Celtics Honor Retiring 43-Year TV Announcer Mike Gorman
After 43 years, Hall of Fame play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman is retiring at the end of the Celtics' first-round playoff series & celebrated at TD Garden on Sunday
BOSTON — Legendary Celtics play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman, who’s retiring at the end of Boston’s first-round playoff series, called the final regular-season game of his 43-year career and was showered with an emotional celebration at TD Garden on Sunday.
Fans filled the seats in a packed arena for Mike Gorman Day. Tribute videos dedicated to the longtime announcer featured Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, and his predecessor Danny Ainge.
Former Celtics head coach Doc Rivers and NBA on TNT commentators Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal took turns congratulating The Voice of the Celtics for his Hall of Fame broadcasting career. Then, in a special halftime ceremony, Celtics co-owners Steve Pagliuca and Wyc Grousbeck presented Gorman with a piece of the parquet floor, a commemorative plaque, and a Rolex wristwatch before unveiling the Mike Gorman Broadcast Table.
Boston Mayor Michele Wu, who attended the ceremony, proclaimed April 14, 2024, Mike Gorman Day, praising the 43-year veteran broadcaster in a press release.
“Mike Gorman has made an impact across generations of Celtics fans, families, and visitors throughout his 40-plus years as the voice of the Boston Celtics,” Wu wrote. “His passion, intellect, and ability to make every fan feel special and locked in for the whole game is unmatched.”
Celtics TV color commentator Brian Scalabrine shared a particular conversation with an emotional Gorman. The Dorchester native spoke about what made his job so special in front of family and friends and about his longtime broadcast partner, Celtics icon Tom Heinsohn.
Gorman said, “I will get misty-eyed if I try to talk about Tom. I think of him every day.”
In closing, Mike had one request for the team, as the start of the Celtics’ postseason marks his final days on the job.
“To the team, I just want to say: Go win this thing, will you please? Just go win it.”