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Your Favorite Bill Schonely Moments - Happy 80th Schonz!

  1. darbpunk

    by darbpunk on 05/27/2009 3:31 PM

    Legendary Trail Blazers broadcaster Bill Schonely turns 80 on June 1. And for many of those 80 years, “The Schonz” has provided Portland fans with countless memories and catch phrases. From his call in the deciding game of the 1977 Championship to his dubbing the Rose City as “Rip City”, Schonely’s iconic style has had a profound influence on the team and it’s fans.

    So in honor of Bill Schonely’s 80th birthday, lets heare your favorite memories of “The Schonz.” What was his most memorable call? Which one of his saying was your favorite? Recount what it was like listening to “The Schonz” as he set the scene for you and your friends on the radio. Everyone’s got a Schonely story. Let’s hear it.
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  2. RipCityRevival

    by RipCityRevival on 05/27/2009 6:19 PM

    The Schonz, what can I say? I was still pretty young when he stepped back from being the main broadcaster so to say I have a specific call would mean I have the best memory in the world. What I do remember was how I viewed him. Listening to the Bill Schonely call a game was like listening to your grandfather tell war stories. His passion for the game and the team truely came through the call. His connection with the city of Portland was something special, he is a part of every Blazer fan's family. We welcomed him into our homes every gamenight and listened intently to every word. Happy 80th Schonz, Rip City loves you and thanks you for all you've given us over the years.
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  3. DHawes22

    by DHawes22 on 05/28/2009 9:52 AM

    "Terry Porter for Threeeee....HOLY BACKBOARD!"
    I also remember terms such as "charity stripe" and "rainbow jumper"..classic!
    Happy Bday!
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  4. geigerrg

    by geigerrg on 05/28/2009 12:47 PM

    "You've got to make your free throws" - true that!

    "Bingo, bango, bongo",
    "lickity split up the middle",
    "Rip City baby!", etc. etc.

    Schonz will always have a special place in my heart. While I have been a Blazers fan from the beginning (I was 16 years old when they started), my favorite Schonely moment was when I attended a game just a few years ago. After entering through the turnstile I was greeted by one of the Blazers employees that offers the free handouts. Only it was none other than Schonz! It was great to speak with him briefly and I will always be grateful for getting the chance to meet and talk with my all-time favorite announcer. Happy 80th Bill!
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  5. ogb

    by ogb on 06/01/2009 7:41 AM

    I remember it as "Lickity Brindle up the middle" and it's one of my all time favorites...

    but I also have to throw in "Mercy, Mercy, here comes Kersey!!"

    I remember watching games on tv, but my father insisting on turning the volume down on the tv and up on KEX so we could here the Schonz call the game. We as Blazer fans have been truely blessed with not only the many years of radio play by play from the Schonz, but to have him replaced by Wheels. If you ever had the misfortune of having to listen to any other team's radio broadcast (to be fair I haven't heard them all) you will know what I'm talking about, it's not just a job with these guys, you can hear their passion and commitment in their voice and Schonz was the one who set that bar so high..
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  6. ogb

    by ogb on 06/01/2009 7:42 AM

    "lickity brindle, up the middle"....
    "Mercy, Mercy here comes Kersey!!"
    "You've GOT to make you free throws.."
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  7. ogb

    by ogb on 06/01/2009 7:43 AM

    sorry for the redundancy, thought the first one didn't take...
    ReplyReply
  8. Kim

    by Kim on 06/01/2009 6:11 PM

    I can't pick just one.........I <3 the Schonz.
    Happy 80th Birthday !!!!
    ReplyReply
  9. ME_guitarstring

    by ME_guitarstring on 06/02/2009 1:03 PM

    Living in K-Falls and working in the local Tower Market Basket, we played the radio
    over the speakers in the store during the early 90's.

    How cool it is now to be able to see Bill running around the Rose Garden. He's always
    friendly and takes a moment to share with you as he has done several times when my wife and
    I have caught up with him @ Schonley's Place (The Pyramid Tap Room).

    My current favorite memory was being able to take a picture with Bill wearing my 'Rip City'
    shirt, how cool.

    Can anyone not here in your head 'you've got to make your free throws' ?

    Mercy, Mercy - Jerome Kersey ... they just go on and on ... Happy Birthday Bill !!
    ReplyReply
  10. Tobyus Sanchezo

    by Tobyus Sanchezo on 06/29/2009 9:38 PM

    So many years of dealing with "Blazer Cable", where they blacked-out all home games, except some playoff games of course, you were there for us Schonz. And it was usually hammerin' rain outside too.
    ReplyReply
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