As Chicago sports fans we are accustomed to a lot of great things: US Cellular Field's hot dogs with onions are better than anything on the planet, the Jesse White Tumblers may appear at any Bulls halftime show, everybody will cheer as loud as they can during the "Star-Spangled Banner" before Hawks games, there will always be a smoking hot girl participant in "Shoot the Puck" during the 2nd intermission of Blackhawks games and she won't know what she's doing, and there will always be giant rats running around the field at Cubs games, oh they also have a rodent problem. It is these things that we love, they are the character of Chicago sports outside of the sports themselves. They are things we can discuss in social circles, we can reminisce about them to people at bars and use them to challenge the traditions of other sports markets.
There is another example of these traditions that many people probably don't even realize, but once you know it you will cherish it. Except it's not really an "it" it's a "who" and he is Gene Honda. Many of you probably don't know who Gene Honda is, others may know him for only one of his roles.
Gene Honda is the PA announcer for the White Sox, the Blackhawks, DePaul Basketball, the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament Final Four. Once you read that list and think about it, it all makes sense, you put that voice in the background of so many great games that you've been to. He's a true Chicago icon, though you may never have thought about it before. Isn't it weird to put a face to a voice that you've heard so many times? I think so, especially in this case. Ladies and Gentlemen the voice of Chicago sports: Gene Honda.
Not only is Gene Honda a familiar voice (and face) for Chicago teams, he is a genuine man with a kind heart and a wealth of popular culture knowledge. He deserve this rave review and many others.
ReplyDeleteFor example, at Sox Fest this past weekend, Gene could be caught in the different rooms talking to exhibitors, players, coaches, and Sox lovers alike. He will give you his undivided attention and always has something fabulous and informative to say. Not to mention, he is always dressed to a T. Gene Honda is beyond just a Chicago icon, he is a legend in his demeanor and kindess.