In Orlando, Mike Bianchi wrote Magic play-by-play voice David Steele, who on Tuesday announced his retirement after 37 seasons, was “there through every chapter” of Magic basketball, first on the radio and then on TV. You “simply can’t separate” Magic history from Steele. Bianchi: “In an era when too many broadcasters chase viral moments, catchphrases and social-media clips, Steele quietly pursued something far more difficult. Credibility. Respect. Class.” Long after someone else occupies the TV chair, “generations of Magic fans will still hear Steele’s voice whenever they replay the most compelling moments in franchise history” (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/14).
STEPPING AWAY: In S.F., Shayna Rubin reported Carlos Ramirez “will no longer serve as an NBC Sports Bay Area host.” Ramirez hosted the RSN’s pre- and post-game shows for the S.F. Giants but shifted in recent years primarily to 49ers programs while also chipping in on Sacramento Kings and A’s shows since he joined the network full time in 2022. Ramirez also does play-by-play for the Earthquakes and MLS on Apple TV (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/14).
TAKING ON SOMETHING NEW: Appearing on WDAE in Tampa, longtime sports columnist Ira Kaufman said that former NFL coach Jon Gruden “will handle play-by-play duties for an NFL preseason game.” PROFOOTBALTALK’s Mike Florio’s noted Kaufman offered no further details as to the date, the teams or whether it will be a full game or part of a game. Gruden, appearing on “The Ira Kaufman Podcast” said, “I want to be play-by-play. … I would like to transition. I had nine years of watching these guys -- [Mike] Tirico. And I’d like to give that a shot, man” (PROFOOTBALLTALK, 7/14).
