His impact and legacy to the franchise and the city cannot be understated. 50 plus years of a constant civic presence of professionalism and class. If there is not a street, bridge, or other major municipal structure named after Bill, we riot. This city and this state won't be the same without you, Mr. Schonley. You have touched millions of lives in ways that can't be measured or described. Love and Godspeed to you, enjoy your retirement and your remaining years in comfort with your loved ones, and never forget that Portland, Oregon owes you a debt that can never be repayed.
He's so important, I'm going to suffer through at least the first half of the game to get to his halftime ceremony.
I love everything about the post except for "we riot." That's way too Portland. Schonz deserves better than that sentiment.
There will be other great announcers for the Blazers, but there will never be another Schonz. He’s the connection to the origin of the team, he called the lone championship run, and he’s just a class act.
I remember listening to him all the time as a kid. Used to record games off the radio on to cassette so I could listen in the summer. When I first started working for the team, I’d see him and get so nervous around him. Finally got up the nerve to introduce myself and he’s a cool as you would think he is. Gonna miss having him around.
Snapper was still calling a few games a year my first 2 seasons traveling with the team. Great dude! Didn’t give a fuck about anything to anybody! Did his own thing. He lived in my old neighborhood, so whenever I’d run over to see my parents, I’d bump into him also. Miss him!
I've been away from Portland for years, but in what capacity was Schonely working for the Blazers still?
