The Golden State Warriors always look out for their own people. Shortly after the Dubs smashed the Los Angeles Clippers, 115-105, at Chase Center, the players honored the loyalty of their long-time scorekeeper Fred Kast.
As it turns out, the Dubs employee has logged in his final shift on Friday and is retiring after 58 years of service.
After 58 years with the Dubs, scorekeeper Fred Kast is retiring.
Thank you for the stats, knuckle bumps, and your hard work Fred! pic.twitter.com/kU13z16xGj
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 9, 2021
The Warriors repaid Kast's decades of hard work by presenting him with the game ball after their satisfying win.
Following tonight's game, the team presented Fred with a signed game ball.
Thank you for an incredible 58 years, Fred! https://t.co/MhVPVlmiEZ pic.twitter.com/71yO4Oy7OL
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 9, 2021
Stephen Curry and Damion Lee also made sure that Kast won't leave the game without some action, as the they assisted him for an easy bucket–just for old time's sake.
“Pad your stats, Fred!” pic.twitter.com/nn0nWnPgE0
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 9, 2021
Fred Kast, 82, has had a front-row seat to Warriors games since the 1963-64 season. He has recorded box score stats of the franchise's all-time greats over the years, from Wilt Chamberlain to Rick Barry, Chris Mullin, Baron Davis, and now, Curry.
“I just think now is the right time for me to retire. I’ve lived a dream,” Kast said in the latest Warriors' blog post.
Golden State's injured superstar Klay Thompson was not in the arena to bid goodbye to Kast personally, but he extended his well wishes on Twitter.
Thank you Fred gonna miss dapping you up 👊 https://t.co/j5roQLiUyv
— klay thompson (@KlayThompson) January 9, 2021
Apart from making sure the players' numbers are recorded accurately, Fred Kast also acts as a part-time cheerleader who gives unlimited high-fives and fist bumps during the games. Team President & Chief Operating Officer Rick Welts also paid homage to their longest-running employee.
After 58 years as our Official Scorer, Fred Kast retires after tonight’s @warriors game. Thank you, Fred, for your commitment and dedication. You’re the best!
https://t.co/JG3RKSrvlp— Rick Welts (@RickWelts) January 8, 2021
Kast actually believes he can continue performing his duties for a couple more years. However, the combination of COVID-19 related protocols and the health of his wife made him realize it was time to hang it up.