Sports Greats Who Died In 2025: Play-By-Play Announcer Mike Patrick Died At 80

On April 20, longtime play-by-play announcer Mike Patrick, 80, passed away from natural causes.

Dick Vitale, who called many games with Patrick, shared his condolences and memories on X.

“Mike had great energy and a keen knowledge of ACC basketball, and I truly enjoyed sitting next to him and calling so many special games over the years,” Vitale said.

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Patrick began his broadcasting career in 1966. He started his career in radio and, by 1975, had become the weekend sports anchor for WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C.

He was also the play-by-play announcer for the Maryland Terrapins basketball and football teams, and he called Washington Redskins preseason games.

In 1982, Patrick joined ESPN, where he called many games and events. He was the voice of Sunday Night Football, the NCAA Women’s Final Four, and called play-by-play for the College World Series.

Patrick was also granted the opportunity to call NFL playoff games. One of the games he called was the unforgettable Music City Miracle, which pitted the Tennessee Titans against the Buffalo Bills.

Patrick called his final game in December 2017, and he officially retired in 2018, marking the end of a 35-year career with ESPN.