THE SCHONZ HAS DIED AT 93 - R.I.P CITY

Beloved Blazer super announcer, Bill Schonely has died. I was honored to know this kind talented man. Bill announced 2,522 Blazer games and was one of the greatest NBA play by play announcers in history. Bill had a long history in sports after returning to Baton Rouge Louisiana from his service in The Marines on WAFB. From there he mastered baseball, hockey and basketball. Blazer President, Harry Glickman said he knew Bill was the guy during his first meeting when he opened his mouth. Bill announced The Blazers from 1970 to 1998. In 2003 The Schonz returned as the team Ambassador. While he enjoying this job with the team, fans never got over not hearing his voice during the games. Schonely had so much history here on radio and TV including a five year deal with The Portland Beavers doing his true love in broadcasting, baseball. I fondly recall his stint doing sports on KATU news. He was terrific. A Portland gem. When you heard that voice, there was no question who it was. 





Harry Glickman & Bill.

R.I.P. CITY 

Comments

[Joel]

In 1967 I lived in Pendleton and programmed one of the (then) two radio stations. We carried the Blazer games and Bill Schonely came to town on a promotional tour. I interviewed him live on the air.

Not being a basketball fan, I asked The Schonz about one of the Blazer's star players, who had been traded during the off-season. My research for the interview apparently wasn't good enough because I missed that fact.

Schonely told me as inconspicuously as possible that Geoff Petrie would be playing in Atlanta during the coming season. Most people wouldn't have had the class, let alone the ability, to let me down so easily. That's when I became a Schonely fan.

RIP

[Woody]

Petrie was traded in 1977. His rookie year was 1971

[Joel]

Correction: I was in Pendleton in 1976, not 1967. Pardon the typo.

Petrie was traded by the Blazers at the end of the 1975-76 season. My interview with The Schonz preceded the 1976-77 season. There were no Blazers in 1967.

My memory is correct, my typing sucks.

[Former Sales Manager]

Just look at that Herb Terlek (WKRP in Cincinnati)-type sport jacket Schonz is wearing in the 2nd photo!!

We wore amazing jackets in those days. I purchased several of mine at the hip men's store Vaughn's at Sather Gate.

Equally amazing, they're still in great shape 40+ years later. My 42 year old son wears them often to dress-up events at his golf club. Sort of for dress-up and sorta as a "costume."