Trending
From Mirror, wire reports
PITTSBURGH -- Bill Hillgrove, who has served as the "Voice of the Steelers" and handled play-by-play duties for each of the last 30 seasons, announced his retirement Thursday from the Steelers Radio Network.
He will continue his duties with the University of Pittsburgh.
"Bill Hillgrove's contributions to both the Steelers Radio Network and the Steelers organization have spanned nearly three decades that included him serving as our play-by-play announcer for four Super Bowl appearances and countless other memorable games during his tenure," Steelers President Art Rooney II said. "He has played a major role in broadcasting to our amazing fans on our radio network, but he also found time to be part of so many special events since he began working alongside the great Myron Cope on the airwaves in 1994. Bill will truly be missed by Steelers Nation, but we are excited for him and his family to enjoy his retirement."
Hillgrove was handpicked in 1994 by then Steelers owner Dan Rooney to replace the retiring Jack Fleming as the franchise's playby-play announcer for the 1995 season. He has been on the call for over 460 regular-season games, another 35 playoff games, and four Super Bowls, including Pittsburgh's victories in Super Bowl XLIII and Super Bowl XL.
Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Hillgrove earned his bachelor's degree from Duquesne University in 1962.
He then attended the U.S. Army Information School before cutting his teeth at various Pittsburgh radio stations during the 1960s and 70s.
A National Football Foundation Chris Schenkel Award Recipient in 2007, Hillgrove has also served as the University of Pittsburgh basketball's play-by-play announcer since 1969. The Panthers added him to their football broadcasts as a color analyst in 1970.
"I have all of July (and) almost all of August to myself now," Hillgrove said. "Every once in a while if the Steelers aren't playing on Sunday, I can get on a boat and enjoy the fall foliage … which I was never able to do before."
Hillgrove assumed the play-by-play broadcaster for football in 1974 and still holds the position for both sports today.
Hillgrove has also served as sports director for WTAE-TV. He has received numerous awards during his prolific career and is one of only 10 honorary University of Pittsburgh lettermen.
There was no immediate word on who might be Hillgrove's replacement from the Steelers front office.
Hillgrove is also a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.