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Greg Schulte
Greg Schulte
Greg Schulte
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Greg Schulte is an American sportscaster, and is best known as the radio play-by-play voice of the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball team, a position he held from the team's inaugural season in 1998 until his retirement in 2023. Schulte's nickname is The Gub'nuh (like "The Governor" with an exaggerated English accent). He is known for his unique home run call, "Deep drive..warning track..wall..you can touch 'em all, (player's name)!”[1] Schulte's most famous call was that of Luis Gonzalez's ninth-inning single to win Game 7 of the 2001 World Series.[2]

Schulte called his 3,000th Diamondbacks game on April 19, 2017.[3]

Schulte also covered the Phoenix Suns for many years, where he first produced the broadcasts, and later served as a color commentator to Al McCoy.

Schulte was the original pre-game and post-game host for the Arizona Cardinals.

In February 2023, the Diamondbacks announced that Schulte would retire at the end of the 2023 season.[4] The final game that he called was Game 5 of the 2023 World Series.

References

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Greg Schulte

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Greg Schulte (born c. 1951) is an American retired sportscaster renowned for his role as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Arizona Diamondbacks of from the franchise's inaugural 1998 season until his retirement after the 2023 campaign. Over his 26 years with the team, he broadcast nearly 4,000 games, capturing pivotal moments such as Luis Gonzalez's walk-off single in Game 7 of the and in 2004. Born in western , Schulte drew early inspiration from legendary broadcasters and , fueling his passion for sports announcing. He relocated to Phoenix in 1979, beginning his professional career at KTAR radio as a producer-engineer for longtime Phoenix Suns voice Al McCoy, with whom he developed a close . Schulte advanced to halftime and postgame host before serving as a for Suns broadcasts, and his career in the 1980s and 1990s also encompassed play-by-play duties for the St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona State University football and basketball, and select Phoenix Suns games. McCoy later recommended him for the Diamondbacks position in the mid-1990s, securing his hire in 1995 ahead of the team's expansion debut. Throughout his Diamondbacks tenure, Schulte called six no-hitters—three by team pitchers—and became affectionately known as "The Gub'nuh" to fans for his distinctive style and catchphrases. He faced health challenges, including cancer diagnoses in 1992 and 2022, the latter of which restricted him to home games in his final seasons due to mobility issues. In recognition of his contributions, Schulte received the 2023 Arizona Sportscaster of the Year award from the National Sports Media Association and had the Chase Field radio booth named in his honor. Post-retirement, he plans to travel with his wife, Nancy, and continue following , including games.

Early life

Childhood and influences

Greg Schulte was born in Silvis, , a small town near the with a population of around 3,000. Growing up in this modest Midwestern community during the early 1950s, Schulte developed an early and profound passion for , becoming a dedicated fan of the Cardinals by the age of eight. It was also at age eight that Schulte first discovered his interest in sports broadcasting, sparked by tuning into radio calls of Cardinals games on from . This exposure ignited a lifelong ambition to become a Major League radio announcer. Schulte was particularly shaped by two iconic broadcasters: , whose enthusiastic and exuberant style brought games to life with infectious energy, and , celebrated for his clear, descriptive play-by-play that painted vivid pictures for listeners.

Relocation and early aspirations

In 1979, at the age of 27, Greg Schulte relocated from western to the , drawn by the opportunities in Arizona's expanding media market to pursue his dream of a career in sports broadcasting. This move marked a pivotal transition in his young adulthood, allowing him to build on the foundational influences from his childhood fandom of the St. Louis Cardinals. Before moving, Schulte gained initial experience as sports director at WQUA radio in , and handled play-by-play for Augustana College. Schulte's early aspirations had been shaped by listening to legendary radio voices like and calling Cardinals games, inspiring him from as young as eight years old to envision himself in the broadcast booth. Upon settling in the Valley, he dedicated himself to entering the radio industry, focusing on initial job pursuits in media while starting a . Through self-directed preparation, Schulte developed his broadcasting skills informally by listening to complete radio broadcasts and immersing himself in local coverage to prepare for professional roles in 's growing scene.

Broadcasting career

Pre-Diamondbacks roles

Schulte's professional career in began after his relocation to the Phoenix area in 1979, which sparked his pursuit of opportunities in local radio. He joined KTAR radio station that year, initially taking on support roles such as and that quickly evolved into on-air positions. During the mid-1990s at KTAR, Schulte handled play-by-play duties for baseball games and served as an analyst for ASU men's , contributing to the station's coverage of athletics. He also provided color commentary for games, offering analysis alongside primary play-by-play announcer Al McCoy after starting as a producer for Suns broadcasts. In 1997, Schulte participated in the inaugural radio broadcasts for the WNBA team, forming part of the first broadcast duo for the franchise's debut season. Schulte had been hired in 1995 by , then managing general partner of the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks, for pre-franchise planning efforts ahead of the team's 1998 launch.

Arizona Diamondbacks tenure

Greg Schulte was selected as the primary radio play-by-play announcer for the Arizona Diamondbacks prior to the franchise's inaugural , bringing his experience from KTAR radio in Phoenix where he had covered local sports. He called the team's first game on March 31, 1998, against the Colorado Rockies at Bank One Ballpark, describing the opening pitch from as the broadcast began the franchise's history. Schulte maintained a full-time role through the 2021 season, all home and road games for the Diamondbacks, which amounted to over 4,000 games by the time of his retirement. During this period, he adapted his commentary to the team's evolving eras, including the triumphant championship run where the Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees in seven games, as well as the subsequent rebuilding phases marked by roster changes and competitive challenges. A significant milestone in his tenure came on , 2017, when Schulte called his 3,000th Diamondbacks game during a road contest against the San Diego Padres at . Beginning in 2022, Schulte reduced his workload to home games only following a cancer diagnosis that required treatment, a schedule he followed through his final season in 2023.

Notable broadcasts

One of the most iconic moments in Greg Schulte's broadcasting career was his radio call of Game 7 of the on November 4, 2001, where the Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees 3-2 to clinch the franchise's only to date. Schulte's coverage captured the high-stakes drama, including Curt Schilling's relief appearance in the eighth inning, where he struck out two batters to preserve a tie after starter had faltered earlier. The climax came in the bottom of the ninth, with the bases loaded and two outs; Schulte described Luis Gonzalez's bloop single to center field off , scoring the winning run, exclaiming, "Floater... center field! The Diamondbacks win the ! Gonzalez did it!" This call, delivered with raw excitement, marked the Diamondbacks' improbable comeback from a 2-0 series deficit and cemented Schulte's role in one of baseball's greatest postseason finishes. Schulte's tenure spanned 26 seasons with the Diamondbacks, during which he called over 3,800 games, providing context for the rarity of his landmark broadcasts. Another highlight was his play-by-play of on May 18, 2004, against the at , the 17th in history and Johnson's fourth overall. As tension built through 26 batters retired on a sweltering night, Schulte conveyed the mounting pressure, culminating in the final out—a strikeout of Eddie Perez—where he shouted, "He struck him out! The Big Unit has done it! has pitched a perfect game!" This broadcast underscored Johnson's dominance at age 40 and remains a fan-favorite for its vivid narration of the flawless performance. Schulte also provided the radio account of Edwin Jackson's on June 25, 2010, against the at , the second in Diamondbacks history after Johnson's perfect game. Jackson's 149-pitch effort, which included eight walks and 14 strikeouts, was marked by dramatic escapes, such as a bases-loaded in the ninth; Schulte's call highlighted the chaotic intensity, ending with Jackson's final strikeout of to secure the 1-0 victory. This game, one of the wildest s due to its high and defensive stands, showcased Schulte's ability to narrate improbable triumphs. Schulte's final regular-season broadcast came during the Diamondbacks' series against the Houston Astros at , with his last home game on October 1, 2023, marking an emotional sign-off after calling the team's first postseason-clinching victory since 2007. In a pre-game ceremony on September 29, the team honored him by naming the radio booth the Greg Schulte Radio Booth, reflecting his enduring impact on the franchise. Though he continued into the playoffs, including Game 5, this regular-season finale encapsulated the gratitude from fans and colleagues for his quarter-century of service.

Personal life and retirement

Family and health challenges

Schulte relocated to the Phoenix area in 1979 to begin his broadcasting at KTAR radio, and in the late 1970s, he started a family with his wife, Nancy, with whom he has two children, Scott and Stephanie. The family has resided in the Valley since then, providing a stable base as Schulte balanced his demanding professional life with personal commitments, including travel for games. Nancy has been a key source of support throughout his , particularly during periods of difficulties. A significant aspect of Schulte's personal life was his enduring friendship with Al McCoy, the longtime Phoenix Suns broadcaster, which began in 1979 upon Schulte's arrival in . McCoy, then a morning host and Suns play-by-play announcer at KTAR, enlisted Schulte as a producer-engineer after his previous collaborator departed, forging an immediate and lasting bond. The friendship spanned 45 years, marked by regular conversations about sports, life, and mutual encouragement, until McCoy's death on September 21, 2024. Schulte described McCoy as his best friend and paid tribute to him following his passing. In June 2022, Schulte was diagnosed with a medical condition requiring treatment, later identified as cancer, which significantly impacted his health and broadcasting schedule. This led him to miss road games and several home broadcasts during the 2022 season, adhering to a pre-arranged "home games only" plan that was further necessitated by his recovery needs and desire for more family time. In 2023, he continued this limited role, focusing on home games to manage his health while prioritizing time with Nancy and their children. These challenges culminated in his retirement announcement on February 19, 2023, after which he fully stepped away from the booth at the end of the season.

Post-retirement activities

Following his retirement from full-time broadcasting at the conclusion of the 2023 season, Greg Schulte has prioritized spending with his , a shift he described as long overdue after more than 25 years of a demanding schedule. In reflections shared around his announcement, Schulte noted that he and his wife, Nancy, look forward to summer travels they were previously unable to undertake, allowing for greater work-life balance after decades in the industry. Schulte has remained connected to baseball through occasional guest appearances on Diamondbacks radio broadcasts. For instance, he returned to the booth in June to call the team's series opener against the at [Chase Field](/page/Chase Field), delighting fans with his familiar voice. His has also enabled continued focus on health management following earlier cancer treatments, including in 2022 that impacted his mobility and game schedule; Schulte has expressed intentions to follow the sport closely, potentially including attendance at games, while emphasizing recovery and personal well-being as of 2025.

Awards and recognition

Professional honors

In 2023, Schulte was named Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA), recognizing his outstanding contributions to sports broadcasting over his career. Schulte has been considered for induction into the Sports Hall of Fame, with nominations in 2019 and 2020 highlighting his 26 years of service as the radio voice of the Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks organization honored Schulte for calling his 3,000th game in 2017 during a matchup against the Padres, marking a significant milestone in his tenure that began with the team's inaugural season. Upon his retirement in 2023, the Diamondbacks held a pregame ceremony at , renamed the home radio booth in his honor as the Greg Schulte Radio Booth, and aired a special tribute broadcast to celebrate his 26-season legacy.

Legacy in sports broadcasting

Greg Schulte's broadcasting style was characterized by its energetic yet balanced delivery, drawing inspiration from legendary announcers and , whose St. Louis Cardinals broadcasts he emulated as a young listener in . His radio calls emphasized vivid, descriptive narratives that transported listeners to the field, maintaining a professional tone—"not too high, not too low"—to heighten excitement without overwhelming the audience, particularly during high-stakes moments at or on the road. This approach, honed through meticulous preparation and spontaneous flair, allowed him to capture the essence of games with precision and passion, setting a benchmark for radio play-by-play in . Schulte's enduring presence as the radio voice of the Diamondbacks since the team's inception fostered deep generational loyalty among fans, earning him the affectionate nickname "The Gub'nuh" and establishing him as synonymous with the franchise's identity. Generations of listeners, from children in cars to adults at home, experienced the team's highs and lows through his calls, with Diamondbacks president and CEO noting that many in their 20s, 30s, and 40s "have never known another voice," underscoring his role in building a devoted fanbase often referred to as the SnakePit community. His consistent coverage of nearly 4,000 games cultivated a sense of intimacy and excitement, transforming radio listening into a that strengthened communal ties among enthusiasts. Within the broadcasting community, served as a mentor to emerging talent during his tenure at KTAR and later in the , sharing insights from his decades of experience to guide younger announcers in navigating the demands of radio. Peers recognized his influence through honors like the 2023 Sportscaster of the Year award, affirming his contributions to elevating local media standards. Schulte's work played a pivotal role in shaping Arizona's sports identity amid the state's MLB expansion in the late , with his coverage of the —culminating in the Diamondbacks' championship victory—becoming a defining moment of local pride and resilience. As the steady voice through the franchise's inaugural era and multiple postseason runs, he helped embed into the cultural fabric of a growing market, bridging fans to historic achievements like no-hitters and playoff triumphs that symbolized Arizona's emergence as a major sports hub.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/news/greg-schulte-to-retire-from-d-backs-radio-following-23
  2. https://gophnx.com/greg-schulte-diamondbacks-al-mccoy-retirement/
  3. https://www.insideradio.com/free/news-bites-greg-schulte-cba-awards-lexus-iheart-partnership-wjct/article_ad61904a-b9d7-11ec-99f7-fbb78ac08c75.html
  4. https://nationalsportsmedia.org/news/59-voted-firsttime-winners-of-nsma-state-awards-five-elected-with-12-or-more-wins
  5. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-d-backs-dedicate-radio-broadcast-booth-to-greg-the-gub-nuh-schulte
  6. https://khak.com/greg-schulte-arizona-diamondbacks/
  7. https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/team/broadcasters
  8. https://www.mlb.com/news/greg-schulte-calls-3-000th-d-backs-game-c225242286
  9. https://www.azfamily.com/2023/03/31/legendary-d-backs-radio-broadcaster-greg-schulte-retire-after-2023-season/
  10. https://www.insideradio.com/free/longtime-d-backs-radio-voice-greg-schulte-to-retire-after-2023-season/article_70b2bc4c-b20f-11ed-86f6-5f8221e0f705.html
  11. https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/media/2023/02/19/diamondbacks-announcer-greg-schulte-to-retire/69905398007/
  12. https://www.azsnakepit.com/2017/4/19/15361508/greg-schulte-3000th-game-arizona-diamondbacks
  13. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2017/04/19/mr-3000-greg-schulte-reaches-magical-milestone-diamondbacks/100667020/
  14. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/greg-schulte-to-call-his-3-000th-d-backs-game-tonight-225248758
  15. https://sports360az.com/gcu-past-present-future-happy-trails-greg-schulte-legacy-future/
  16. https://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/d-backs-surprise-greg-schulte-by-dedicating-radio-booth-to-longtime-broadcaster/3535275/
  17. https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2020/03/31/urquiza-d-backs-first-game-ever-digital/
  18. https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ARI/ARI199803310.shtml
  19. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2023/09/29/greg-schulte-set-for-final-stage-of-radio-career-with-diamondbacks/70991091007/
  20. https://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/tribute-diamondbacks-play-by-play-announcer-greg-schulte/3535101/
  21. https://barrettmedia.com/2022/06/14/greg-schulte-to-cut-down-diamondbacks-schedule-for-chemotherapy/
  22. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-greg-schulte-approaches-final-games-with-d-backs
  23. https://www.abc15.com/sports/dbacks-play-by-play-announcer-to-call-final-game-at-seasons-end
  24. https://www.12news.com/video/sports/nba/suns/remembering-al-mccoy-greg-schulte-talks-about-his-best-friend-al-mccoy/75-ba6ee70b-44d4-4682-8e4d-f1891a2ee46b
  25. https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/media/2024/09/21/al-mccoy-suns-died/75065151007/
  26. https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/press-release/press-release-statement-from-d-backs-broadcaster-greg-schulte
  27. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2024/06/14/diamondbacks-updates-series-opener-vs-white-sox-at-chase-field/74046509007/
  28. https://nationalsportsmedia.org/awards/state-awards/arizona
  29. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/2019/04/30/arizona-sports-hall-fame-releases-nominees-2019-induction-class/3629952002/
  30. https://arizonasports.com/nba/phoenix-suns/voting-open-for-arizona-sports-hall-of-fame-2020-class/2301997/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsU0M8y6zDU
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