JAZZ LEGENDARY BROADCASTER
HOT ROD HUNDLEY PASSES AWAY
Longtime broadcaster Hot Rod Hundley, the beloved voice of the Utah Jazz
from 1974-2009, passed away March 27, 2015, at his home in Phoenix, Arizona,
surrounded by family. He broadcast many of the most memorable moments in
Jazz history, calling 3,051 Jazz games during a span of more than three decades.
“Hot Rod was the voice of the Utah Jazz for 35 years and his voice was
synonymous with Jazz radio,” said Gail Miller. “The expressions he used
throughout the game broadcasts are legendary. He had the unique ability to
make the game come to life so that you felt as though you could see what was
happening on the floor when listening to him call the games. Rod was a very
special talent and will be missed by our family as well as Jazz fans everywhere.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the Hundley family.”
The only member of the original New Orleans
Jazz staff to remain with the team for its first 35
seasons, he joined the organization prior to the
expansion team’s inaugural season in 1974-75
and moved with the team when it relocated to
Salt Lake City in 1979-80. A banner hangs in the
rafters of EnergySolutions Arena honoring the
3,051 games he called during his 35-year career.
In 2010, the team dedicated the media center
at the arena to Hot Rod, outlining his legendary
career from his days at West Virginia University
to his calls as a Jazz broadcaster.
“Rod was a true professional, a great personal
friend and remains a legend in the NBA
broadcast industry,” said Utah Jazz President
Randy Rigby. “From his start with the franchise in New Orleans in 1974 when
the Jazz were an expansion team, Hot Rod built a fan base that remains
unmatchable. With his signature ‘You Gotta Love it, Baby!’ to ‘With a gentle
push and a mild arc the old cow hide globe hit home,’ Rod will be remembered
as a true scholar of the game and will always remain a member of the Jazz
family.”
David Locke, who succeeded Hot Rod as the radio play-by-play voice of
the Jazz in 2009, posted to Twitter this touching tribute following news of
Hundley’s passing: “As a child, my hero. As a young adult, my mentor. As an
adult, my friend. So honored to have known you Hots. Thanks. RIP.”
A black band was worn on the Utah Jazz team uniform for the remainder of the
season to pay homage to Hot Rod.
Hundley spent the first 31 years of his Jazz career as the play-by-play voice of
Jazz radio/television simulcasts before becoming the radio voice for his final
four seasons.
The remodeled Utah Jazz media center was named the
“Hot Rod Hundley Media Center” in 2009. The facility
features photos and memorabilia spanning Hundley’s
basketball and broadcasting careers.
VOL. 7, ISSUE 3
FOUNDERS
EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
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Carisa Miller
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