Johnny Most, American soldier and sportscaster (b. 1923)

John M. Most (June 15, 1923 – January 3, 1993), universally recognized as "Johnny Most," was a distinguished American sports announcer whose distinctive, raspy radio voice became an iconic and inseparable part of the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) for nearly four decades. His legendary tenure as the primary radio play-by-play announcer for the Celtics stretched from 1953 until his retirement in 1990, during which he chronicled an era of unprecedented success and cemented his status as a beloved figure in sports broadcasting history.

The Unmistakable Voice of the Boston Celtics

Most’s remarkable career with the Boston Celtics coincided with the team’s most dominant periods, including the dynastic run of championships in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the resurgence in the 1980s. His passionate, often overtly partisan, delivery style perfectly encapsulated the raw intensity and dramatic flair inherent in professional basketball. Listeners throughout New England and beyond grew deeply familiar with his unique vocal timbre and his vivid, often poetic, descriptions of the on-court action. Johnny Most transcended the role of a mere reporter; he was a fervent narrator who breathed life into Celtics basketball, forging an emotional bond with the fanbase that few broadcasters have ever achieved or maintained.

The Immortal "Havlicek Stole the Ball!" Call

Among the countless moments he broadcast, one particular call remains the undisputed highlight of his career and is widely hailed as the most famous radio call in the history of basketball. This unforgettable moment unfolded during the climactic final seconds of Game 7 of the 1965 NBA Eastern Division Finals. The Boston Celtics were locked in a fiercely contested battle against their bitter rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers, with the victor earning a coveted spot in the NBA Finals.

With just five seconds remaining on the clock and the Celtics clinging to a precarious one-point lead, the 76ers, led by basketball titan Wilt Chamberlain, had possession of the ball under their own basket. As tension inside Boston Garden reached an almost unbearable peak, the 76ers attempted a crucial inbound pass. Celtics forward John Havlicek, renowned for his tenacious defensive prowess, instinctively deflected and then successfully intercepted the pass, thereby securing the hard-fought victory for Boston. Most's electrifying and emotionally charged call of this pivotal play – now simply and powerfully known across the basketball world as "Havlicek stole the ball!" – perfectly captured the urgency, the sudden shift of momentum, and the explosion of jubilation that erupted in that instant. This iconic broadcast moment has been officially recognized by the NBA itself as "the most famous radio call in basketball history," underscoring its enduring dramatic impact and Most's unparalleled ability to convey the essence of the game.

Enduring Legacy and Influence

Johnny Most’s profound legacy extends far beyond a single iconic call. His distinctive and unvarnished announcing style left an indelible mark on an entire generation of sports broadcasters. He brought an unfiltered, emotional authenticity to his play-by-play, consciously choosing fervent advocacy for his beloved Celtics over detached neutrality. His voice remains inextricably linked to the legendary Celtics teams of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, serving as a nostalgic auditory gateway to an unparalleled era in NBA history. Johnny Most passed away on January 3, 1993, but his significant contributions to sports broadcasting and his indelible mark on the Boston Celtics franchise continue to be celebrated and remembered fondly by fans and professionals alike.

Frequently Asked Questions about Johnny Most

Who was Johnny Most?

Johnny Most was a legendary American sports announcer, primarily known as the iconic radio voice of the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1953 to 1990. He was celebrated for his unique, raspy voice and highly passionate, team-centric play-by-play commentary.

What is Johnny Most's most famous radio call?

His most famous and iconic radio call is "Havlicek stole the ball!", which captured the climactic moment of John Havlicek's game-winning steal in the final seconds of Game 7 of the 1965 NBA Eastern Division Finals. The NBA officially regards this as "the most famous radio call in basketball history."

How long did Johnny Most serve as the Boston Celtics announcer?

Johnny Most announced for the Boston Celtics for an impressive 37 seasons, beginning in 1953 and continuing until his retirement in 1990. This extensive period covered a significant portion of the team's historic dynasty years and multiple championship runs.