EP 042: Chuck Swirsky, Chicago Bulls
This episode features my conversation with Chuck Swirsky, the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Bulls. He also has worked for the Toronto Raptors, University of Michigan, and many more along the way. We cover a wide variety of topics including:
- How he knew he wanted to be a sports broadcaster at age five.
- Getting his first radio job at age twelve.
- Getting his first break out of college in Bellevue, Washington.
- Hanging up on someone calling him about what became his first job in Chicago.
- Receiving a blank commercial log at one of the lowest rated major market stations in history.
- The boss that convinced him to leave his comfort zone.
- Being the only sports talk show host in Chicago early in the mediums history.
- His sports talk philosophy of sticking to sports and avoiding guy talk and innuendos.
- How a call from the late great Ernie Harwell led to a job with the University of Michigan and covering a national title game.
- Stories from his time working with Chicago legends Jack Brickhouse and Harry Carey.
- Getting his first pro job with the Toronto Raptors.
- How he came up with his famous catch phrases “Salami and Cheese” and “Onions Baby Onions.”
- Dealing with customs workers crossing the border.
- Becoming the voice of the Chicago Bulls.
- Keeping great energy when covering a bad team.
- Working with an analyst where the chemistry is great and when it’s not so great.
- How an unanswered letter in his youth shaped his philosophy on giving back to the industry.
- And much more!
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