Ep 42. Kevin Calabro, NBA Play-By-Play Announcer

The Nordy Pod

If you follow professional basketball, chances are you've heard a booming broadcast by the incredible Kevin Calabro. And if you’ve been so lucky, then you know what a thrill ride it is listening to his exhilarating play-by-play. By his own admission, Kevin wants listeners to know that he's having fun on the mic, because that's what sport is all about! As a kid he remembers gaining an appreciation for radio, listening to famous baseball announcers with big personalities like Jack Buck and Harry Caray, and began exploring his own vocal chops as early as high school. Continuing through college and beyond, Kevin's reliability as a play-by-play announcer strengthened enormously. After a year of calling minor league hockey and a bit of Purdue University basketball, he was eventually given the opportunity to move up to the big leagues. His first time announcing for NBA games would be in 1983 for the Kansas City Kings, but it's not until 1987 that Kevin would join a team that is very near and dear to my heart, the Seattle SuperSonics. With 20 years of his voice guiding us play by play through victory and heartbreak, Kevin has become my absolute favorite way to listen to basketball. We'll discuss the eventual end of his time with the Sonics, (which I myself, having been part owner of the SuperSonics at the time, regrettably shared some part in) but since then Kevin's had nothing short of an incredible career. Having called NBA games for several national broadcasting networks like ESPN Radio, TNT, TBS and NBA TV, as well as announcing for the Seattle Sounders soccer team and now the Portland Trail Blazers, he's even lent his voice to several NBA video games! I am super lucky to have had the opportunity to know Kevin for many years, and I'm sure you're going to love diving deeper into his story. Thanks for tuning in to episode 42. We hope you enjoy it! Did you know that YOU can be on The Nordy Pod? This show isn't just a one-way conversation. We want to hear about what Nordstrom looks like through your eyes. Share your Nordstrom experience, good or bad, by giving us a call and leaving a voicemail at: 206.594.0526, or send an email to [e-mail] to be a part of the conversation!