Celtics reporter Abby Chin on broadcasting legend Mike Gorman

When I first arrived in Boston ten years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Mike, who not only became my colleague but also my carpool buddy. During our late-night rides, I quickly discovered that the warm and generous persona fans see on TV is not an act or a mere show.

While our conversations naturally revolved around basketball, Mike was always genuinely interested in how I was doing and what was happening in my life. He listened attentively and offered wise advice whenever I needed it. And, as we all know, he never failed to captivate us with his incredible stories.

Over the years, some of those stories—that he shared while working alongside the late great Tommy Heinsohn, his friend and longtime broadcast partner, or while traveling with the team during championship runs—have made their way into the games. I won’t attempt to retell them, as they deserve to be experienced firsthand. But for Celtics fans, now is the time to cherish them, because, as many already know, Mike has decided to step away from the microphone after this season.

To say that he will be missed is an immense understatement. The impact he has had on the Celtics community is immeasurable.

Mike Gorman called his first game as the Celtics’ play-by-play announcer, alongside Tommy, in November 1981. Since then, the Celtics have achieved nearly 2,000 regular season wins, raised three NBA championship banners, and seen 14 Hall of Fame players wear the green jersey. (Special thanks to Dick Lipe, the Celtics broadcasts’ stats guru, for providing these numbers.)

For Mike, a kid from Dorchester who used to sneak into the old Garden through back doors, this was the pinnacle—a dream job come true. Although I’ve only seen highlights of that first game, I can assure you that Mike’s broadcasting excellence was evident that night, and it has been consistent in every game since.

With his signature wit, impeccable timing, and understated delivery, Mike has become a legend in the NBA. His authenticity and professionalism while calling games for one of the most storied franchises in professional sports are unparalleled. In 2021, Mike’s career received further recognition when he was honored with the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame .

When I joined the Celtics sidelines in 2013, Mike was already an icon. As someone who didn’t grow up in Celtics nation, I was initially a stranger to the New England fans. However, Mike, being an incredible teammate and leader, never made me feel like an outsider or questioned my credibility. In fact, he went out of his way to ensure that Celtics fans embraced me.

He subtly signaled our friendship and inside jokes to the audience by calling me “Abigail” during his pregame sideline introductions, even though that’s my given name and not my TV name. In return, I affectionately called him “Michael.” It was his way of showing that he trusted me and that they should too.

One Christmas Day, when the Celtics played at Madison Square Garden, Mike and his wife, Teri, invited me and my family over for a postgame holiday dinner. Their warmth and hospitality were overwhelming, and we enjoyed delicious food and wine in their beautiful home. After the meal, while NBA games played in the background, Mike serenaded my 1-year-old daughter to sleep with his guitar—a hobby he had picked up during the offseason.

Though our carpool ended when my second child forced us to move to the suburbs, Mike and I have always sat next to each other on the team plane. As a former aviator in the United States Navy, Mike has a routine of checking in with the pilots each time he boards the plane. He gathers information about the air, turbulence, and flight time. Usually, he’s already on board when I arrive, ready to give me all the details I need to buckle up properly. I’ve come to rely on his guidance and feel lost when he’s not there.

I don’t remember much about my first game on the Celtics sidelines. I was a bundle of nerves, trembling with anxiety. However, despite not knowing what to expect from me, Mike trusted me. Right before going live for the first time, he looked me in the eye, gave me a reassuring fist bump, and simply said, “Have a good game.”

Those few words and that comforting fist bump steadied me and fueled my confidence to continue on to the next game. Mike has been a rock for me, both in life and in the hundreds of games we’ve called together.

The absence of Mike’s voice in my ear on game nights will be profoundly felt. I’m not ready to accept this loss.

During our recent annual preseason picture day, I asked Mike if he was sad about it being his last one. Without hesitation, he shook his head, smirked, and replied, “No.” As always, he remains understated yet reassuring. He’s ready to step back and enjoy his family and a life beyond basketball.

So, just as he did all those years ago for me, I have to trust him.

Abby Chin is a sideline reporter for the Boston Celtics on NBC Sports Boston. Send comments to [email protected].