Joseph S. Wilson (May 7, 1911 – October 20, 1983) was an American sports announcer fromChicago known for his coverage ofbowling.
Wilson was born on May 7, 1911, inEveleth, Minnesota. He graduated fromNorthwestern University and began his broadcasting career at a radio station inVirginia, Minnesota. His first play-by-play experience came when the station had him call a hockey game.[1] In 1941, he moved toCleveland, where he calledCleveland Rams andCleveland Barons games.[2] In 1943, he became sports director of theBlue Network's (later theAmerican Broadcasting Company) central division.[2] During this time, Wilson served as a color commentator alongsideHarry Wismer for the network's college football broadcasts.[3]
In 1944, Wilson appeared on a number of experimental broadcasts onWBKB-TV.[4] In 1948, Wilson left ABC to work for WBKB full-time.[5] He called a number of sports for the station, includingChicago Cubs baseball,Chicago Blackhawks hockey,harness racing fromMaywood Park,college football andbasketball,boxing,golf,pool, andmidget car racing.[3][6] He also co-hosted a game show, anchored newscasts, and acted in televised plays.[7][8][9] In 1949, he called college football games nationally for theDuMont Television Network.[10]
Wilson moved toWMAQ-TV in 1952 and the following year began hosting the station's bowling program. He was the play-by-play announcer for a number ofNBC's nationally aired bowling programs, including 1956'sNational Championship Bowling, as well as the syndicatedBowling Stars.[1][4][11][12]
In 1952 and 1959, Wilson was a play-by-play announcer forMutual Broadcasting System'sGame of the Day baseball broadcasts.[13][14]
In 1968, Wilson joined theOakland Seals of theNational Hockey League as director of publicity and promotion.[2]
Wilson died on October 20, 1983, inGeneva, Illinois.[1]