Schonely's professional broadcasting career took root in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he covered a variety of sports including minor league baseball and college football. He later moved to Seattle, where his work expanded to include calling games for the Seattle Totems of the Western Hockey League. His innovative approach and enthusiasm helped bring hockey games to television, broadening the sport's appeal in the region.
In 1970, Schonely was recruited by the Portland Trail Blazers' co-founder Harry Glickman. Schonely's dynamic voice and charismatic broadcasting style quickly became synonymous with the Trail Blazers, endearing him to fans and making phrases like "Rip City" iconic within the sports community. His contributions went beyond play-by-play; he helped build the Blazers' radio network and deeply engaged with the local community.
Schonely's influence extended into various aspects of Portland's sports and community life. Beyond his work with the Blazers, he was the play-by-play announcer for the Portland Beavers baseball team and engaged in numerous charitable activities. His return to the Blazers in 2003 as a team ambassador helped reconnect the team with its fan base during a turbulent period.
For his contributions to sports broadcasting, Schonely received numerous accolades, including induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and receiving the prestigious Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame. His legacy is not only marked by his distinctive phrases and enthusiastic calls but also by his enduring impact on the culture of sports in the Pacific Northwest. Schonely passed away on January 21, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that resonates with sports fans and broadcasters alike.
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