At first glance, Carl L. looks like a mild-mannered, well-dressed gentleman at a Boston Celtics game. But then it happens- "Welcome to the Jungle" blares throughout the TD Garden, the fans get riled-up and Carl turns into "Suitcoat Santa."
As the players get ready for tip-off, the Garden Jumbotron asks the crowd for "NOISE!" The cameraman pans the audience for crazed fans, then zooms in on Sportcoat and he does his signature chest pump.
I had the chance to meet Carl and his wife at the Celtics-Mavs game a few weeks back. Carl told me a little bit about himself-he is a teacher and Celtics season-ticket holder that lives outside of Massachusetts. He is accompanied at games generally by his wife, or sometimes his daughter. He absolutely loves that the fans have embraced him and how his chest and fist-pumping antics get them in a frenzy. He was very friendly and down-to-earth as are most Celtics fans that I meet.
When I asked him what his favorite moment was as a Celtics fan at the Garden, he told me it was when 2 fans actually showed-up dressed as him for a Halloween game. The Celtics organization personally thanked him one year as part of their "Thank you fans" video.
Due to Carl's busy life as a teacher and Celtics season-ticket holder/Superfan, we haven't been able to connect yet for a full interview. But you can catch him at any Celtics homegame, and he'll be happy to say hi & pose for a pic. Once we have time, I'll post more on Carl aka Suitcoat Santa right here on Red'sArmy.com's FanFriday. Until then, thanks for reading, and GO CELTICS!
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