He’s got stories to tell, and plenty of them. For a man who’s been a fixture at the 14th Street Y since around 1970, his life is a tapestry woven with basketball, therapy, and community. A former basketball player and coach, he spent 48 years as a drug & alcohol therapist at Beth Israel Medical Center, even working with NBA players and figures in the music industry. It’s a life brimming with experiences, perhaps too many to recall in one sitting.
Butch, a former basketball coach who coached Doctor J, poses for a portrait at the 14th Street Y, highlighting his long-standing community involvement.
Living in Stuy Town for half a century, he’s practically an institution. “The Mayor of Stuy Town,” as some call him, recently earned a place in the Brooklyn Basketball Hall of Fame. His coaching resume includes professional summer league teams and, notably, Julius Erving, the legendary “Doctor J.” He emphasizes the volunteer nature of his coaching, contrasting it with his paid work as a therapist, which involved helping over 5,000 individuals struggling with substance abuse throughout his career. Retirement came five years ago this June, but he’s hardly slowed down. He’s now a background actor, recently working with Tracy Morgan on “The Last OG,” enjoying the company of Cedric the Entertainer and other cast members.
At 72, soon to be 73, he credits the stationary bike with maintaining his vitality. Five times a week, he’s on it, listening to music, connecting with people, and staying active. He fondly remembers running basketball camps in the 80s at the 14th Street Y, an institution he deeply values for its diversity and welcoming atmosphere. He highlights the friendly and humorous people he encounters there daily.
The 14th Street Y holds a special place for him because of its openness and dedicated staff. He praises Rabbi Shira, the director, for her exceptional leadership and the staff’s willingness to go the extra mile.
Community is the defining thread of his life. He sees himself as a “community guy,” thriving on human connection. For him, respect is reciprocal. Beyond basketball, it’s the shared life experiences and conversations that build community. He’s passionate about life in general and a devoted sports fan. His son, a seven-time Emmy winner, works with the Yankees and the Brooklyn Nets, directing pre- and post-game shows and live game broadcasts.
Through the 14th Street Y, he’s connected with a diverse range of people from all walks of life – cooks, bakers, lawyers, and athletes, enriching his life and reinforcing his commitment to community.
