By Adam Bjaranson
It has been 4,172 games since Bill Schonely last called a Trail Blazers game. Yes, I was bored, so I counted! Since that time, the team has seen some highs and lows. But come Wednesday night when the Blazers host Phoenix, Schonely will get behind the mic one more time. The 80-year-old Schonely will call the 3rd quarter of the game with current play-by-play man Brian Wheeler. It is all to celebrate the Blazers 40th anniversary season.
Schonely has been with the Blazers since their inception in 1970, and was basically "kicked off the team" in 1998. It's bound to be an emotional night as the Blazers return to Memorial Coliseum for the first time in 12 seasons. Players will wear jerseys with the inscription "Rip City" on it (Schonely's trademark line). Also, Blazer Dancers will wear outfits to match that era. (Not sure if Aqua Net hair spray will be part of their pre-game prep) .
We know this much, it's gonna be a walk down memory lane! No TV on this preseason matchup, so get out the old transistor radio and visualize it along with "The Schonz". And, check out the highlights first, on NewsChannel 8 at 10 and 11.
