgers was the backup to Brett Favre, he did something like this,” Hauser said. “We went and got an autograph and a picture. That was a pretty cool moment.”
Events like these give fans a new, more personal way to connect with their favorite players. Hauser explained why he was excited to come and meet people from the community in such a setting.
“I think it’s really cool,” Hauser said of the day. “Not only for me and my teammates but for the fans, who get a close up glimpse of us and our true personalities.”
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Story originally appeared on Celtics Wire