Sunday morning came with some sad news when my good friend, Brandon Noe, texted me about the passing of Rays announcer, Dave Wills. It felt like a punch to the gut, as if a part of the universe I lived in had been taken away.
Brandon and I both have admired what Dave and Andy Freed have achieved as the play by play & color broadcast announcers of the Tampa Bay Rays. The team of these 2 broadcasters have been sharing the story of the Tampa Bay Rays for over 18 years on Rays Radio.
As hosts of BaseballBiz On Deck, Brandon and I continue to listen closely to others to find examples of broadcasters to emulate. We listen for people with great knowledge of their topic and the ability to effectively discuss it. We listen for a great voice that elevates any moment with authority and care. Dave Wills was such a broadcaster.
While I did not have the pleasure of knowing Dave Wills, I felt a kinship with him as a fellow fan of the team and the game of baseball. When he spoke he brought the game to life for myself and anyone else that had the privilege to hear him call the game.
Dave would call them like he saw them. While it was obvious he was a great fan of the Tampa Bay Rays he could also be critical of a player or a manager’s decision on the field when the occasion called for it. This endeared Dave to us as listeners even more as we felt that he and Andy brought authenticity to their reporting of the game. I valued their friendly banter and assessment of the game. It has not been unusual for me to go to the car to listen to the game on the radio. While the Bally TV announcers do a great job there was a much more personable feel when listening to Dave & Andy on the radio.
Buddy Bar Effect – That’s what it felt like when he was announcing. It was as if I was sitting at the bar with a friend talking about the game. Sitting there with someone who loved the game and the team as much as I did, but he also had a depth of understanding about the game and team that I could only hope to have.
Below are but a few of the Social Media remarks from Dave’s friends and colleagues as they speak to their loss with his passing.
Tweet from Andy Freed his fellow Rays broadcaster
“Yesterday was like every other day for the last 18 years. Sharing. Laughs. Baseball. Fun. No way to know it was the last time. Sadness beyond words today. It always felt like we were actual brothers. Will miss him forever. Love to him and his family.”
https://twitter.com/AndrewFreed33/status/1632442533501362176?s=20
Tweet from Neil Solondz
Dave was the big brother I didn't have growing up. Larger than life and a great friend. It's hard to believe yesterday we were all together in the booth. It doesn't seem real. We are stunned and heartbroken. All of our thoughts are with Liz, Michelle and Alex.
https://twitter.com/neilsolondz/status/1632444153421344770?s=20
Just a few days ago, as Spring Training was beginning, I replied to a tweet from Rays Radio within appreciation for Dave and the Rays broadcasting team:
From @TheBaseballBiz on Twitter
“Dave, Andy & Neil bring the game to life. I cannot wait to again hear the depth, color & humor that they deliver. Welcome back guys. #RaysUp”
It saddens me to know that I will hear that voice no more.
God bless you Dave Wills and peace to all of your family and friends.
Below are 2 of the Charities of which Dave Wills participated.
Bud
Homeless Empowerment Program
https://www.hepempowers.org/
Thanks again for following BaseballBiz On Deck
With Gratitude
Mark
markscorbett@gmail.com
