Phoenix Suns TV play-by-play voice Steve Albert retires
Apr 18, 2017, 10:19 AM | Updated: 11:04 am
Suns broadcasters Steve Albert and Tim Kempton at training camp in San Diego. (Photo: Craig Grialou/Arizona Sports)
(Photo: Craig Grialou/Arizona Sports)
The Phoenix Suns will have a new voice on television broadcasts next season, as it was announced on Tuesday that Steve Albert is retiring from broadcasting.
Albert has called games for the Suns on Fox Sports Arizona for the past five seasons.
“After 45 years in sportscasting, including the past five years as television play-by-play announcer for the Phoenix Suns, I have decided to step away from the business,” Albert said in a statement. “By doing this now while I’m relatively young and healthy, it gives me the time to pursue other interests and do things with family and friends that wouldn’t ordinarily be possible when you have an 82-game schedule that includes so much traveling and unusual hours.
“This was not a particularly easy decision because I still enjoy calling the games, the creativity involved with that, and the camaraderie. The major factor was the travel lifestyle.”
Albert came to the Suns in 2012 after spending time with the New Jersey Nets and Golden State Warriors, as well as one season with the New Orleans Hornets. He also called some big-time boxing matches during his career, and was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007.
“We were very fortunate five years ago to bring in someone of Steve’s caliber and experience, and in the time since, his tireless preparation and infectious personality brought Suns fans watching on TV much closer to the action,” Suns president Jason Rowley said in a release. “While we will miss his superb talent and witty delivery, our Suns family congratulates Steve on an extraordinary career and we wish him nothing but the best in his retirement.”
