William W. Schonely (June 1, 1929 – January 21, 2023), nicknamed "The Schonz", was an American sports broadcaster who was the play-by-play announcer for the Portland Trail Blazers for almost three decades, from the team's launch in 1970 until 1998. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in radio in Louisiana and Seattle before settling in Portland, Oregon. In addition to his work for the Blazers, he was a sportscaster for Major League Baseball games, several minor league baseball teams, college sports, National Hockey League games, and junior ice hockey.

Background and military career

Schonely was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the second and first surviving child of Walter and Juanita Schonely (née Hoch). A stutterer as a child,

Schonely moved to Portland to start with the team on July 1, 1970. Schonely's first task was to assemble a radio network, starting with Portland's KOIN as the flagship, and Blazer games were carried on six stations during the first year. Schonely was not as familiar with basketball as with other sports, and had to work hard to learn the game, attending every practice early on.

Schonely's announcing streak was interrupted only once, when he missed the first 25 games of the 1982–83 season for heart bypass surgery following a heart attack.

In 2003, Schonely returned to the team to appear in radio and television segments and act as a team ambassador at charity and community events. Schonely's role included hosting pre-game segments, "Memorable Moments" on television and "Blazers Flashback" on radio, plus appearances in advertisements and at community events. Team president Steve Patterson called the move "smart business" and intended to honor the team's past.

The move followed general manager Bob Whitsitt's resignation in May. Asked whether he would have responded had the call come from Whitsitt, Schonely said at the time, "Probably not."

On October 14, 2009, at age 80, Schonely returned to the microphone for the second half of a "throwback" exhibition game held at Portland's Memorial Coliseum, where the Blazers played from 1970 until 1995. The occasion was billed as a one-quarter tribute, but radio announcer Brian Wheeler let Schonely call the remainder of the game.

Schonely's Trail Blazers business card reads, "Ambassador". called games for the Beavers through the 2002 PCL season.

While announcing Beavers games, Schonely made use of his famous phrases. Adapted for baseball use, "Lickety brindle up the middle" meant a base hit going past the pitcher's mound into center field, "Bingo, bango, bongo" was used on 5–4–3 double plays. More occasionally, Schonely deployed "Rip City" for an outstanding and important play.

Other work

Schonely has recorded television advertisements for Standard TV & Appliance and other businesses in the Portland area

The Trail Blazers organization retired Schonely's microphone on November 3, 2003.

Schonely is also known for the opening line of each broadcast, "Good evening basketball fans, wherever you may be..." delivered in some variation since the beginning of his professional sportscasting career in Baton Rouge. for Broadcasting.

In 2012, Schonely was awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Personal life and death

Schonely and his first wife Barbara had four children; they divorced in 1967. they married on March 16, 1991.

References

  • Highlights from Bill Schonely's return to the microphone