May 7 2008 - 2:35am Eastern
I found out the same way all of you did. In fact, I found out about ten minutes later than many of you.
I was driving home from the grocery store yesterday - listening to the FAN - when I heard Jack Armstrong come on “The Chuck Swirsky Show” for a quick chat about the NBA playoffs with the Swirsk.
I even sat outside my building before driving into the underground … so I could listen to the end of the Chuck and Jack chat.
But when their segment was over, I went inside and parked … and headed in to unpack the groceries and have a LATE lunch.
At about 4:05pm my phone(s) started ringing off the hook. Calls; text messages; emails … they all came pouring in simultaneously. Comments from friends and family ranged from “What the HELL?” … to “He’ll be missed” … to “What happens now?”
But nobody actually said WHAT happened; WHAT they were talking about!
Then I saw the press release from the Toronto Raptors: SWIRSKY SIGNS OFF RAPTORS TELEVISION BROADCASTS.
I was BLOWN away. I had no clue this was coming. I didn’t even hear a rumble or rumor about this - and in this industry … that’s a big deal (that news like this could be kept so tight-lipped).
I didn’t hear Chuck’s statement on the FAN; I was too busy making my Turkey and Swiss! But after listening to his segment on the FAN website (check the Headlines for the link - if you haven’t heard it already) and then speaking with him personally, it’s clear that Chuck is leaving Toronto for all the right reasons. This decision is based on family and whether it’s cliche or not … family comes first.
Chuck is going from TV … back to radio; a rare move in this business. He’s also - based on his comments - leaving money on the table in going back to Chicago (where he spent 15 years earlier in his career). But being back state-side had too many positives attached to it - especially for his FAMILY - for Chuck to pass up.
I’ll miss Chuck. He was a co-worker, a mentor, and a friend.
When Nelson Millman (FAN 590 VP and GM) first hired Chuck and Jack back in 1998, I had the pleasure of working alongside the duo for their 3 seasons on the radio - before they were pulled into the TV spotlight. I hosted the FAN’s pre, half, and post-game shows (a role I still hold to this day) while working with Swirsky and Armstrong. I sat beside them for every home game and collaborated with them for 41 road games as well. I felt just as much a part of that “broadcast” as I do now … as the Raptors Radio Analyst. Both Chuck and Jack made me feel like I was part of their “team” and I believe our chemistry on the air only helped to fuel our friendships off the floor.
With Chuck living in Burlington, Ontario, I felt another connection to the man - away from hoops - as he was living in the city in which I was born and raised. I was able to help him get the lay of the land in and around town. One of Chuck’s sons attends the same high school I did … and (for now) he lives about 5 minutes from my parents’ home - my childhood home.
As a young broadcaster at the time, I relished the opportunity to learn from a guy like the Swirsk - someone who had already accomplished so much in his career before even getting to the NBA. From DePaul to Michigan; the Red Wings to the Bears; Chuck had done a ton before ever stepping foot in Toronto. And for a guy like me - less than 3 years out of college in 1998 - I soaked up all I could. I was a professional sponge. And Chuck was a willing teacher, mentor and confidant.
Chuck became synonymous with Toronto. He WAS the Raptors. He was bigger than the players and coaches in many folks’ eyes. Filling in his footsteps will be a HUGE task for whoever ends up calling games for the Raps next season. Chuck was an icon in this city (and country).
I, like most of you, will miss the Swirsk. The Raptors loss is definitely the Bulls gain. Chicago’s airwaves will be exploding with Chuck’isms in no time. Bulls fans will be growing up on Salami and Cheese for years to come.
Chuck … Good Luck … and All the best. I’ll be seein’ ya in the Windy City, friend!
E. Smith
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !
I can’t believe this, Chuck was a sports Icon here in Toronto.
This city will miss the Swirsk dearly.
The only person in i could bare listening too now would be Dan Shulman but i doubt that will happen.
- MikeTruly a shame that Chuck is leaving.
i was thinking last night about who to replace and here comes my question for you Eric.
If given the opportunity, would yourself and Paul Jones take over TV duties together?
- BehzadWhen Chuck first said that he was not gonna be back my heart stopped for a minute.
We’re all gonna miss him, but family comes before sports and I hope he and his family are gonna be OK. Also I hope people respect his wishes and not ask him why he’s leaving.
I just wonder if we will be able to hear from him when the Bulls visit the Raps and visa versa. I don’t see the Raptors broadcasts ever being the same. He set the bar WAY!! too high.
Good Luck Chuck, Toronto will miss you.
- KamalNo offence, but Chuck was a homer, and I never really liked him as a broadcaster. I especially didn’t like the way he delt with the Vince Carter situation. When Vince was a Raptor, he could do no wrong. Once he left, he was a bum. I know some people tolerate homers on the Leafs broadcasts, but I’d rather hear the brutal truth, and objectivity when I am watching the games.
By the way, what is happening with Chuck’s position at the Fan?
- ChrisImpossible!
- bill grimmettAre you kiddin me?
The guy was a baller!
He gave the Fan a facial!
Do they have a Dairy Queen in Chicago?
You know me, I’m completely transparent! Kaboom!
Chris,
- Beburgyou are in minority, my friend. Chuck was an icon, the voice of the Raptors. I love Leo, Jack, Eric, Paul Jones,Sherman Hamilton and Paul Johnson . They do a great job covering the Raps, but they will never be as good as Swirsky.
I am saddened. The Raps broadcasting crew will never be the same again. I envy the Bulls fan!
it is sad to see someone who loves the raps leave - he will be missed…he was passionate and talked raps a lot on the radio and you dont get that a lot on the radio - its only few ppl who talk basketball on the radio - i will miss chuck.
- WaqasWow! I’m stunned, shocked, bitter, upset and mainly sad. Chuck added a lot of credibilty to the Raptors and his passion is going to be impossible to match.
Chuck was the face of the Toronto Raptors in my eyes. This feels like the day I found out Wayne Gretzky got traded. I thought Chuck was here for life.
Chuck we are going to miss you. Thank you for 10 years of excellence.
I hope the next guy can continue to carry the torch the way Chuck did.
Wow! What a blow to us Raptor fans!
- Joseph MarcheseChris,
Vince was viewed that way by everyone. His final season and a half and the way he left made him a BUM. He called that as he and most if not everyone saw it.
Chuck was great. They better not replace him with Dan Shulman. That guy sounds like a robot Zzzzzzzzz.
- jeffI was a bit upset to hear this, and I am from Burlington and can tell you our town will miss him greatly. 3 years ago I was working a delivery job driving around and started listening to the Fan at that time. I grew to look forward to 2-4 when Chuck would come on, and even started to try to be in the van for those times! I can honestly say at that time in my life, my interest in sports grew immensely, and a large part of that was from Chuck’s passion for everything sports. I am now a loyal listener to the Fan, mainly thanks to Chuck, who hosted my first regularly listened to sports radio show.
- Paul-SALAMI & CHEESE
-KABOOM
-EAT’N SOME ACC RIM
-ONIONS BABY ONIONS
-EATING SOME SPALDING
-OH BABY WHAT A PLAY
-OH MY BOSH
-18 PARKERVILLE COURT
-GET OUT THE SALAMI AND CHEESE WITH A SIDE CANOLLI
-IT’S RAINING TRAY’S
CHUCK WAS AN ORIGINAL,AND WILL BE VERY MISSED BY EVERYONE. THE BRODCASTS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!
GOOD LUCK CHUCK
- jeffWell said Eric
- DougWow! This is really a shock to me. Didn’t he just become a Canadian just a month ago? How many play-by-play guy got their own T-shirt, Tickets pacakge, bobble head and radio show?
First is Jack, now is Chuck … what is happening to our beloved Raptors duo.
We are going to miss Chuck’s call, his “Onions” and “Salami & Cheese” … it is hard to fill this void!
- gil_cdnSwirsky was definitely biased, but you cannot deny he brought great enthusiasm and passion to the broadcasts. On top of that, he had the only balance radio show and not just hockey all the time.
- aviI first saw this early yesterday afternoon. I was shocked as well. I did not have as close contact with Chuck as Eric has. But I completely agree with all he has said. Chuck helped me make contacts and is a big part of what I do as relates to the Raptors. I to will miss him.
( Print THIS ONE PLEASE TYPOS IN FIRST ONE )
- James BorbathI was never a big fan of Chuck but I know many people love the guy and I am sure many will miss him. For myself, he didn’t grow on me like he did for everyone else. I hope the family situation is nothing serious. Good luck!!
- JoeI live in Montreal and I truely cannot believe that, Every day, in my office I look forward to listening to The Swirsk. Like everyone that knows basketball, “their will never be another Jordan, THEIR WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER SWIRSKY”
Good luck Chuck, Regards
- ELAN CORCIAElan
“I heard the news today… oh boy.”
Let me start off saying how saddened I am to hear he is leaving the Raptors. I honestly feel empty. Worse than I felt when Vince missed the game 7 shot against Philly. I’m not sure if he realizes what an icon he became here in Canada. He really was on Don Cherry ground in this country, and I seriously can’t find the words to express how awefull this is. None the less, congrats and good luck to Chuck in Chicago. All in one motion my love for the Raptors took a little hit, while my curiosity for his Bulls hightened. Thanks for the years of Grade-A salami and cheese. This ball game is over.
To the finest, we’ll miss you
- Ryan RiversRyan R Rivers
London ON
Thank You to the FAN 590 for putting the audio clip up when you click on full story. Much better than reading it. It nice to be able to hear Chuck say goodbye.
It’s a sad time in TO.
Thanks again.
- RussI like you Eric AM AS STUNG AS GETTING HIT BY “THE GREATEST”. I have always considered Chuck as the next great voice of basketball such as all time greats as the late Chick Hearn or Johnny “Red” Kerr himself and when I was fortunate to meet Chuck (I always called him the Swisher myself) the few times I was at the A.C.C. he was always very nice, personable and a class act. Unlike many of you, I will be lucky to maybe go visit him because I have relatives who live in Chicago and you never know
- Ross Dean“The Swirsk” may come back to his adopted home some day. I was very saddened to hear that Chuck was leaving and got depressed over it and ate 2 litres of ice cream to get over it. I left him a get well message on his phone and wished him all the best. I had a chance to be around Cool (Eric), Smoothy (Paul), Shooter(Jack) and our friend who is leaving us Chuck. I am saddened to see you leave, but Eric, I am with you guys and was glad to get to know a HALL OF FAME broadcasting legend like CHUCK “SWISHER” SWIRSKY. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. Eric if you and Paul are the new broadcasting team on the tube I WISH YOU WELL IN YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS and will see you next year. I know it will be hard, but ENJOY YOUR SUMMER, KEEP THE FAITH, AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY CHUCK ON YOUR NEW CHALLENGE. May the Raps and the Bulls meet in the first round next year so we can see more of you. KEEP YOUR CHIN UP, THIS IS NOT THE END MY FRIENDS.
Sorry to say this but no great loss. Did not enjoy his play by play and for sure will not miss his radio show. I am a loyal fan listner but from 1-4pm I listen to music.
- Paul LockwoodMy dad gave up a promotion twice when we were in high school because he felt it would be best not to move us to another city. He chose to put his family before his career; kudos to Chuck for doing the same.
- Elliei couldnt believe when i seen the score ticker that chuck was leaving for the bulls- am 17yrs old and for the past ten yrs chuck’s hilarious slogans have made my childhood fun.there will never be a chuck swirsky. PS..i LOVE double dribble i think u guys have the “onions” to do the tv play by play duties.(dont forget the COACH. good luck swirsk
- moAll I can say is WOW.
Chuck is truly an ICON and an ambassador for Toronto and for the Toronto Raptors.
It is going to be hard to adjust not hearing Chuck on Raptor broadcasts. I am defiantly going to miss all his iconic catch phases.
Swirsk…if you do read this, take care and enjoy life…because that is what is important…You are a class act and the city of Toronto and the Raptors will miss you lots.
I am an avid listener of the FAN 590, so I hope from time to time you pop in and say HI.
- JayNow I’m never going to get a shout out.
Good luck Chuck. You’re the best!
- PapsGreat, who will now take over for Chuck on the Fan 590?
I will never listen to you again UNLESS you put a guy like Eric Smith on from 1-4.
- Brandon in TorontoThx for the memories
- D12Chuck’s enthusiasm and punchlines were unique and unparalleled.
- SidI will definitely miss Chuck… Thx for the memories…
Sad Sad Day…Whatever the reason Chuck is leaving it still does not express the disappointment I felt upon hearing the news, it’s crazy to say but almost felt like a death in terms of the shock I first felt, and here’s hoping it isn’t a death to the energy that was brought to Raptors broadcasts….Hate to see you go Chuck…Cheers
- ShaneIt’s very sad to see Chuck leave not only the Raptor broadcast but the city too. He was a wonderful ambassador of Toronto. He was the reason I got into the Raptors as much as I have.
- GregAfter becoming a Canadian citizen and proud of it, he must leave. Sort of sad but family does come first and if you listen to his broadcasts this is his character. He always does the right thing.
I met him once. He was exactly what I thought. Just a good man. Good luck Chuck. You will be missed.
wow… even after a few days the news is still hard to accept. i totally agree with you E, he WAS indeed the raptors. it almost feels like the franchise itself is leaving town. *sigh*
good luck with everything chuck. you will be sorely missed.
- tyI also wasn’t a big fan of certain broadcast tendencies (unabashed homerism in awards voting, stabbing ex players in the back once they leave town, catchphrases in games, etc)
BUT
Chuck was an incredible salesman for the game of basketball in Toronto. He was quite a character - great for getting casual fans hooked on the game.
I also think he’ll be a top notch radio guy, b/c radio requires more time to just call the play (which he’s great at), and less time spent attempting to make witty banter.
Huge void in the afternoon show on the FAN, Chuck could talk about any sport and did a solid interview - unlike the puckheads.
- MichaelSad to see you leave chuck. 98% of the responses here are positive, never mind the negatives. You did a lot to this city in promoting not only the raptors but basketball in general. In behalf og the gta and all of canada - we thank you.
- decsEvery thing said that I would have said {except the neg comments} Good luck Chuck will miss U much…
- John ArtisRaptorized John. Too bad u will not be here 4 the Rap parade when they rule the NBA…