Marc Zumoff – A Class Act

I had the pleasure of attending the Sixers Celtics game on Tuesday night to take in my first live action of the 2009 NBA season. I was brought by Chris actually, the other writer of this site.

We sat in a pretty decent club box roughly at center court and had a great view for this battle of Atlantic division rivals. Although I really didnt expect much of a battle, as the Celtics are sporting one of the most ridiculous starting 5s in NBA history. Its like a late 90s – early 2000s All-Star lineup.

So I grab a beer for my girlfriend and myself and we take out seats and say hello, yada yada yada. Finally get settled and Chris points out that we are directly behind the local press row and the 76ers television announcer himself, Mr. Marc Zumoff.

Zumoff is a local hero of sorts, as he is the only voice I have ever heard call 76er games, since I can ever remember. Ok so it was only since 1994, but in my life, more then half of it has been listening to this man call basketball games. His patented sayings, better known as Zumoffisms, bring life and excitement to what others would describe brutal or lackluster seasons, to which many of us Sixer fans can attest to.

So back to the Celtics game… Halftime came and I was able to catch Mr. Zumoff exiting press row to catch a stretch. I spoke up and cracked a quick joke mentioning how he’s getting screwed as management has recently moved him up from courtside and he’s sitting back with all of us.

He smiled and kept the joke going.

As he was returning to his seat to get ready for the second half I was heading back the aisle to grab a fresh beverage and was able to make eye contact with Mr. Zumoff. I told him I was a long time listener and a huge fan of his work.

I wanted to write this becauase this man was nice enough to take the time out of his short halftime break (20 mins) to chat with me and that he appreciated the kind words.

A great man, a great announcer, a class act in my book.

Keep the Zumoffisms coming Marc. If you see this and get a minute, check out the comments on the link above on Zumoffisms. Your fans have spoken.