Gary Bender facts for kids

Gary Nedrow Bender (born September 1, 1940) is a famous American sportscaster who is now retired. He was honored in 2008 by being added to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. Gary Bender officially stopped working on April 13, 2011. For 18 years, he was the voice for the NBA's Phoenix Suns games on Fox Sports Arizona. He also called many NBA games for TNT, especially during the NBA Playoffs.

About Gary Bender

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Gary Bender was born in Norton, Kansas, and grew up in Ulysses, Kansas. He finished high school in Ulysses in 1958. He then went to Wichita State University, where he earned a degree in journalism in 1962. Later, he received his master's degree from the University of Kansas in 1964.

Gary started his career by announcing games for Hutchinson Community College. After that, he became the announcer for the University of Kansas's football and basketball teams in the 1960s. He also worked in Wisconsin, calling many championship games. In the early 1970s, he announced for the Green Bay Packers on radio and the Milwaukee Brewers on television.

Working at CBS Sports (1975-1987)

From 1975 to 1981, and again in 1986, Gary Bender was a play-by-play announcer for the NFL on CBS. He worked with famous football players like Johnny Unitas and John Madden. He also called the 1981 NBA Finals with basketball legends Rick Barry and Bill Russell.

Gary was the very first play-by-play announcer for CBS's coverage of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. He called the Final Four games from 1982 to 1984. He was also the main college football announcer for CBS in 1982 and 1983.

Working at ABC Sports (1987-1992)

In 1987, Gary Bender announced a Monday Night Football game for ABC. This game was special because it was moved to a Monday night.

In 1988, Gary also called baseball games for ABC. He announced the 1988 American League Championship Series with Baseball Hall of Famers Joe Morgan and Reggie Jackson. He also announced college football games for ABC Sports.

Working at TNT Sports

Gary Bender also announced NFL games for TNT from 1992 to 1994. He then called The NBA on TNT games from 1992 to 1995. He worked with many different commentators during this time. He returned to TNT in 2004 to help with the NBA Playoffs. In 2009, he filled in to call a Phoenix Suns game on TNT.

Later Career: FSN-Arizona and Versus

For 18 years, Gary Bender was the main television announcer for the Phoenix Suns on Fox Sports Net (FSN-Arizona). He worked with former Suns players Eddie Johnson and Scott Williams. In 2006, he also became the play-by-play announcer for the Versus network. There, he covered Mountain West Conference football games.

Personal Life and Family

Gary Bender is also a writer. He co-wrote a book called Call of the Game. In this book, he shares his life story and gives tips on how to become a good broadcaster.

Gary is a graduate of Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. His son, Trey, is also a sportscaster, just like his dad. Trey even played his father in a TV show called Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. Gary's granddaughter, Landry Bender, is an actress. She is known for her roles in shows like Crash & Bernstein and Fuller House.

Career Highlights

Television Work

Radio Work

• 1970–1974: Green Bay Packers Play-by-play (radio)
• 1995–1998: St. Louis Rams Play-by-play (radio)
• 1999–2000: Chicago Bears Play-by-play (radio)