Bill Schonely

William W. Schonely (June 1, 1929 – January 21, 2023), nicknamed "The Schonz", was an American sports broadcaster who was the play-by-play announcer for the Portland Trail Blazers for almost three decades, from the team's launch in 1970 until 1998. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in radio in Louisiana and Seattle before settling in Portland, Oregon. In addition to his work for the Blazers, he was a sportscaster for Major League Baseball games, several minor league baseball teams, college sports, National Hockey League games, and junior ice hockey.

Bill Schonely
Schonely in 2013
Born(1929-06-01)June 1, 1929
Norristown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedJanuary 21, 2023(2023-01-21) (aged 93)
Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Other namesThe Schonz, Mr. Rip City
Spouses
  • Barbara
    ​
    (before 1967)​
  • Dottie
    ​
    (m. 1992)​
Children4
Sports commentary career
Teams
  • Seattle Totems (1957–1967)
  • Seattle Pilots (1969)
  • Portland Trail Blazers (1970–1998)
  • Portland Beavers (2001–2002)
GenrePlay-by-play
Sports
  • Basketball
  • hockey
  • baseball
  • roller derby
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