"Oh Mama" Bill Land announces retirement

[TekXX]

I know he's been sick but he's been a real one. Trying to remember the last guy we had?

[Russ]

I know he's been sick but he's been a real one. Trying to remember the last guy we had?

Joel Myers?

[baseline bum]

Cancer is a bastard

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Damn all the best to him

[Leetonidas]

Fuck...I was really hoping he had another season in him. Guess it's Dan Weiss from here on out?

[Robz4000]

Fuck cancer. Wish him the best tbh.

[jeebus]

Joel Myers?

Yup. I remember his last season; one game he thought he was still on commercial break and was dropping the foul language before he got real quiet lol

[TekXX]

Joel Myers?

I think after Myers it might have been Dick Stockton on a part time bases with Land.

[superbigtime]

Love Bill Land

[SPURt]

Is it because he’s losing his cancer battle?

[exstatic]

Is it because he’s losing his cancer battle?

He’s going to lose, because it’s treatable but not curable. He just may want to spend those last years with his family instead of on the road.

[rjv]

i hope that it's not entirely because of his cancer diagnosis and that some of the reason for retiring is to abet his recovery and or/treatment. we always anticipate the worst, though.

[SPURt]

He’s going to lose, because it’s treatable but not curable. He just may want to spend those last years with his family instead of on the road.
That’s tough. I feel bad for his family and Bill. Thanks for the info.

[spurraider21]

was pretty corny but he was always really energetic on broadcasts and you have to love that

[Dex]

He’s going to lose, because it’s treatable but not curable. He just may want to spend those last years with his family instead of on the road.

Well put. I had the same boss for over a decade. Lot of respect for him.

He got diagnosed in 2020 at 60, kept trying to push it to "retirement age", finally retired in 2023 and just passed away last month.

Dude spent his entire life working to make enough to enjoy his final years, and spent his one year of retirement in treatment. Makes me sick...fuck cancer.

[scott]

Not even an “I’m Out” thread directly from Bill? Lame.

In all seriousness, will miss him and hope he gets to enjoy some family time now!

[J_Paco]

Fuck, that sucks that cancer is the reason Bill is retiring. I've had multiple family members on my dad's side die from it.

[Pauleta14]

I hope it's not linked to his cancer worsening but just him wanting to enjoy more time with his familly and loved ones.

He's a legend, always so classy and positive, I'll miss him.

[Ef-man]

Oh mama, always enjoyed his humor and Homerisms.

Hope best for him and his family.

[BatManu20]

Damn. Was looking forward to at least one more year of hearing "Oh mama Wembanyama!!!" from him. Sucks tbh. Fuck cancer.

[BatManu20]

I hope it's not linked to his cancer worsening but just him wanting to enjoy more time with his familly and loved ones.

He's a legend, always so classy and positive, I'll miss him.

Same. He turns 73 in a couple months. Cancer's really hard on the body at that age, no matter what type it is. Your condition can deteriorate quickly when you're that old. I'm sure he realizes his days are numbered regardless and wants to spend whatever time he has left with his family and not on the road with the Spurs. All the best to him.

[Arcadian]

Joel Myers?
I always loved the silky smooth voice of Joel Meyers. He was our play-by-play guy during the peak Duncan years. I sometimes tune into a Pelicans broadcast just to hear his voice again :lol

[Arcadian]

Well put. I had the same boss for over a decade. Lot of respect for him.

He got diagnosed in 2020 at 60, kept trying to push it to "retirement age", finally retired in 2023 and just passed away last month.

Dude spent his entire life working to make enough to enjoy his final years, and spent his one year of retirement in treatment. Makes me sick...fuck cancer.

Wow that sucks. That's exactly why I don't put off enjoying my life for the future. Because there might not be a future. Live for now.

[LeBowen]

Would be nice if they give him a farewell game if he's able to, deserves a proper farewell.

Meanwhile, Hubie Brown is about to turn 91, puts things into perspective.

[exstatic]

Damn. Was looking forward to at least one more year of hearing "Oh mama Wembanyama!!!" from him. Sucks tbh. Fuck cancer.

There’s a YouTube compilation of all the times he said it. You should check it out.

[exstatic]

On a side note, God, I hope they can do better than Andrew Monaco, even on such short notice.

[heyheymymy]

Damn, I am not ready for this yet. Fighting back tears bros.

It's the end of an era. Bill and Sean were the background to such an unbelievable time for me in my fandom. 05-15 or so was such a fun time to follow the team and fight for league respect and accomplish some amazing things and the iconic voice duo was so signature to that era imho.

You'd get other teams calls on pirate streams and just cringe at the poor job, accuracy issues, annoying voices, petty and insecure statements.

But Bill and Sean were fun, classy, professional and cool. Was hoping Bill would do at least another year, or just home games but totally respect his decision and feel like he went as long as he could. So glad he got Wemby's rookie season in. He knows we're in good hands and can turn his focus to family, privacy and dignity.

Love you Bill Land. Great job. You are a San Antonio Spurs family legend forever.

[heyheymymy]

who was the hedgehog looking motherfucker Rick Renner or some shit

hope he stays in Dallas lol.

[Pauleta14]

He's feeling good!!

Came upon this Mcdonald's tweet...

https://x.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/1826277139332976850

[J_Paco]

On a side note, God, I hope they can do better than Andrew Monaco, even on such short notice.

Yeah, he sucks.

Great voice but something about his delivery is off putting. I always got made when it was him and Bonner calling a game instead of Sean and Bill.

[exstatic]

who was the hedgehog looking motherfucker Rick Renner or some shit

hope he stays in Dallas lol.

Renner was a studio guy, not a play caller. He was also the epitome of the saying “He’s got a face for radio”. Don’t know if I’ve ever seen an uglier human being on TV, intentionally.

[heyheymymy]

lol ex that's hilarious. I just seem to recall his hair being ridiculous. Bleached and gelled lol but no hard feelings he had pretty good hype energy on recaps at least.

Man, maybe they'll bring back Ole' PJ Scratch Voice Carlisimo? I think he's still around on ESPN radio and some NBA analyst appearances.

[kht]

So lucky to have gotten to meet him and shake his hand. I was talking with Michelle Beadle, who was also nice and fabulous, and she called over Bill so we could all take a picture together. He seemed to happy and eager to come over even as he was preparing that night's game.

And the few times I've seen Sean on road (was too far away) but called his name and gave him a wave and thumbs up, he always reciprocated and waved back. Class act all around by the Spurs broadcasting staff.

Praying for Bill and his fight against cancer. This sucks.

[Chomag]

Oh... I didn't know he has cancer. Best wishes that he beats it for a full recovery. I've lost about 80% of my family to it its no joke, fuck cancer!

[Mal]

Damn, I like the guy

[NASpurs]

Makes you think. If Sean wasn’t wearing that watch, who knows what could’ve happened to him as well.

I hope the best for Bill and Sean.

[MannyIsGod]

This made me pretty sad NGL. He and Sean have such good chemistry and it always made for a good broadcast. You could tell they are truly good friends. Cancer is a bitch. Hope he has many years ahead of him.

[z0sa]

Most of the Spurs basketball I've watched has been called by Bill. Sad day, though he announced his cancer stuff early last season IIRC. I didn't know if he wanted to fight the good fight and end up gone in a hotel somewhere, or if he wanted to retire. It's a great job but you could tell sometimes he may have been de-hydrated or otherwise dealing with the effects of his illness and/or its treatment.

[Tyronn Lue]

You can always hear the joy in Bill's voice, he's been amazing.

[timtonymanu]

Not even an “I’m Out” thread directly from Bill? Lame.

In all seriousness, will miss him and hope he gets to enjoy some family time now!

Unlike that other attention whore, I think losing Bill actually means something to us on here lol

[timtonymanu]

Dude had a lot of legendary moments but the one that stuck out to me was when Gary Neal hit that 3 against Memphis that saved the spurs from being eliminated in game 5 2011 and how much his voice was cracking during it. Bill is a legend. So many good memories. Wish him the best and hope he just lives a happy life from here.

[scott]

Dude had a lot of legendary moments but the one that stuck out to me was when Gary Neal hit that 3 against Memphis that saved the spurs from being eliminated in game 5 2011 and how much his voice was cracking during it. Bill is a legend. So many good memories. Wish him the best and hope he just lives a happy life from here.

I was at that game so missed Bill's call, but damn I can only imagine.

[timtonymanu]

I was at that game so missed Bill's call, but damn I can only imagine.


https://youtu.be/jGnJ0uUgJIw?si=Fxw6V16B3SSzhGPp

It’s this one for reference.

[CGD]

Godspeed Billl

[SpurSpike]

Dang im really going to miss him. You could see and feel his passion for the game in the creative ways he called them. Not an easy guy to replace...

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

He’s going to lose, because it’s treatable but not curable. He just may want to spend those last years with his family instead of on the road.

you can't actually lose a battle with cancer. because when you die, so does the cancer. the worst you can do is a draw

[Arcadian]

https://youtu.be/jGnJ0uUgJIw?si=Fxw6V16B3SSzhGPp

It’s this one for reference.

That's funny because I joined ST right after that series ended in 2011, and it was an odd time to join as everyone was melting down :lol

[Pauleta14]

you can't actually lose a battle with cancer. because when you die, so does the cancer. the worst you can do is a draw

I miss Norm MacDonald

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Sad news. I was hoping he could beat the cancer.

I hope he is able to some what enjoy his time left with his loved ones. Dude always brought great energy and optimism. He will be missed.

[Bill_Brasky]

Bill isn't the most talented or best PBP guy I've ever listened to, but he is pretty high up. His enthusiasm is great. Him and Sean are homer announcers, but they do it in a way that is charming. They don't disparage the other team or players, they simply get more pumped up when the Spurs do something exciting than when the other team does something exciting. That's how it's supposed to be on a home broadcast. I'm glad I had the privilege to listen to him, and I'm super happy that he had the privilege of calling games during TD's career. It :cry hurts :cry , but you just remember all the memorable calls.

And yes, it sucks doubly that we got Wemby and he only got to use "Oh Mama, Wembanyama" for one year.

[rjv]

On a side note, God, I hope they can do better than Andrew Monaco, even on such short notice.

thankfully, Monaco is tied to the Aggie job for a bit. that dude is awful.

[Ice009]

Damn, I am not ready for this yet. Fighting back tears bros.

It's the end of an era. Bill and Sean were the background to such an unbelievable time for me in my fandom. 05-15 or so was such a fun time to follow the team and fight for league respect and accomplish some amazing things and the iconic voice duo was so signature to that era imho.

You'd get other teams calls on pirate streams and just cringe at the poor job, accuracy issues, annoying voices, petty and insecure statements.

But Bill and Sean were fun, classy, professional and cool. Was hoping Bill would do at least another year, or just home games but totally respect his decision and feel like he went as long as he could. So glad he got Wemby's rookie season in. He knows we're in good hands and can turn his focus to family, privacy and dignity.

Love you Bill Land. Great job. You are a San Antonio Spurs family legend forever.

Man, this sucks. I was hoping/thought he'd be OK for quite a while longer. I thought for sure he'd do one more year. Absolutely crushing to hear this. Bill is a legend and huts to hear he won't be doing the games anymore. Great person, not just a great Spurs PBP announcer. Bill and Sean had great chemistry and made the games more fun. He just really made listening to the games more comforting even if the Spurs weren't playing well.

Can anyone tell me what year he started? I wasn't really able to listen to the home game commentary for quite a few years after. I don't think the option wasn't available on league pass in my country to choose the home or away team commentary until sometime after 2010 I think.
Who were the previous guy/s before Bill started doing it?

[Dex]

Man, this sucks. I was hoping/thought he'd be OK for quite a while longer. I thought for sure he'd do one more year. Absolutely crushing to hear this. Bill is a legend and huts to hear he won't be doing the games anymore. Great person, not just a great Spurs PBP announcer. Bill and Sean had great chemistry and made the games more fun. He just really made listening to the games more comforting even if the Spurs weren't playing well.

Can anyone tell me what year he started? I wasn't really able to listen to the home game commentary for quite a few years after. I don't think the option wasn't available on league pass in my country to choose the home or away team commentary until sometime after 2010 I think.
Who were the previous guy/s before Bill started doing it?

https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/08/21/oh-mama-long-time-spurs-television-play-by-play-announcer-bill-land-announces-retirement-ahead-of-2024-2025-season/

From the article:

Land joined the Spurs broadcast team back in 1990 as an occasional fill-in announcer on Home Sports Entertainment which then led to a more prominent role in 2003. It preceded his appointment as lead play-by-play announcer in 2008, a position he has since filled until the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.

[drpill]

I have nothing substantial to add here, but I also loved listening to Bill and Sean over the years. I really have thought we Spurs fans were blessed to have such a great announcing duo. He will be missed and I hope he gets to enjoy his retirement for many years.

[OldMan88]

Bill Land is a consummate professional. He will be sorely missed and leaves some very large shoes to fill.

[Biggems]

On a side note, God, I hope they can do better than Andrew Monaco, even on such short notice.

no Matt Bonner either.....please no

[KingKev]

no Matt Bonner either.....please no

Yeah, him and Sean just wouldn’t compliment each other well. Too many corny dad jokes for one panel. Also please no Michelle Beadle.

[CGD]

^ you actually have to have someone who can call the games. That’s a unique skill. Beadle and Bonnor are commentators, and can’t touch Bill’s jocks when it comes to that. I thought Joel Meyers was good when he was here, but think he’s with NOLA or MEM these days.

[ObiwanGinobili]

Man I was so sad to hear he retired:(

[Spurs Brazil]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZnOUJz1i_Y&t=7s

[Biggems]

Maybe we can find a younger person, with some experience, who can grow into the position and be here for the Wemby years and beyond.

[KingKev]

Bowen would be a nice addition to the panel. I mean he lost his gig with the Clippers for speaking facts about Leoanrd.

[Ice009]

Where does Bruce live these days? Like, how did he get the gig in LA? Did he move there, or was he doing other analyst work that led to that job?
What was his role there? I didn't follow it at all. Was he part of the broadcast team, or a studio analyst?

[spurraider21]

1841887967586943272

[Mugen]

Thank god they didnt go with that Dan guy, dude was terrible.

[LeBowen]

Thank god they didnt go with that Dan guy, dude was terrible.

Tbh, isn't Dan more of a studio host? He was just covering for Bill when needed.

Tobey guy is from Denver, did some work for the Nuggets and called Austin games last season?

[rjv]

dude is young but has some NBA experience. He seems to be from the East Coast and, apparently, is also moonlights as a singer at bars. Looks like he's worked for Suffolk University, the Celtics and, most recently, in Denver as sportscaster.

[tim_duncan_fan]

What a time to get an NBA announcer job! He's gonna follow presumably one of the greatest players in the league for the next ~20 years. Must be exciting!

[ace3g]

DAwbs2Txifs

[CorrectCrusader]

Nooooo not Bill. Just saw this news. Him and Elliot were top tier.

[spurs10]

I'll miss Bill and his great commentary and good vibes. I've met he and Sean a few times and they are both really wonderful guys. Mostly I hope his health improves and he is not in a dire place.

[exstatic]

I'll miss Bill and his great commentary and good vibes. I've met he and Sean a few times and they are both really wonderful guys. Mostly I hope his health improves and he is not in a dire place.

His disease is treatable, but not curable. I think the max is about 10 years, of which at least one has elapsed. I’m sure he just wants to spend the time with his family.

They should retire a microphone banner with his name and years of service, same as a player.

[Jordan Jackson]

no Matt Bonner either.....please no

Bonner is gone. He moved back to Toronto. He’s now with Raptors broadcast team and has his own show/podcast.

[Ice009]

Wow, I had no idea Bonner left. When did he leave? What role does he have on their broadcast team? Studio analyst?

[NASpurs]

Wow, I had no idea Bonner left. When did he leave? What role does he have on their broadcast team? Studio analyst?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5789105/2024/09/24/raptors-matt-bonner-sportsnet-590-2024-season/

[TekXX]

Seems kinda bland, i'm assuming his half the salary the paid Land. More money for the country club!

[Degoat]

It’s preseason for this new guy but so far he sucks