Gary Thorne

Gary Thorne: A Renowned Legend in Sports Broadcasting

Gary Thorne is an American sportscaster whose voice has become synonymous with sports broadcasts and who has had a glorious career that spans over four decades. Born on June 9, 1948, in Bangor, Maine, Thorne has made a name for himself in the industry, becoming one of the most respected and admired play-by-play announcers in sports history. With his deep and captivating voice, he has brought sports to life for millions of viewers around the world.

Thorne graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in political science before attending Georgetown Law School, where he finished his Juris Doctor degree in 1976. However, he was not destined to be a lawyer. Instead, he chose a career in broadcasting, commencing his journey as a newscaster for WABI-TV in Bangor, Maine. Soon after, he was hired by WCSH-TV in Portland, where he hosted a sports program called "Boar's Head Sportsline."

Thorne's career in sports broadcasting took off when he joined the National Hockey League's (NHL) New Jersey Devils as their play-by-play announcer in 1985. He also covered college football games and Major League Baseball (MLB) games for both CBS and ABC. Thorne later moved to ESPN to announce various programming before later joining ABC Sports.

Thorne became the voice of the NHL in the United States when he signed with NBC Sports in 2005, where he provided commentary for some of the biggest moments in NHL history, including every Stanley Cup victory from 1993 through 2004. The only exception was 1995, when he was covering the Baltimore Orioles during their historic 1995 MLB season. Thorne also served as the long-time voice for EA Sports NHL video game series.

Gary Thorne is not just famous for his voice, but also for his remarkable personality and work ethic. He is known for his ability to deliver intense and gripping play-by-play action as well as for his deep love and understanding of the sports he covers. Thorne's go-getter mentality and his dedication to his craft have been critical in establishing him as one of the greatest sportscasters of all time.

Before Thorne became famous, he faced various challenges and obstacles. His early career was marked by uncertain job security and relatively low pay, which forced him to work multiple jobs to support himself. Still, his love for sports and broadcasting kept him pushing forward, and with time, his perseverance and hard work paid off.

Gary Thorne's family is not just limited to his wife and children, but also includes his colleagues in the sports casting industry. His wife is Sally Thorne, and they have three children, including their daughter, the wife of the assistant hockey coach at the University of Vermont. In the sports media landscape, Thorne has many admirers, colleagues, and friends, including fellow sportscasters such as Doc Emrick, Kenny Albert, and Mike Tirico.

In conclusion, Gary Thorne has established himself as one of the most respected and recognizable voices in sports broadcasting. His long and distinguished career has spanned multiple sports and continents, and he has become a beloved figure not just among sports audiences but also within the sporting community. With his unmistakable voice and captivating personality, Thorne has cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the industry.