The Chicago White Sox are going to have a special treat in the broadcast booth against the Los Angeles Angels when Bill Walton joins the crew.
Did you wake up expecting to read something that somehow relates former Blazers and Celtics center and NBA legend Bill Walton with the Chicago White Sox? Just recently, it was announced that White Sox commentator Jason Benetti will be reuniting with Walton to call the game between the Pale Hose and Angels on August 16th at Angel Stadium in Los Angeles. For those that don’t know, Benetti and Walton have a history of commentating together over the years, including the annual Maui Invitational College Basketball Tournament in 2018.
Although Walton will forever be remembered for his magnificent NBA career, he is extremely decorated as a commentator as well. After overcoming stuttering issues at age 28, he has received a plethora of awards as a commentator after getting into the profession in1990 with the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS). Among Walton’s awards are an Emmy in 2001 for best live sports television broadcast, and being named as one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all time by the American Sportscasters Association, according to his website.
Walton is known for his very colorful, upbeat attitude during broadcasts, and the stories he shares of his life during the broadcast are can’t miss. Benetti himself has high praise for Walton and his style and has made it clear in the past following the games they have called alongside each other. In a piece by NBC Chicago, he has said of Walton,
"“His mind is a playground, an orchestra, and a volcano all rolled into one. It is impossible to think of someone who takes the audience and his broadcast partner on more of a journey through the world, and to have that next to me is an honor and a treat.”"
Despite being such a praised commentator, Walton has never called an MLB game. In fact, Walton never even played high school baseball despite being a two-sport athlete in basketball and football. As a former basketball player should, Walton has exclusively called basketball his entire broadcasting career. Therefore, Walton will be testing new waters when he steps into the booth with Benetti on August 16th.
Nonetheless, it will be a treat for White Sox fans. Walton’s unique personality behind the mic will add some spice to what has been a progressive yet mildly successful season for the Sox, who currently sit at 52-64. In addition, it will undeniably be a change of pace for Sox fans, who have become accustomed to the usual duo of Benetti and the soft-spoken Steve Stone all year. In the midst of a year that isn’t as successful as most previously hoped, catching Walton’s voice during the game on August 16th should be a can’t miss for Sox fans.