After serving the Golden State Warriors for 58 years, Fred Kast is calling it a day. He has been the official score-keeper of the ‘Dubs’ since the 1963-64 NBA season. That is, since the days of the great Wilt Chamberlain.
Kast has been recording every free-throw, field-goal, foul, and even timeouts for the Dubs. While he has had the best seat in the stadium to watch the team up close, he now wishes to sip a cup of tea peacefully in a countryside home.
The Warriors remained on the court and presented Fred Kast with the game ball. They then took a photo with him and cheered after he made a shot on the court.
Again, Kast has been the Warriors’ scorekeeper for 58 years pic.twitter.com/4DP0r2T4jo
— Marcus Thompson (@ThompsonScribe) January 9, 2021
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But his contribution to the team is not going unrecognized. After their win against the LA Clippers, the players remained on the court and presented Kast with the match ball. Also, they took a team photo with him while cheering him on to make one last shot in the arena.
After all, he’s been recording countless of those for other players himself. Steph Curry also chimed in and wished him a blissful retirement on social media after having on the court.
Really dope moment Fred. Congrats and job well done! Enjoy retirement. Got you now last W #DubNation https://t.co/lzptwzeovi
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) January 9, 2021
The other half of the ‘Splash Brother’ also joined in to commemorate Kast. Although Klay Thompson could not be on the court due to an ACL injury, he took to Twitter to send his best wishes.
Thank you Fred gonna miss dapping you up 👊 https://t.co/j5roQLiUyv
— klay thompson (@KlayThompson) January 9, 2021
COVID forced Kast into retirement from the Golden State Warriors
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Originally, the loyal servant did not plan to close his chapter with the Warriors this season. However, the deadly disease forced his hand.
Three days prior to a game, staff members need to return two negative COVID tests that are also 24 hours apart. Since Kast lives three hours away from the Arena, he has to make these round trips just for testing purposes alone. This is taking a heavy toll on the 82-year-old who also has to contend with an ailing wife.
Also, the pandemic has made it very difficult for him to see her. Even when he does, it is only through a pane of glass. “If I could change places with her, I would gladly do it,” said the scorekeeper.
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All good things must come to an end. His tenure which involved keeping scores for the likes of Curry, Thompson, Durant, and Chris Mullin was a lifetime experience in itself. And if anyone was recording Steph’s insane threes, they would be sent into early retirement as well!