Chuck Swirsky Leaves NBA's Raptors
Animated Toronto Play-By-Play Man Leaves Toronto for Chicago
After almost 10 years in Toronto, Swirsky is returning to his broadcasting roots of Chicago as the Bulls' new radio play-by-play announcer
It was expected that the Raptors organization would make a few roster changes in the offseason after a subpar showing in the playoffs, but no one expected that the voice of the team would suddenly leave. Chuck Swirsky has been the radio, then television play-by-play announcer for the team since the 1998-99 NBA season and his passion for Raptors basketball was contagious. In his commentary he created signature catchphrases such as "are you kidding me?", "sick, wicked and nasty" and "onions, baby, onions" that became instantly recognizable as those belonging to "The Swirsk'." Aside from his play-by-play, Swirsky also ran a blog on raptors.com and hosted The Chuck Swirsky Show on local Toronto radio sports station, The FAN 590. His enthusiasm for the team positioned him as somewhat of an ambassador for a young franchise that is still struggling to achieve something more than just qualifying for the playoffs.
Where It All Began
Swirsky began his broadcasting career in Chicago more than 20 years ago. He made his name known as sports director for WGN radio from 1982 and 1994 and during his time in Chicago covered the NFL's Bears and MLB's Cubs, among other minor teams. He moved to Detroit in the mid-90s to assume the role of sports director of WJR radio and provided coverage of Michigan basketball and football, and the NHL's Red Wings. He relocated to Toronto with his family at the end of the century to become the voice of a team that had been in existence for only three years.
Are You Kidding Us? Please Say It's Not True
Swirsky has cited personal family matters in his decision to move back to the city where it all started for him. Due to a shuffling within the Bulls' media, the radio play-by-play announcer position became available for Swirsky after the previous announcer moved to a television role with the team. Swirsky had previously been the public address announcer for the Bulls between 1980 and 1983.
Raptors Basketball Just Won't Be the Same
Swirsky will leave behind an iconic legacy from his decade in Toronto that includes charitable work and an unprecedented enthusiasm for the game of basketball. He will continue to host his afternoon show on The FAN 590 until closer to the next school year - he has three children - and basketball season when he relocates to Chicago. It won't be until then that we can say, as Swirsk' used to say when a Raptors win was evident, "Get out the salami and cheese mama, this ball game is over."
Sources:
www.raptors.com
www.bulls.com
