That's Terrrrible! Bill Walton To Retire

Today, the announcing world mourns the loss of a legend. John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal reports:

Bill Walton is retiring from broadcasting and won’t be on ESPN’s NBA telecasts this year because of health problems related to his back.

Not necessarily the best announcer, he was at least one of the more entertaining, and he never made the mistake of trying too hard. Listening to him was like being on a basketball-themed acid trip, and I mean that in the best way possible.

A classic Walton soliloquy:

“I'm perusing Edward Abbey's desert solitude here and on opening day, the songs are just running through like a smoking crater! I’ve been listening to Bob Dylan’s newest album, Modern Times, which is ab-so-lutely remarkable! Thunder on the mountain … spirit on the water … rolling and tumbling … which allllll go to describe Amare Stoudemire!”

And, of course, probably the greatest quote in broadcasting history. Or maybe just this generation’s answer to “Do You Belive In Miracles?!” But still:

“Yesterday we celebrated Sir Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity… Today, Fabricio Oberto is defying it!”

… He’ll be missed, and here’s to hoping the added rest helps get him back in good shape.