Cal Football Announcer Starkey to Retire After 48 Years
| RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 19, 2022 |
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 Joe Starkey |
Legendary radio play-by-play broadcaster Joe Starkey will retire after 48 seasons from University of California football after the 2022 season. The Golden Bears' final home game of the regular season against UCLA will honor him with "Joe Starkey Day." He's best known for his "the band is out on the field" call of "The Play" in 1982.
In Starkey's 48th and final season on the mic, the 2022 Golden Bears will travel to Notre Dame to face the Fighting Irish for the first time in 55 years, celebrate the 125th Big Game and 40th anniversary of The Play in Berkeley, and host "Joe Starkey Day" for the regular-season finale in Strawberry Canyon against UCLA.
"It has been an incredible privilege to have the best seat in the house to watch Cal football since 1975," said Starkey. "My first position in sportscasting was in 1972, and I have had some truly special assignments. But of all the places I have worked, the one constant has been Cal football.
"I can't begin to thank all of the Cal players, coaches, staff and professors who have made this fairy tale journey so incredibly satisfying. The University of California is a very special place and I couldn't be prouder to have made at least a small contribution of joy to this iconic academic institution."
"Joe Starkey's commitment and service to Cal football have been unwavering for nearly a half-century," said Cal's Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton. "I'm excited to celebrate and honor all of Joe's great work over the years and make 2022 his best season yet with the Bears. He will always have a home in Berkeley and with Cal football."
"What an incredible career Joe Starkey has had over such a long period of time," added Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox, who was born the year after Starkey began broadcasting Cal football games. "Joe's name is synonymous with the history of our football program. It's going to be a thrill to see him honored and recognized by so many who have enjoyed his work over the years."
