WALTHAM, Mass. — Gerald Wallace‘s memorabilia room is about to get some items from a third Boston sports team.
Included among the souvenirs of Wallace’s own career in his home in Alabama are Tom Brady jerseys, a bat autographed by David Ortiz and countless photos from the championships collected by the Patriots and Red Sox over the past 12 years. It’s a happy coincidence Wallace was traded to the Celtics, because he has long been a fan of two of the city’s other home teams.
“Well, I’m from Alabama,” Wallace explained Monday. “We don’t have a professional team there.”
Wallace’s rooting interest comes from his love of David Ortiz, he said, and his fascination with Brady. Apparently, Wallace was an early buyer of Brady’s abilities even before the three Super Bowls and record-setting statistical seasons. His new, green No. 45 jersey could eventually hang with Ortiz and Brady’s in his trophy room.
“I’m just fascinated with Brady,” Wallace said. “I’ve been a big Brady fan since he started in [the NFL]. I’ve been following him from day one, him and coach [Bill] Belichick.”
This should help endear Wallace to Boston fans, who may be skeptical how much the veteran forward will buy in to the Celtics rebuilding effort.
