Colleagues take to Twitter to praise ‘perfect’ play-by-play man
While radio listeners remembered Gil Santos’ booming voice and epic calls of plays that secured the Patriots’ place in NFL history, colleagues painted a picture on Twitter yesterday of a gentleman in the booth, a broadcasting pro who loved his job.
“As New Englanders had long realized, Gil was the perfect — yes, perfect — football broadcaster,” said Bob Socci, the Patriots’ current play-byplay man.
“With his golden pipes, Gil painted a vivid picture of some of our region’s greatest sports moments. He was also a tremendous family man. Great man. Great legacy,” tweeted WBZ-TV (Ch. 4) news anchor David Wade.
WBZ-TV sports anchor and reporter Dan Roche tweeted, “He was the best (play-by-play) football radio voice I’ve ever heard. His Vinatieri (Super Bowl) 36 game-winning FG call was epic. A great family man who deeply loved his wife Roberta and son Mark. R-I-P”
Former Patriots linebacker and special teamer Matt Chatham tweeted, “When I think about some of the happiest moments of my professional life, Gil Santos’ legendary voice is prominently there. And he was a class act to boot. Sad sad news for #PatriotsNation.”
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Santos created a bond with players and listeners alike.
“Gil Santos’ bond with anyone who ever met or heard him is timeless,” Belichick said in a statement. “He will forever remain a special figure in the lives of generations of players, coaches, and fans who knew him and in the lives of those who will hear his legendary voice in the future. Gil was a great friend and he will be missed. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.”
“Lots been said and written about Gil Santos in the last several hours,” tweeted former Herald Red Sox reporter Tony Massarotti, now a host at sports radio station 98.5 The Sports Hub. “Most of you will just remember the broadcasting. But far more important was the fact that he was a true gentleman.”
“Gil Santos was and forever will be known as the ‘Voice of the Patriots.’ ” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “Gil was a legendary broadcaster, who for 36 years passionately described the play-by-play detail of every Patriots game during his career, including many of the most memorable moments in franchise history.”