Don Gillis facts for kids

Don Gillis (1922–2008) was a famous sportscaster, which means he was a TV and radio announcer who reported on sports events. He was well-known in the Boston area, where he worked as a sports director and anchor for TV stations WHDH-TV and WCVB-TV. Don Gillis called games for many popular teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and Boston Celtics. He also hosted a unique show about candlepin bowling.

Who Was Don Gillis?

Don Gillis was an important voice in sports broadcasting for many years. He was born in 1922 and passed away in 2008. His job as a sportscaster involved telling viewers and listeners what was happening during games. He also reported on sports news and interviewed athletes. Don Gillis became a familiar face and voice to sports fans, especially in the New England region of the United States.

A Career in Sports

Don Gillis spent a big part of his career working for major television stations in Boston. He was the sports director and a sports anchor at WHDH-TV and later at WCVB-TV. As a sports director, he helped lead the sports news team. As an anchor, he presented the sports segments on the news. His work helped bring exciting sports moments into people's homes.

Calling the Big Games

Don Gillis had the exciting job of calling games for some of the biggest sports teams. He covered baseball, hockey, and basketball, giving fans play-by-play commentary.

Boston Red Sox

In 1957, Don Gillis stepped in to call games for the Boston Red Sox baseball team. This happened when the regular announcer, Curt Gowdy, was unable to work due to back problems. Gillis made sure fans didn't miss any of the action on the field.

Boston Bruins

He also lent his voice to the thrilling world of ice hockey, calling games for the Boston Bruins. Hockey games are fast-paced and exciting, and Gillis helped fans follow every goal and save.

Boston Celtics

Basketball fans also knew Don Gillis. He called games for the legendary Boston Celtics basketball team. He described the amazing plays and helped capture the excitement of their championship runs.

Other Sports

Beyond the major professional teams, Don Gillis also covered other sports. He called football games for the Harvard Crimson, which is Harvard University's college football team. He also covered preseason games for the New England Patriots football team.

A Unique Show: Candlepin Bowling

One of Don Gillis's most famous roles was hosting a candlepin bowling program. Candlepin bowling is a special type of bowling popular in New England and Canada. This show allowed him to connect with a different audience and showcase a unique sport. It was a popular program that many people enjoyed watching.

Legacy

Don Gillis left a lasting mark on sports broadcasting in New England. He was a trusted voice who brought many memorable sports moments to life for generations of fans. His career showed his dedication to sports and his ability to connect with viewers.