Auerbach back in hospital

Friends of Red Auerbach expressed concern yesterday over the health of the soon-to-be 88-year-old Celtics patriarch, who is hospitalized in Washington.

Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said last night that Auerbach had been ''in and out" of the hospital for the past month or so for tests and a surgical procedure, which went well. Auerbach was readmitted to the hospital within the last 10 days for his most recent problem, Twiss said. It has been in that span that concerns about his condition prompted friends to call the Globe.

Auerbach's family requested that no information be released about his condition.

Auerbach, who turns 88 Sept. 20, has had health issues prior to his most recent hospitalization. In June, he was not feeling well enough to attend the Celtics' annual draft party in Waltham. Normally, he is a fixture at the event. Additionally, for the first time in recent memory, he was unable to attend his weeklong summer basketball camp, which has been in operation for more than four decades. This year, it was held in early July at the University of New Hampshire. In prior years, it was held in August in conjunction with the Celtics' rookie free agent camp in Marshfield, and later at Brandeis University.

In recent years, Auerbach also has taken to using a cane to help him with balance issues when he travels. His wife, Dorothy, died just prior to the 2000-01 season and he now travels to Celtics games and events with a personal friend and physician, Dr. Murray Lieberman.

This year would be Auerbach's 56th with the Celtics organization, a relationship that started in 1950 when he became the franchise's third head coach. He also has served as the general manager, president, and vice chairman of the board, as well as a continual sounding board for coaches from Tom Heinsohn to Rick Pitino to Doc Rivers.

Next month will be the first anniversary of the release of his seventh book, ''Let Me Tell You A Story," which was written with sports writer John Feinstein and chronicled his weekly lunch discussions with close friends at a Chinese restaurant in Washington.