Courtesy News LI

(April 23, 2010) News 12 Long Island today announced that it has signed a multiyear contract extension with legendary sports announcer Bob Wolff, furthering his distinction as the longest - running TV and radio sports broadcaster in history. This new contract will take him into his 66th year on television, and his 73rd year in broadcasting.

“We are very fortunate to continue to have a legendary talent like Bob on our staff,” said Pat Dolan, News Director for News 12 Long Island. “He has been with our organization for 24 of his 66 years on TV, and has been instrumental in developing the direction of our sports department. As someone who has witnessed and participated in the coverage of some of the most significant moments in sports history, Bob understands the impact that sports has on communities and on individuals. He continues to be a valuable asset throughout the News 12 organization.”

“It’s a privilege to continue my long association with the talented journalists at News 12 who, together as a family, consistently produce quality work,” said Wolff. “This organization allows me to pursue my lifelong craft and my passion, which is covering sports on television. I enjoy what I do and can’t imagine a day in which I wasn’t involved in this exciting business.”

Wolff remains the only sportscaster to have called the four major pro championships: The World Series, the Stanley Cup, the NBA Championships, and the NFL Championships. Since joining News 12 Long Island in 1986, Wolff has been inducted into the baseball wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame with the Ford Frick Award, and joined Curt Gowdy as one of the only two sportscasters in both the Baseball and Basketball Halls of Fame. Wolff is also in the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame, having telecast more Garden events since 1954 than any other Garden play-by-play announcer.

Wolff began his professional career in 1939 on CBS radio, WDNC in Durham, North Carolina, while a student at Duke University. In 1946, he was a pioneer in television, working for DuMont TV in Washington D.C. Wolff, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate, will be in his 73rd year in broadcasting after his new contract, and his incredible career will have included nine decades. Many of Wolff’s legendary calls remain career highlights. They include his broadcast of Don Larsen’s perfect World Series game, the Colts’ overtime championship victory over the New York Giants in 1958 (called the “greatest football game ever played”), and the Knicks two championship seasons on broadcast television. Wolff is also known for broadcasting Rose Bowls, Sugar Bowls, Gator bowls and a long list of diverse national championships among other accomplishments.

At News 12 Long Island, Wolff will continue to cover major sports events on-camera and produce his opinion pieces “Bob Wolff’s Point of View.” Additionally, Wolff will run the News 12 Long Island “Scholar Athlete” program, now in its 23rd year. The program highlights local high school students who succeed in sports and are superior academically.

In February 2011, Wolff will add author to his long list of credits. Skyhorse Publishing has planned to launch Bob Wolff’s Complete Guide to Sportscasting – How To Make It In Sportscasting, With or Without Talent. A press tour will follow the release.

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