Mike Gorman “regrets” announcing retirement: “It feels like I’m going to my own wake”
Mike Gorman, the Voice of the Boston Celtics, expressed regret about announcing his retirement from calling games after this season.
Back in August, NBC Sports Boston and the legendary play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman dropped the news that the 2023-24 NBA season was going to be Gorman’s final one after an incredible 43-year run calling Boston Celtics games. Gorman, holding the record for the longest play-by-play tenure for a Boston professional sports franchise, has been celebration throughout the season from NBC Sports Boston, the Celtics, and Green Teamers.
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During this morning’s Toucher & Hardy, Gorman mentioned that if he could relive the last six months of his life, he wouldn’t have mentioned retirement.
“You know, if I could do it over again, live the last six months of my life over again, I would not say anything about retirement. I waited until March 1st. You said something about. Because every time I go to a game, I feel like I’m going in my own wake.”
Fred Toucher tried to reassure him, highlighting the positive aspect of being celebrated while still alive, comparing it to a living wake. Gorman acknowledged the kind words but shared a feeling of being in his “own wake” and putting people on the spot. Despite reassurances from colleagues like Mike Green and his wife, Gorman expressed a sense of awkwardness, feeling obligated to assure people that he’ll still be around after retirement.
“Mike Green said to me, ‘hey, you just have to sit back, and this is all to watch over you and enjoy it. It does not happen to everybody. And that’s the same thing. My wife has been telling me, and it’s true. I do think the joke is in my own wake. I feel like I’m putting people on the spot. I feel like if they see me, they have to say something because they’re not going to see me ever again. And then I say, ‘I’ll be around,’ you know?”
TRANSCRIPT:
Fred Toucher: All right. You got a big home stretch here. Are there a bunch of games you have to call in a row?
Mike Gorman: Yeah, it’s really fun. You know, if I could do it over again, live the last six months of my life over again, I would not say anything about retirement. I waited until March 1st. You said something about. Because every time I go to a game, I feel like I’m going to my own wake.
Fred Toucher: But isn’t that cool, though? Because, like, Netflix loves you, Mike. That’s who we all win our whole lives for the show. Everyone loves us. It’s like a wake, and I’ve heard it described that way. Like it did. Retiring is like a living wake. So you’re getting the advantage of getting all these. Usually, we’re only lauded on it when it goes in our caskets. You’re getting it where you can hear it and internalize it. That’s kind of good. Do you really wish you didn’t do it?
Mike Gorman: Mike Green said to me, ‘hey, you just have to sit back, and this is all to watch over you and enjoy it. It does not happen to everybody. And that’s the same thing. My wife has been telling me, and it’s true. I do think the joke is in my own wake. I feel like I’m putting people on the spot. I feel like if they see me, they have to say something because they’re not going to see me ever again. And then I say, ‘I’ll be around,’ you know?
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The full list of jersey numbers retired by the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics, donned in their iconic emerald green and pristine white, have been graced by legendary players whose names resonate through the revered halls of the TD Garden, leaving an indelible mark on the history of basketball. Proudly displayed alongside the 17 NBA championship banners are the numbers and names of 24 transcendent figures, forever enshrined as immortal legends in the heart of Boston.
One of the latest additions to the pantheon of Celtics greats is Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. In March 2022, the arena erupted with thunderous cheers as his jersey ascended to the rafters, solidifying his place in the Celtics’ lore. Garnett’s impact on the team extended far beyond his awe-inspiring talent, as he earned the coveted title of Defensive Player of the Year in the 2007-08 season.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 13: Kevin Garnett raises the number retirement banner with his daughters Kavalli and Kapri during his number retirement ceremony following the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 13, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The pinnacle of Garnett’s journey with the Celtics arrived in the same season when they clinched the 2008 NBA championship, etching their names into the annals of history once again. Such triumphs are woven into the very essence of the Celtics’ existence, a testament to their ability to cultivate legends and celebrate greatness.
Beyond the confines of basketball, the Celtics embody tradition, excellence, and perseverance. With an impressive collection of 17 NBA titles, they proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with their fierce rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, in the pantheon of championship triumphs. Boasting an astounding 22 appearances in the NBA Finals, the Celtics’ indomitable spirit continues to shine brightly.
Yet, achieving this legendary status was no fleeting feat. The foundation of their dynasty lies in the players who have proudly donned the green and white, each contributing their unique talents to the team’s ongoing success. The Celtics’ pull for greatness is evident in the staggering 41 members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame who have either played or coached for the team. This magnetism is further exemplified by the tradition of retiring 24 numbers, the highest honor bestowed upon players in North American professional sports.
We embark on a journey through the long list of Celtics legends, their numbers and names forever gracing the rafters of the TD Garden, among the championship banners, serving as an enduring tribute to the unwavering spirit of the Boston Celtics.
