Bob Chase

Bob Chase (born Robert Donald Wallenstein, January 22, 1926 – November 24, 2016) was an American sportscaster, known for his long career calling play-by-play for the Fort Wayne Komets hockey games. For 63 seasons, Chase called the action on radio and/or television. Only Vin Scully, who called play-by-play for 67 seasons with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, had a longer broadcasting tenure with a single franchise.

Fort Wayne Komets (1953–2016) Chase is best known for his association with the minor-league Fort Wayne Komets. He began his tenure with the Komets in 1953 as the team's co-announcer, and took over full-time duties in 1954. For many years, Chase's Komets broadcast was the only International Hockey League broadcast on the air. Aided by the long range of WOWO's 50,000-watt signal, Chase's voice was known and heard throughout the Midwest and out to the East Coast – over 28 states in all, plus half of Canada – and overseas in Europe.

Non-broadcasting activities Beyond his duties as a sports announcer, Chase was often found behind the WOWO microphone interviewing famous personalities. His interview list included Elvis, the Beatles, Jim Brown, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, then Vice President Richard Nixon, Gordie Howe, and Arnold Palmer.

Other honors In addition to the Lester Patrick Trophy and the recognition bestowed by the Komets, Chase has received numerous other professional and non-professional honors. Included on that list are: 2001 – Named a Sagamore of the Wabash. 2002 – Inductee, Baer Field Speedway Hall of Fame 2002 – Inductee, Indiana Sportswriters and Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame 2006 – Inductee, Indiana High School Hockey Hall of Fame 2009 – Inductee, Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame 2009–10 – IHL Broadcaster of the Year 2010 – Recipient, Mad Anthony's Red Coat 2013 – Recipient, Key to the Fort, awarded by Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry 2013–14 – ECHL Broadcaster of the Year (Dates Uncertain) – UHL, CHL Broadcaster of the Year On June 27, 2017, the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Board of Trustees voted unanimously to rename the circle driveway in front of the Ticket Office in honor of Bob Chase. The street "Bob Chase Way" was officially unveiled with commemorative signage and a ceremony in the fall of 2017.

Fellow Lester Patrick Trophy recipient and Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Emrick, seen by some as the voice of hockey in America because of his broadcasting on the NHL on NBC, counted Chase as his mentor. In his formative years, Emrick routinely sent his broadcasts to Chase for critique. Before Emrick developed his own broadcasting style, he tried to imitate Chase.

Illness and death Chase died of congestive heart failure The next day, a private ceremony was held for family and close friends. Several friends, family, and trade associates spoke about their relationship with Chase. The day ended with a military service at graveside. Chase was laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery in Churubusco, Indiana.