Trail Blazers broadcaster Bill Shawnery dies at 93

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Longtime Portland Trail Blazers broadcaster Bill Shawnery, whose distinctive baritone coined the phrase “Rip City,” died Saturday. he was 93 years old.

Affectionately known as “The Schonz,” Schonely was the team’s first season broadcaster in 1970, a job he held for nearly 28 years, including the team’s NBA championship in 1977.

The team said he died in Portland with his wife of 31 years, Dottie. The cause of death has not been made public.

“Shorts has been a cornerstone of our organization since day one. He was the ultimate Trailblazer and the voice of the Trailblazers,” said former Blazer Terry Porter in a statement released by the team. “He was someone that generations of Blazers fans grew up listening to. His voice will be lost, his existence will be lost, but his legacy will never be forgotten. It’s intertwined with every part of the organization.”

After leaving the station, Shanery served as an ambassador for the Blazers, frequently playing in home games before officially retiring last year.

Senator Ron Wyden called Shaunery “a true Oregon legend.”

“My friend Bill Shawnery provided the soundtrack to generations of @trailblazers fans and made our beloved Portland #RipCity forever,” Wyden posted on Twitter.

Schonely’s tagline, “Rip City,” which now appears on one of the team’s uniforms, was coined during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Blazers came back even though he was trailing by more than 20 points.

In an interview last year, Schoenely recalled how former Blazer and former Oregon player Jim Barnett stepped onto the midcourt line and winked before taking the shot. he fell

“I was going to say ‘Rip the twine,’ or something, but ‘Rip City! “It took a while for that phrase to take hold. I never thought all this would happen. I feel humbled everywhere I go, but it’s ‘Rip City.'”

Schonely has played in over 2,200 Trail Blazers games. He won the 2012 Kurt Gaudi Media Award and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Blazers say an event is planned to publicly celebrate his life.

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