Gene Honda | |
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 Honda at theAllstate Arena in 2010 |
Eugene "Gene" Honda is a public address announcer for theChicago White Sox (starting in 1985, full-time since 1991),[1]Chicago Blackhawks (succeeding Harvey Wittenberg since the2001–02 season),[2]DePaul Blue Demons basketball,Big Ten tournament,Illinois Fighting Illini football (since 2012),[3] and theNCAA Final Four (2003-2024).[4] He is also a constant voice on Chicago's PBS stationWTTW Channel 11, theBig Ten Network, and the Chicago Marathon. He formerly worked for radio stationWLAK (now WLIT) in Chicago.[5] Honda was the PA announcer for the2009 NHL Winter Classic on January 1 atWrigley Field. Additionally, he was the PA announcer for the2012 Frozen Four at theTampa Bay Times Forum.[6]
Honda is the only person to have announced at the MLB World Series, MLB All Star Game, NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, NCAA Final Four, and NCAA Frozen Four.[7]
Honda was born and raised on Chicago's north side toJapanese American parents.[7] He attendedSenn High School and graduated in 1972.[7] He later attendedUniversity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he studied engineering, finance, and broadcasting.[8] Honda spent the next 18 years working at the University of Illinois' radio station,WPGU.[8] Honda's interest in broadcasting was sparked by his father, who wanted his son to improve his public speaking skills.[7][8]
Honda appeared briefly in the 1990 filmOpportunity Knocks as Mr. Nimoku.[9]
Honda also is a teacher for the After School Matters (ASM) Sports Broadcasting program atCurie High School.[8]
On October 11, 2008, Honda was inducted into the Illini Media Alumni Hall of Fame.[10]
Honda also appeared as the "Shoot the Puck announcer" in the 2011 filmThe Dilemma alongsideKevin James andVince Vaughn.[11]
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