Bob Chase
Bob Chase was a legendary American sportscaster best known for his 63-season tenure as the voice of the Fort Wayne Komets hockey team. He called an estimated 5,000 hockey games, broadcasted Big Ten football for 10 years, and covered the Indianapolis 500 for 25 years.
Chase's distinctive voice and passionate play-by-play made him an icon in sports broadcasting, earning him numerous accolades including the NHL's prestigious Lester Patrick Award and being inducted into the Indiana Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2000.
Born Robert Donald Wallenstein on January 22, 1926, in Negaunee, Michigan, Chase developed an early love for hockey. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he attended Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1952. While attending Northern Michigan University, Chase began his broadcasting career in 1949 at WDMJ.
In 1953, Chase moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, joining WOWO radio station. It was here that he adopted his wife's maiden name, Chase, for on-air use. His association with the Fort Wayne Komets began that same year, initially as a co-announcer before taking over full-time duties in 1954.
Chase's distinctive broadcasting style, which he called "Radio Rinkside," was influenced by Canadian broadcasters Foster Hewitt and Danny Gallivan. His enthusiastic calls, particularly his famous "He looks, he shoots, HE SCORES!" became a hallmark of Komets games.
Throughout his career, Chase turned down opportunities with NHL teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals, choosing to remain with the Komets. His loyalty and longevity were unparalleled, with only Vin Scully's 67-season tenure with the Dodgers surpassing Chase's 63 seasons with a single franchise.
Beyond hockey, Chase's versatility as a broadcaster was evident in his coverage of high school basketball for 17 years, including the famous 1954 Milan High School state championship that inspired the movie "Hoosiers". He also interviewed numerous celebrities, including Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Frank Sinatra.
Chase's contributions to broadcasting and hockey were widely recognized. He was inducted into the Indiana Broadcasters Association Pioneers Hall of Fame, received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 2001, and was inducted into the Indiana Sportswriters and Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2012, he received the NHL's Lester Patrick Award for his contributions to ice hockey in the United States.
Bob Chase continued broadcasting until shortly before his death, calling his last Komets game on May 15, 2016. He passed away on November 24, 2016, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly impacted sports broadcasting and hockey in America.
December 2024