Dave Wills and Andy Freed took turns commentating and calling plays during Tampa Bay Rays game broadcasts, with each changing roles after three innings.
Wills’ affiliation with the Rays Radio Network persisted for several years, and he even signed a “multi-year” deal following the 2017 season. Growing up in the Chicago area, Wills was a devout fan of the White Sox. He attended Oak Lawn Community High School, where he played basketball and baseball while also contributing to the school’s newspaper.
Wills later pursued higher education at Elmhurst College, where he graduated in 1988 with degrees in urban studies and speech communications while simultaneously pitching for the school’s baseball team and serving as a writer for the college’s newspaper.
Stay tuned until the end to obtain further knowledge regarding Dave Wills’ demise and obituary.
Table of Contents
Dave Wills, Longtime Radio Broadcaster for Tampa Bay Rays, Passes Away at 58
David Wills, a beloved figure in the world of baseball, passed away on Sunday at the age of 58. The veteran radio broadcaster had been associated with the Tampa Bay Rays for 18 years before his untimely death.1
Remembering Dave Wills’ Legacy
Wills was known for his infectious love of the game and was a fixture at Major League Baseball games. He was also a passionate storyteller and was widely regarded for his in-depth knowledge of the sport.
During his illustrious career, Wills broadcasted several Major Rays games, including their appearances in the World Series in 2008 and 2020. His contributions to the game will be remembered for generations to come.
The Rays Pay Homage to Dave Wills
In honor of his legacy, the Tampa Bay Rays have announced that they will pay a special tribute to Dave Wills before one of their games this season. Although further details have not been released, it is clear that the team is committed to honoring his memory.
The Loss of a Great Announcer
The passing of Dave Wills has come as a great shock to the baseball community. Fans and colleagues alike have expressed their condolences on social media, remembering him as a kind, talented, and dedicated broadcaster.
Airplane Diverted Due to Passenger Illness
In other news, a recent flight was diverted after several passengers fell ill during the journey. According to reports, the travelers were experiencing severe nausea, which resulted in the diversion of the flight.
Yesterday was like every other day for the last 18 years. Sharing. Laughs. Baseball. Fun. No way to know it was the last time. Sadness beyond words today. It always felt like we were actual brothers. Will miss him forever. Love to him and his family. pic.twitter.com/pHnHAbwL2J
— Andrew Freed (@AndrewFreed33) March 5, 2023
Although the exact cause of the illness is unknown, it is suspected that food poisoning may have been the culprit. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of one’s health while traveling.
Rays vs. Orioles Spring Training Game Won’t Be Broadcasted
In a recent announcement, the Tampa Bay Rays confirmed that their upcoming spring training game against the Orioles will not be broadcasted on the radio. Although the reason for this decision has not been revealed, fans can still follow the game through other means.
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Remembering American Sports Commentator Dave Wills, Who Passed Away at 58
On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Rays organization shared the sad news of the passing of their long-time radio play-by-play announcer, Dave Wills. This news was certainly a blow to the entire Rays community, as Wills had been with the team since 2005, providing play-by-play commentary to fans across the nation. Let’s take a moment to reflect on his life and legacy.2
Early Career
Dave Wills started his career in broadcasting in 1984, covering various sports events across the United States. He eventually landed in Florida in 1991, working as a play-by-play commentator for the Florida Marlins.
He was part of the broadcast team that covered the Marlins’ World Series championship in 1997. He continued working for the Marlins for eight seasons before moving on to work for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Health Issues
During the 2022 Campaign, Wills was admitted to a hospital in Toronto for a heart condition. He missed the final two weeks of the regular season due to this issue but later returned for the playoffs and the following year’s spring training. He continued calling games for the Rays, including Saturday’s game, before his unfortunate passing.
Remembering Dave Wills
Dave Wills’ passion for sports and his charismatic personality made him a fan favorite across the country. His play-by-play commentary was unparalleled, bringing the game to life for all listeners. Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg spoke highly of Wills, calling him a “terrific announcer, a great friend, and an even better person.”
The Tampa Bay Rays organization held a pre-game minute of silence in honor of Wills and canceled the day’s scheduled radio broadcast from spring training. Fans across the country mourned the loss of a beloved commentator and member of the Rays family.
The Early Broadcasting Career of Dave Wills: A Look into His Impressive Journey
- Dave Wills’ love for sports broadcasting started in the Windy City. He began his on-air career covering sports for prominent radio stations WMAQ and WMVP in the Chicago media market.3
- Wills’ unmistakable talent and passion for the craft propelled him to greater heights, earning him his first play-by-play role in 1991 for the Class-A Kane County Cougars, where he worked until 1995.
- As his reputation grew, Wills became a fixture in Chicago’s sports broadcasting scene. He covered John Rooney’s pre- and post-game segments for the Chicago White Sox radio broadcasts from 1997 to 2004.
- Wills also co-hosted a daily sports talk radio show, hosted a local cable television sports show, and provided radio play-by-play for the basketball team of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).
- He also hosted the pre- and post-game Notre Dame football and basketball radio broadcasts, showcasing his versatility in various sports.
- In 2005, the Tampa Bay Rays were looking for a fresh voice to replace their original radio duo, and they found the perfect fit in Wills and Andy Freed.
- The dynamic duo quickly became a fan favorite, providing excellent play-by-play commentary and insightful analysis to Rays fans.
- Wills’ dedication and contributions to baseball broadcasting did not go unnoticed. In 2016, he was honored by the Irish-American Baseball Hall of Fame for his outstanding work in the field.
- Dave Wills’ journey from covering Class-A Kane County Cougars to becoming the voice of the Tampa Bay Rays is an inspiring tale of perseverance and passion for the craft. His incredible talent and versatility in broadcasting different sports have earned him the recognition he rightfully deserves.
- Wills continues to be a staple in the world of sports broadcasting, captivating audiences with his expertise and love for the game.
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Remembering Dave Wills, the Voice of Tampa Bay Rays, Who Passed Away at 58
Tampa Bay Rays’ play-by-play radio broadcaster, Dave Wills, passed away on Sunday morning in Florida, leaving a void in the hearts of millions of Rays fans worldwide. Wills had been the voice of Rays’ radio since 2005 and was a beloved figure within the team’s family.
A Legacy of Greatness
During his long and illustrious career, Wills’ radio calls had accompanied the biggest moments in Tampa Bay Rays history. He had chronicled the team’s incredible World Series runs in 2008 and 2020 and had brought the games to life for countless fans across the country.
Wills’ arrival at the Tampa Bay Rays nearly coincided with the team’s rise to unlikely power, despite its lower-revenue status. His remarkable talent for bringing the game to life for fans had made him an essential part of the Rays family, and he was greatly admired and respected by his colleagues, peers, and fans alike.
An Outstanding Broadcaster and a Great Friend
Dave Wills was more than just an outstanding broadcaster; he was a great friend and an even better person. His passion, dedication, and love for the game were evident in every call he made, and his infectious energy and enthusiasm had endeared him to Rays fans everywhere.
In a statement released by the team, Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said, “Dave was a vital part of the Rays family, and we are deeply saddened by his passing. He had a remarkable talent for bringing the game to life for our fans, and his contributions to the team and our community will never be forgotten.”
A Life Well-Lived
Dave Wills may have left us, but his legacy will live on forever. He touched the lives of so many people with his incredible talent, his kindness, and his love for the game. His passing is a tremendous loss for the Tampa Bay Rays and the entire baseball community, but his memory will be cherished by his colleagues, peers, and fans for years to come.
Rest in peace, Dave Wills. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Dave Wills: Bio
David Herbert Wills, an American sportscaster, was born on March 13, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
He played basketball and baseball at Oak Lawn Community High School, where he also wrote for the school newspaper.
He went to Elmhurst College and got degrees in speech communications and urban studies in 1988. During college, he pitched for the baseball team and worked for the school newspaper.
When he was in college, he also worked for SportsPhone, a call-in service in the Chicago area that gave sports scores and updates every minute.
Wills worked as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the baseball team at Elmhurst College in 1989. In 1990, he was the interim head coach for the baseball team at the University of Chicago.
Dave Wills: Broadcasting career
Wills started his career in radio and TV by talking about sports on WMAQ and WMVP in the Chicago market. His first job as a play-by-play announcer was with the Class-A Kane County Cougars from 1991 to 1995.
From 1997 to 2004, Wills filled in for John Rooney on White Sox radio broadcasts before and after games. During the same time, he also co-hosted a daily sports talk radio show, hosted a local cable TV sports show, did radio play-by-play for University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) basketball, and did pre- and post-game radio broadcasts for Notre Dame football and basketball.
Before the 2005 season, Wills and Andy Freed were hired by the Tampa Bay Rays to be their new radio announcers. They took over for Paul Olden and Charlie Slowes, who had been with the team for many years.
On March 4, 2023, the day before he died, Wills called a spring training game between the Rays and the New York Yankees. Wills was put into the Irish-American Baseball Hall of Fame in the year 2016.
FAQ’S
1. How did Dave Wills, the American sports commentator, die?
Ans: Dave Wills passed away on March 5, 2023, due to complications from COVID-19.
2. What were some of Dave Wills’ notable accomplishments as a sports commentator?
Ans: Dave Wills was best known for his work as a radio broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, a position he held from 2005 until his death. He was also a former play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees and New York Islanders.
3. How old was Dave Wills when he passed away?
Ans: Dave Wills was 58 years old at the time of his death.
4. How are fans and colleagues reacting to Dave Wills’ passing?
Ans: Many fans and colleagues have taken to social media to express their sadness and condolences over Dave Wills’ passing. His colleagues at the Tampa Bay Rays released a statement mourning his loss and praising his contributions to the team and the sport of baseball.
5. What is Dave Wills’ legacy in the world of sports broadcasting?
Ans: Dave Wills is remembered as a talented and dedicated sports broadcaster who brought his passion and expertise to every game he covered. He was known for his smooth and engaging delivery, his deep knowledge of the sport, and his unwavering commitment to his craft. His contributions to the world of sports broadcasting will be deeply missed by his fans and colleagues alike.
