Bob Rathbun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Rathbun
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Robert Courtland Rathbun
November 25, 1954 Wakefield, Rhode Island, U.S.
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| Occupation | Television broadcaster, Atlanta Hawks |
Robert Courtland Rathbun, born on November 25, 1954, is a well-known American sportscaster. He is famous for describing basketball games, especially for the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream teams, on TV since 1996. He also works as a motivational speaker and has written books.
Contents
Bob Rathbun's Early Life and Career
Bob Rathbun finished Catawba College in North Carolina in 1976. He started his career in sports radio in 1973, working for WSTP Radio.
In 1987, he was a main announcer for ESPN, covering the first-ever championship game of the Arena Football League. He also worked for the Washington Bullets basketball team and the Baltimore Orioles baseball team. His experience in baseball includes describing games for the Tidewater Tides and the Richmond Braves.
Working with the Detroit Tigers
From 1992 to 1994, Rathbun was a radio announcer for the Detroit Tigers baseball team. He and Rick Rizzs took over from famous announcers Ernie Harwell and Paul Carey. Many fans were upset when Harwell was no longer announcing games. Rathbun and Rizzs, along with the team president, faced a lot of anger from fans.
After a new owner, Mike Ilitch, took over the team in 1993, Ernie Harwell returned to announce games with Rizzs and Rathbun. However, Rathbun and Rizzs left the team at the end of the 1994 baseball season.
Bob Rathbun's Current Roles
Bob Rathbun was the play-by-play announcer for Atlanta Braves baseball games on Fox Sports Net from 1997 to 2006.
He is currently the main announcer for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. He often works with Dominique Wilkins, a nine-time NBA All-Star who used to play for the Hawks. Rathbun also announces college football games for the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference basketball and football games.
On December 5, 2022, before a Hawks game, Rathbun had a medical emergency while on TV. Lauren Jbara, a sideline reporter, filled in for him during that game. Mike Morgan then announced the next few Hawks games until Rathbun returned on December 19.
Awards and Recognition
Bob Rathbun has received many honors for his work.
- In 1988, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Catawba College.
- In 2006, he was added to the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame.
- He was named Virginia Sportscaster of the Year six times.
- In 1998, he received the same honor in Georgia.
- In 2008, he was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
- In 2025, he was also inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.
