Bob Rathbun facts for kids

Robert Courtland Rathbun (born November 25, 1954) is a well-known American sportscaster. He is also a motivational speaker and an author. Bob Rathbun is famous for being the television play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream basketball teams. He has been doing this exciting job since 1996. A play-by-play announcer describes all the action of a game as it happens, almost like telling a story live!

Who is Bob Rathbun?

Bob Rathbun was born on November 25, 1954. He is a very experienced sportscaster from the United States. He helps fans feel like they are right there in the game. He also shares inspiring messages as a speaker and has written books.

Bob's Early Career

Bob Rathbun went to Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, and graduated in 1976. He started his career in sports broadcasting very early. In 1973, he became the sports director for WSTP Radio, also in Salisbury, North Carolina.

In 1987, Bob was the main announcer for ESPN during ArenaBowl I. This was the very first championship game for the Arena Football League. He worked alongside another famous sports person, Lee Corso, during that game.

Announcing for Major Teams

Bob Rathbun has worked for many different sports teams. He has announced games for the Washington Bullets (now the Washington Wizards) and the Baltimore Orioles. He also announced baseball games for minor league teams like the Tidewater Tides and the Richmond Braves.

A Tough Start in Detroit

From 1992 to 1994, Bob worked as a radio announcer for the Detroit Tigers baseball team. He and his partner, Rick Rizzs, took over from a very popular announcer, Ernie Harwell. Many fans were sad when Ernie Harwell left. This made it a difficult time for Bob and Rick. They were fired at the end of the 1994 season.

Bob's Current Roles

After Detroit, Bob Rathbun continued his career. From 1997 to 2006, he was the play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Braves baseball team on Fox Sports Net.

Today, Bob is still the play-by-play announcer for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. He also announces games for the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. He often works with Dominique Wilkins, who was a nine-time NBA All-Star player for the Hawks. Besides basketball, Bob also announces college football games for the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He also covers Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) college basketball and football games for Raycom Sports.

A Health Scare

On December 5, 2022, Bob Rathbun had a medical emergency. This happened live on air before a Hawks game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Hawks' sideline reporter, Lauren Jbara, stepped in to announce the game for him. Mike Morgan then filled in for Bob for a few games. Bob Rathbun made a great recovery and returned to announcing on December 19.

Recognition

Bob Rathbun has received many awards and honors for his work. In 2006, he was inducted into the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame. He also received the Distinguished Alumni Award from his college in 1988.

He was named Virginia Sportscaster of the Year six different times. Then, in 1998, he received the same honor in Georgia. In 2008, Bob Rathbun was recognized for his amazing career when he was named to the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.