After 43 years as the NBA team"s play-by-play announcer, the unmistakable voice of the Celtics is stepping down and retiring.
In the mid-1970s, Mike Gorman, a former U.S. Navy serviceman, found himself at a crossroads. Unsure of his post-military path, he harbored a deep love for sports and a budding interest in broadcasting. Taking a leap of faith, he decided to visit WBZ, a radio station in the Boston area, in hopes of meeting Gil Santos, a renowned play-by-play announcer.
However, Gorman"s impromptu visit hit a snag at the security gate. Without an appointment, resume, or tape to leave for Santos, he faced rejection. But fate intervened when the guard noticed Gorman"s VP-44 squadron hat in the backseat, sparking a conversation about their shared military background. The guard, formerly with VP-8, sympathized with Gorman"s situation and called Santos on his behalf.
the interviewer asked Let me rephrase, then: What would your favorite broadcasting memory be? "I’ll remember all the people I worked with. I’ll remember all the guys around The Garden. I’ll remember Jack, I’ll remember Jimmy, I’ll remember all those guys. And I will, it’ll be those people who stick out in my mind, not necessarily the players": said Mike Gorman.
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Grateful for the unexpected connection, Santos agreed to meet with Gorman. Their meeting stretched into a 90-minute conversation, during which Gorman"s passion for broadcasting shone through. Impressed by his enthusiasm, Santos arranged for Gorman to secure a job as a public affairs director at a regional radio station.
Reflecting on his broadcasting journey, Gorman cherishes the people he worked with, especially those at The Garden, where he spent much of his career. He fondly recalls the camaraderie with colleagues like Jack and Jimmy, emphasizing that it"s the people who made his experience memorable, not just the players on the court.
Gorman"s chance encounter at the WBZ parking lot not only opened the door to his broadcasting career but also underscored the power of unexpected connections and shared experiences. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most significant opportunities come from the most unlikely places.
