‘A class act’: Legendary Boston Celtics announcer Mike Gorman to retire after upcoming season

BOSTON — Legendary Boston Celtics play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman plans to sign off the air for good after the upcoming NBA season.

The 2023-2024 season will be Gorman’s last after 43 years of calling Celtics games, NBC Sports Boston announced Thursday.

“Being the play-by-play voice of the iconic Boston Celtics since 1981 has been a true honor and privilege,” Gorman said in a statement posted on the news outlet’s website. “When I started on the broadcast team 43 years ago, I could not have dreamed what an amazing journey this would be.”

Gorman, who grew up in Dorchester, has been a mainstay on Celtics basketball broadcasts since 1981. He spent the majority of his tenure in Boston calling games alongside Celtics great Tommy Heinsohn. The partnership lasted for 39 years until Heinsohn’s death in November 2020.

Celtics team president Rich Gotham said, “It’s been a privilege for all of us at the Celtics who have had the chance to work alongside Mike, a true professional and a class act on and off the court. His presence will be missed behind the mic, but he’ll always be a part of the Celtics family.”

Gorman served in the United States Navy and is a graduate of Boston State, now known as UMass Boston. He spent time working at various news organizations, including WPRI-TV in Rhode Island, before landing the Celtics play-by-play gig.

“I very much look forward to my final season with all of you -- and thank you again for allowing me to be a part of your lives,” Gorman added.

NBCSB and the Celtics plan to honor Gorman throughout his farewell season.

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