Bill Campbell, Revered Philadelphia Broadcaster, Dies at 91
Bill Campbell, a legendary Philadelphia sportscaster who called Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, has died at age 91.
The Inquirer reports: “During his remarkable career, Mr. Campbell bridged the gap between Robin Roberts and Cole Hamels, between Norm Van Brocklin and Nick Foles, between Chamberlain and Michael Carter-Williams. He either broadcast those players’ games (and all those in between) or talked about them in his radio reports.”
CBS Philly has his official bio:
His basketball broadcasting career includes work for the Philadelphia Warriors and the 76ers, during which he called Wilt Chamberlain’s famous 100-point game in Hershey, Pa.
In 1972 Campbell was named director of broadcasting for the Sixers — a post he held until 1981. He also broadcast ‘Big Five’ college basketball in Philadelphia for many years.
From 1952 to 1966 Campbell was a play-by-play broadcaster for the Philadelphia Eagles, and in 1962 he became the play-by-play broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies, a position he held until 1971.
The station reported on reaction:
“He was the essence of, I guess you could say, ‘color radio,’ ” noted Harry Donahue, recently retired KYW Newsradio anchor and voice of Temple football and basketball. “Because when you listened to him, it wasn’t just the voice, but you got the feeling of what was going on.”
“Bill Campbell was the broadcaster that so many people of my generation grew up worshiping,” said longtime voice of the Eagles, Merrill Reese.
Campbell called Eagles’ games from 1952 to 1966, highlighted by the team’s only championship.
He also did a mean beer commercial:
Reaction poured in:
"I grew up listening to him do Phillies games. The dean of philly sports casters."-on the passing of Bill Campbell-Dad Pollock
— Scott (@ScottPollock16) October 6, 2014
Bill Campbell
A legend
Please rest in peace— paul jolovitz (@jollywipradio) October 6, 2014
I had the pleasure of knowing Bill Campbell. Legendary broadcaster but even better person. #RIP; I know Miss Trouble is waiting for you.
— Jake Levy (@JakeLevyVoice) October 6, 2014
So sad to hear of the passing of legendary Bill Campbell. Was such an honor to work with him back in the day. Love you, Bill. Rest in peace.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) October 6, 2014
Bill Campbell was a radio pioneer + true gentleman. I'm lucky to have known him, honored to have done shows w/ him. Beloved Philadelphian.
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) October 6, 2014
