The Tom Boerwinkle Show
Appreciating one of the most underrated players in franchise history.
Throughout the off-season, the team at Bulls Confidential is going to reveal our picks for the top 25 best players in Chicago Bulls franchise history. We are measuring overall impact on the organization, community, and how they impacted their team. Follow along on Twitter by searching #BC25.
25. Mickey Johnson
24. Guy Rodgers
23. Orlando Woolridge
22. Charles Oakley
21. Taj Gibson
20. Bob Boozer
19. Elton Brand
18. Ben Gordon
17. Tom Boerwinkle
When people approach me and ask about Bulls’s history, I usually rattle off statistics, stories about becoming a fan, and tell them how Brad Miller was one of the best players in franchise history. Unfortunately, Miller didn’t make our top twenty-five list, but another unlikely hero did — Tom Boerwinkle.
One of the best rebounders of his time, Boerwinkle has a special place in my heart. He was one of the first Bulls that I became aware of, and I have my father to thank for that. My Dad grew up on the North side of the city, where he would play ball whenever he could, controlling the boards and earning the nickname “Moose.” His pure size alone made him standout, hence the nickname pertaining to the very large animal. Another nickname he received growing up was “Boerwinkle.” Essentially, that meant he was white, could rebound, and looked exactly like the former Bull.
I’ve always had a strange connection with Boerwinkle, and that because I appreciate players who do the little things to contribute to team success. Long Tom was an unlikely hero for the early Bulls’ teams containing the likes of Sloan and Love. He played college ball at the University of Tennessee where he was an all-American, then was drafted fourth overall by Chicago in the 1968 draft.
He was able to suit up for the Bulls for ten seasons, and still holds the record for most rebounds in a game with thirty-seven. He ranks 2nd in total rebounds with 5745, and is even in the top ten in assists.
Unfortunately, Boerwinkle passed away in 2013 after battling a form of leukemia called Myelodysplastic Syndrome. He was also a radio broadcaster in Chicago for three years. His connection to the organization remained after his playing days, and the Bulls’ are a better franchise because he was apart of it.
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