It was a whirlwind weekend for retiring Los Angeles Kings voice Bob Miller. He called an emotional overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks in his final home game at Staples Center on Saturday. Then in his very last game on Sunday, he called yet another overtime game, which resulted in a loss to arch-rival Anaheim.
But it wasn’t the results that mattered, as the final weekend of the 2016-17 regular season was a way for Kings fans to say their goodbyes to Miller who had called the team’s games dating back to 1973. And while Miller couldn’t call much of this season due to health reasons, he made sure he returned so he could say his final farewell.
After the Kings season was over, Miller and his partner of 27 years Jim Fox said goodbye to each other and Miller gave thanks to the team and the loyal Kings fans:
Signing off one final time. Ladies and gentlemen, the great Bob Miller. #ThankYouBob @LAKings pic.twitter.com/EwBWDx07cJ
— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) April 10, 2017
Fox got emotional holding back tears as he knew his time with Miller was coming to an end.
Miller promised to visit every once in a while to renew friendships and to say hello. And he ended simply “With Anaheim winning in overtime, the end is here for me so the only thing I have to say is good night and goodbye.”
It certainly has been a tough seven months for SoCal sports fans as they have seen two broadcasting legends leave the booth in Vin Scully and Miller and they both leave giant shoes to fill. Dodgers fans are currently adjusting to not hearing Scully and for much of this season, Kings fans had to adjust not having Miller call their games.
This is definitely a time of transition for sports fans in L.A.