George Kalinsky: the Man Behind the Lens at Madison Square Garden
George Kalinsky’s photographs were anything but “still.” Over six decades, his work at madison Square Garden captured the essence of New York’s most iconic moments,from legendary sports victories too historic performances. When he passed away at 88 on Thursday night, he left behind a visual legacy that will forever define the city’s cultural history.
Born in Hempstead and a longtime resident of Port Washington, Kalinsky became the Garden’s official photographer in 1966. His career spanned over 50 years, chronicling events that shaped the 20th century.According to his longtime colleague and friend, Rebecca Taylor, Kalinsky died of natural causes and complications from Parkinson’s Disease. Taylor, who worked with him for nearly two decades as the Garden’s vice president of photo services, described him as a legend.
“Working with him was like working alongside a legend,” Taylor said. “He was always very generous, though, with his time, with his knowledge, with his heart. … His camera chronicled the culture of the ages for five decades. His lens saw it all.”
Kalinsky’s portfolio reads like a timeline of madison Square Garden’s greatest moments. From Willis reed’s inspiring walk onto the court during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA finals to the historic “Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, Kalinsky was there, capturing it all. The MSG family of companies noted, “For more than 50 years, George was synonymous with Madison Square garden. There wasn’t a single important moment at The World’s Most Famous Arena that George didn’t capture.”
MSG Networks announcer Mike Breen remembered Kalinsky’s warmth and kindness. “Frist off, he just was so kind, and whenever you ran into him, he made you feel that he was so happy to see you,” Breen said. “Never saw him in a bad mood, and clearly, I always felt that his pictures reflected who he was. He wanted to capture the personality of who he was taking a picture of.”
Kalinsky’s work extended beyond sports. He photographed the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup victory and countless non-sporting events. His friendships with celebrities like frank Sinatra added another layer to his storied career. Sinatra once visited Kalinsky at the Garden before the first Ali-Frazier fight in 1971,asking him to teach everything he knew about photography in five minutes. Kalinsky obliged, showcasing his generosity and expertise.
Perhaps his most remarkable relationship was with Muhammad Ali.Kalinsky not only photographed the boxing legend but also played a pivotal role in his career. In 1974, Kalinsky suggested the “rope-a-dope” strategy that helped Ali defeat George Foreman and reclaim the heavyweight championship. “What you have to do is lean with your back against the ropes like you do in training and let him punch the hell out of you,” Kalinsky advised Ali. “He’s going to knock himself out and then you knock him out.”
Their bond began in 1965 when Kalinsky, then 29, talked his way into Ali’s training gym in Miami, falsely claiming to be the Garden’s official photographer. Soon after, the claim became reality.
Kalinsky’s ability to connect with his subjects was rooted in his soft-spoken and unobtrusive nature. These qualities allowed him to gain the trust of some of the world’s most famous figures, capturing intimate moments that defined their legacies.
| Key Moments in George Kalinsky’s Career |
|——————————————–|
| Became Madison Square garden’s official photographer in 1966 |
| captured Willis Reed’s iconic walk during the 1970 NBA Finals |
| Photographed the “Fight of the Century” between Ali and Frazier |
| Suggested the “rope-a-dope” strategy to Muhammad Ali in 1974 |
| Documented the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup victory |
George Kalinsky’s lens immortalized the spirit of Madison Square Garden and the city of New York.His work remains a testament to the power of photography to capture not just moments,but the essence of an era. Explore more about his legacy here.George Kalinsky, the legendary photographer whose lens immortalized some of the most iconic moments in sports and beyond, has left an indelible mark on history. Known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, Kalinsky’s work spanned decades, from the flashy wardrobes of walt “Clyde” Frazier to the emotional highs of the New York Knicks’ 1970 NBA Finals victory.
“The kindest guy,” Frazier said during a recent Knicks telecast on MSG Networks. “He took my first ‘Clyde’ pictures. [it was] his ingenuity,folks. The Garden has been able to find a facsimile for Clyde, for Reed, for Ewing. No one has come close to replacing George Kalinsky.”
Kalinsky’s career was defined by his ability to be in the right place at the right time. Before Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, he shared lunch with Knicks captain Willis Reed, who confided he would play despite a serious hip injury. Kalinsky followed Reed onto the court, capturing the moment that would become a symbol of resilience and determination.
Knicks coach tom Thibodeau reflected on Kalinsky’s legacy before a recent game. “Just a fantastic man. So great at what he did,” Thibodeau said. “He captured so many big moments at the Garden. On top of that,just who he was as a person. He always made everybody feel good, and you can’t say anything more about a person.”
Kalinsky’s talent extended beyond sports.In 1979, he photographed Pope John Paul II during his visit to madison Square Garden. One of his most memorable images from that day was of the Pope lifting 6-year-old Geralyn Smith onto his “popemobile.” The Pope was so moved by the photo that he requested a copy for his desk at the Vatican.
His work also chronicled the new York Mets’ 1986 World Championship season, adding another chapter to his storied career. Kalinsky’s contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2021.“This is very sad news,” Mets radio announcer Howie Rose posted on X. “I had the pleasure of knowing George.His pictures are legendary, and he was equally kind. A genuinely sweet man.”
Kalinsky is survived by his daughter Rachelle Kalinsky, his son Lee Kalinsky, grandchildren Emily Birnbaum, Jason Birnbaum, Josh Kalinsky, and Jackie Clarke, as well as his sister Marilyn kalinsky and brother Howard Kalinsky.
| Key Moments in George Kalinsky’s Career |
|——————————————–|
| Captured Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s iconic style |
| Photographed Willis Reed’s legendary game 7 moment |
| Documented Pope John Paul II’s 1979 visit to MSG |
| Chronicled the Mets’ 1986 World Championship season |
| Awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2021 |
George Kalinsky’s legacy is one of artistry, kindness, and an unparalleled ability to freeze time.His photographs are more than images—they are stories, emotions, and history preserved for generations to come.
George Kalinsky: The Man Behind the Lens at Madison Square Garden
Table of Contents
george Kalinsky’s photographs were anything but “still.” Over six decades,his work at Madison Square Garden captured the essence of New york’s most iconic moments,from legendary sports victories to historic performances. When he passed away at 88 on Thursday night, he left behind a visual legacy that will forever define the city’s cultural history. In this interview, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah Thompson, sits down with photography historian and Kalinsky expert, Dr. Michael Reynolds,to discuss Kalinsky’s remarkable career and enduring impact.
Early Career and Becoming the Garden’s Official Photographer
Sarah Thompson: Dr.Reynolds, George Kalinsky became Madison Square Garden’s official photographer in 1966. Can you tell us how he landed this iconic role?
Dr.Michael Reynolds: Absolutely, Sarah. George’s journey to becoming the Garden’s official photographer is a interesting one. He was born in Hempstead and had a deep passion for photography from a young age. In 1966, he essentially talked his way into the role. He approached the Garden’s management with a portfolio of his work and a vision for capturing the essence of the events held there.His persistence and talent won them over, and he quickly became an integral part of the garden’s history.
Capturing Iconic Sports Moments
Sarah Thompson: Kalinsky is perhaps best known for capturing Willis Reed’s legendary walk onto the court during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. Can you share the story behind that iconic moment?
Dr. Michael Reynolds: That moment is one of the most iconic in sports history, and George was right there to capture it. Willis Reed had suffered a serious hip injury and was questionable to play.Kalinsky had lunch with Reed before the game,were Reed confided that he would play despite the injury. George followed Reed onto the court and captured the moment Reed emerged from the tunnel, limping but persistent. That photograph became a symbol of resilience and determination, not just for the Knicks, but for sports fans everywhere.
Beyond Sports: Photographing Pope John Paul II
Sarah Thompson: Kalinsky’s work extended beyond sports. One of his most memorable non-sports photographs was of Pope John Paul II during his 1979 visit to Madison square Garden. Can you tell us about that?
Dr. Michael Reynolds: Certainly. That day was incredibly special. Kalinsky captured a moment where the Pope lifted a 6-year-old girl,Geralyn Smith,onto his “popemobile.” The image was so moving that the Pope himself requested a copy for his desk at the Vatican. It’s a testament to George’s ability to capture the humanity and emotion in any situation, whether it was a sports event or a historic visit by a world leader.
Legacy and Impact
Sarah Thompson: George Kalinsky’s career spanned over 50 years, and he received numerous honors, including the Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2021. How would you summarize his legacy?
Dr. Michael Reynolds: George Kalinsky’s legacy is one of artistry, kindness, and an unparalleled ability to freeze time. His photographs are more than just images; they are stories, emotions, and history preserved for future generations. He had a unique ability to connect with his subjects, whether they were athletes, celebrities, or world leaders, and that connection is evident in his work. His contributions to photography and to the cultural history of New York City are immeasurable.
Personal Reflections
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Reynolds, what do you think made George Kalinsky such a beloved figure, not just as a photographer, but as a person?
Dr. Michael Reynolds: George was known for his warmth and generosity. He had a way of making everyone feel special, whether they were a superstar athlete or a fan in the stands. His colleagues often spoke of his kindness and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience. He was a true gentleman, and that’s something that everyone who knew him will remember. His legacy is not just in the photographs he took, but in the lives he touched along the way.
