Long-time Cavs and NBA announcer Fred McLeod passes away at age 67

The Bottom. Right down Euclid. Convenient banking hours. The voice of Cleveland’s championship.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that Fred McLeod, long-time play-by-play voice of the team, has passed away at age 67.

It is with the most extreme sadness that the Cleveland Cavaliers share that Cavs and Fox Sports Ohio play-by-play announcer Fred McLeod died suddenly Monday evening. The entire Cavaliers organization mourns the loss of their great friend and teammate. Fred’s deep love for Cleveland and the Cavaliers was clearly evident in everything he did in and around the community and on-air during his more than 1,000 Cavalier game broadcasts. He was a true, heart-felt ambassador for the team, fans and entire greater Cleveland community.

The Cavaliers extend our deepest condolences to Fred’s entire family, including his wife Beth, mother Marilyn, sister Lynn, and his three children, Sean, Jenna, Molly and each of their families.

McLeod would have been starting his 15th season with the team next month, and was universally respected and loved by team employees, media covering the team with him, and fans watching the team every night. His mix of enthusiasm, ability to play off Austin Carr, and curiosity about the game made him one of the best team broadcasters out there. His name will likely hang in the rafters alongside Joe Tait. He won multiple regional Emmy awards, but was probably never more pleased than when the Cavs won the NBA championship in 2016.

In the locker room before and after games he was a constant presence, asking deep and detailed questions whether the team was contending for another Finals appearance or getting through March games before the lottery.

We all have our favorite calls and memories, so please share them in the comments. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.