Memories Beyond Price: Carlisle Credits Walton for an Unforgettable First Date at a Grateful Dead Concert

A Life Full of Impact and Influence

Bill Walton was a man of many talents, but not many know that "wish-granter" is one of them. According to Rick Carlisle, his former Boston Celtics teammate, "Big Red" made his first date with now-wife Donna happen in the most unforgettable way.

"I have to thank him, probably, also for me being married to my wife, Donna," Carlisle told a group of reporters in the middle of the 2024 NBA playoffs. "Our first date was to a Dead show in Washington, DC. I called Bill and I said, 'Look, I got a date with a girl who I think is pretty cool. I'd love to go to a Dead show at the Capital Center. I don't have any tickets, can you help?'"

"And he said, 'Just go to the back door, ask for Dennis Mackinnelly, tell him you're Rick Carlisle from the Boston Celtics,'" Rick added, with a bit of a smirk.

True enough, Walton delivered. Someone from the show gave Rick and Donna backstage passes meant for Bill and his wife, Susie, and the pair had a blast. They got to meet Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir and Mickey Hart for several minutes after watching the concert onstage. Needless to say, it was an extraordinary first date!

"Some of the memories are beyond priceless," stated the Indiana Pacers head coach.

A Legacy That Transcends Basketball

There will never be another Walton. Carlisle saw Walton work from up close during their Celtics years. Bill's career was in the middle of a renaissance as he went from a superstar big man for the Portland Trail Blazers to a backup center for Boston. He captured the Sixth Man of the Year award en route to helping the Celtics win a title in 1986.

As exceptional as he was on the playing court, Walton was just as remarkable off it. According to Richard Deitsch of The Athletic, Bill led multiple lives while most only had one. Aside from being a Hall of Fame basketball player, he was an activist, musician and broadcaster, among others.

"To me, he was a living, breathing walking event in history just walking around. He was involved in so many events in pop culture and sports," Carlisle added.

A Heart That Never Stopped Caring

Besides doing a multitude of stuff that aligned with his hobbies and interests, Walton never forgot to show that he cared. "The day he agreed to do the (Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels) game in August of 2019 is one I will never forget," Fox Sports broadcaster Jason Benetti said.

"The game that night coincided with Bill's grandson's birthday. The Angels were gracious in giving Bill's grandson and his grandson's friends a suite so they could celebrate. I met Bill and a gaggle of kids in the parking lot of Angel Stadium."

"We all walked in together. Bill and I were running a little bit late to be in the clubhouse, and we both knew it. Even so, Bill stopped before we got to the entrance of the stadium and asked the kids to stop as well," Benetti added.

According to Benetti, Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs had died a month prior due to a drug overdose. Walton implored the kids to take a minute to remember Skaggs at the memorial in front of the stadium.

"There were no cameras around," Benetti recalled. "The driving force was simply the overwhelming decency of a human being who felt the kids he was with should think about another human being. I'll always carry that with me."

A Loss That Can’t Be Measured

Walton passed away on May 27, 2024, the day before Carlisle did the interview in the 2024 Eastern Conference finals. The 71-year-old succumbed after a prolonged battle with colon cancer.

The news hit hard across the basketball world, but Bill's reach went well beyond the sport. He left lasting impressions on nearly everyone he crossed paths with, whether it was teammates, broadcasters, or friends from his many passions.

For Carlisle, that one favor he asked, like so many things Walton did, ended up meaning more than anyone realized at the time.