My father took me to my first 76ers game during the team’s first season in Philadelphia. After moving here from Syracuse
As soon as I walked through the revolving door at the historic Philadelphia Arena, I was shocked by the noise of the crowd. Quickly walked up the stairs and I was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. Lanterns hanging from the ceiling Beautiful hardwood batting. satin uniform confession of sneaking Players talk to each other. and the roof of all cigars and cigarette smoke hanging
It’s February 29, 1964. I’m eight years old. And that was the night the Philadelphia 76ers became my first love.
Religiously, I will comb Philadelphia. bulletin board The afternoon after the game scores the box. I will listen carefully to the game on the radio. Impressed by Andy Musser and Al Meltzer̵
7;s vivid vocabulary, and every now and then there’s a game on UHF television. A small black-and-white broadcast image shrouded in a translucent curtain of static electricity and snow.a few years later I’m going to be mocked by the AM radio jockeys as they make fun of me. “Play recorded music” during the intro of the song. in order to stop their footsteps as soon as the lyrics entered Realized that I would love to announce too. Combining this with the love of my team. I’ll turn down the volume between 76ers games on my TV and “broadcast” into my new cassette recorder.
When I perform, I dream that one day I will be the voice of the Philadelphia 76ers …
Now, after 39 years of playing basketball, the 76ers first became a halftime host and 27 years as a television voiceover. It’s time for me to step out.
I still love what I do In fact, I could easily see myself doing this until I couldn’t do it anymore. But there are many problems at play here.
Foremost is my wife of nearly 38 years, Debbie. I can’t repay her all the nights and weekends she’s alone. raising our son And hold on to her own high-pressure career. Simply put, she’s my best friend. And we want to spend more time together.
If life is a basketball game I’m in the fourth quarter! i want to play a musical instrument Learn to speak a foreign language, cook, travel and whatever. Give my time and energy back to the charity that I hope will make the world a better place.
There’s still a lot I still have to do. And I want to do it all while I still can.
Gratitude is one of the qualities that I have always worked hard on. I’m not the voice of an NBA team without the help of hundreds along the way. As I relax into the next phase of my life I’ll try to get back to those people to show my appreciation.
but for now I would like to thank the 76ers fans for the opportunity to be with you on this surreal path. It is a great honor to be welcomed into your home. I fully understand and appreciate the responsibility of being a voice for your team. And it’s an honor to do so.
You’ll still see me on social media, on the beach, on the golf course, at the game, or just on the streets around town. If we accidentally meet Please give us a call to discuss basketball 76ers reminiscing about that time. In the meantime, I’m going to pass on to the next Philadelphia 76ers television sound, doing it more comfortably and with a full heart.
