Swirsky's Move To Chicago Is Good For Chuck and Good For Toronto
By Walter DubowecAre you kidding me? Swirsky's leaving the Raptors for the Bulls?
Yes, its true.
Chuck Swirsky, the voice of the Raptors is heading back to Chicago where he spent 15 years begining in 1982. While I was shocked by the news, it makes tons of sense and is good for Toronto and good for Chuck.
Chuck loved Toronto and was extremely popular among Raptor fans. However, when surprisingly the Bulls came knocking last week - Chuck immediately jumped at the offer to become the team's radio voice where he will team with fellow Canadian, Bill Wennington.
NBA broadcaster jobs rarely come open. The Bulls decided to shake up their broadcast crews this season and in all likelihood would not make changes again for many years.
Chuck's wife, her family and their two boys are from the Chicagoland area. Swirsky was faced with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move back 'home' to Chicago and be near family and friends for the rest of his life.
When you are in your fifties, it is reasonable to assume that the Bulls job will not be made available to you again. If Chuck turned it down now, he would not be offered a similar job down the road. NBA teams aren't looking for 60 year old broadcasters!
Who can argue with moving to live near family? Even though he took a pay cut from the $400,000 he was earning between MLSE and the FAN 590 - there is no doubt that proximity to family is something you can't put a price tag on.
Additionally, Chuck had some other private family considerations that basically made this decision a no-brainer.
Chuck made the right personal decision.
The move is good for Toronto
Even though Chuck was a tireless supporter of Toronto basketball and had many fans across Canada, I feel its a good time to make a change behind the Raptors mike.
I'm old school and I prefer a more traditional basketball call. The Canadian basketball fan is becoming better educated and I think the quality of the game can stand on its own merits with less 'show biz', so to speak. To be honest, Chuck's best game calls were 'Preseason Game In An Hour' where he flew solo. Fans were treated to a great play-by-play call without the schtick.
Now, not everyone agrees with me on that point. But like Chuck says, that's why there's 'chocolate and vanilla' and 'pepperoni and pineapple'.
I am looking forward to the new voice of the Raptors, whoever that might be.
I don't expect it will be anyone locally or anyone presently employed at MLSE. It definitely won't be former Raptors play-by-play man, John Saunders or former FAN 590 broadcaster, Dan Shulman. Both have million dollar, long term gigs with ESPN/ABC that put them out of reach.
Nonetheless, a fresh new voice behind the Raptors TV mike will be good for Raptors fans.
So long, Chuck
In closing I'd like to say that I've met Chuck a number of times and he has been great to me and my kids. Coincidentally, today I was in Chuck's soon-to-be former home town of Burlington, Ontario.
Back in the Vince Carter era, one of his first 'three ball' shout-outs was to my three kids (play-off Game One vs. Philly in 2000). Over the past year alone, Chuck has read my youngest son's Raptor signs on air during the Celtics, Bobcats, Clippers and Maverick's games.
I wish Chuck and his family nothing but the best. If I was in Chuck's shoes - I would have made the same decision!
'Take out the salami and cheese', this blog is over!
BTW, here's a video tribute to Chuck from CB4TW.
Uhh CABBIE!!!!!!!! LOL as long as the new guy is exciting. Hey u guys should make an article of the Raptors blockbuster deal rumored. second DONT DEAL JOSE. DEAL TJ!!!!! KEEP JOSE TRADE TJ!!!
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