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Another longtime member of the Houston Rockets organization is leaving the franchise. Play-by-play announcer Bill Worrell will retire following the conclusion of the May 14 game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
AT&T SportsNet’s Bill Worrell announced he will retire as the #Rockets television play-by-play broadcaster following Houston’s final home game of the season vs. the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, May 14.
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) May 11, 2021
Worrell has been with the team since 1980, getting his start as a part-time announcer before transitioning into the full-time gig in 1983 with Home Sports Entertainment. He’s announced most games ever since and even took up with the Houston Astros for a 20-year stint from 1985-2004 in addition to calling some Houston Oilers games and various one-off events.
Worrell is a six-time recipient of the Best Sportscast award given by United Press International, and he has been the voice of Rockets basketball for almost 40 years. No doubt this a huge loss for the organization, but he’s 74 years old, had a wonderful career, and has called pretty much every great moment in modern Rockets history. His legacy is cemented.
This also means we’re likely to get more Craig Ackerman, which is never a bad thing. I enjoy his work very much, and I’m sure Matt Bullard isn’t going anywhere either. The broadcasts will be in good hands with two guys who bleed Rockets red.
I've had the wonderful privilege of working with and alongside Houston icon Bill Worrell for the last 5 years. I have the utmost respect & admiration for him personally and for his incredible career. The Rockets fan in me will miss him greatly. All the best to Bill in retirement.
— Craig Ackerman (@ca_rockets) May 11, 2021
God speed, Mr. Worrell. You’ve been a part of my sporting life for as long as I’ve watched pro basketball. Hope you enjoy retirement.