Abe Pollin Dies at 85

As a lifelong fan of the Washington Wizards, it was sad to hear of the passing of long-time owner Abe Pollin at the age of 85.
Pollin had been the owner of the franchise since 1964, making him one of the longest tenured owners in professional sports. He was also a noted phliantropist as well as a sports owner.
What I will remember most about Mr. Pollin was the relationship he had with my uncle, Wes Unseld, who was the greatest player in the history of the franchise. Pollin brought Wes to Baltimore in 1969 and the Bullets had their most successful stretch, including the NBA world championship in 1978.
The photo above from the Washington Post was of an overjoyed Pollin and my uncle sharing a hug after the Bullets defeated the Seattle Supersonics 105-99 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to win the only championship in the franchise's history.
Abe and Wes were joined at the hip in the Bullets organization for more than 40 years, much like the late Red Auerbach and Bill Russell were with the Boston Celtics. After Wes' retired, Abe tabbed him in various roles in the organization, including team president, head coach and general manager.
When my grandmother died in 1987, one of the first people who I saw at her funeral was Mr. Pollin, who had a close relationship with the Unseld family.
Here's a salute to Abe Pollin. May he rest in peace.

Photo of Abe Pollin and Wes Unseld: Courtesy of the Washington Post