The AltRaps Blog

Thanks to Jeff for the tip:

Swirsky joins the Bulls from the Toronto Raptors where he most recently served as the team’s television play-by-play announcer for seven seasons. Prior to that, he called the action for the Raptors radio broadcasts for three seasons.
“I am honored, humbled and appreciative to the Chicago Bulls as I return to a world class city and look forward to being a part of the Bulls organization and the Chicagoland community,” Swirsky said. “I want to thank Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and Toronto fans for ten great years of support and encouragement.”

“We are most excited to announce that we are bringing Chuck Swirsky back to Chicago where his career began,” said Steve Schanwald, Executive Vice President of Business Operations for the Bulls. “Chuck is one of the most respected play-by-play announcers in the NBA and I know our fans will enjoy his exciting style of calling a game.”

Bulls.com

“Chuck Swirsky has been a terrific play-by-play broadcaster for the Raptors, but it was his tireless dedication to the community and his direct relationship with our fans that left an indelible mark on southern Ontario and with Raptors fans across Canada,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. “There’s lots of good play-by-play guys out there, but only one Chuck Swirsky. He is a big loss to our organization. His passion for basketball and passion for our fans, makes him one of the game’s great ambassadors. He’s leaving for the right reasons, and that’s to place the needs of his family at the top of his priority list. He leaves with our support, our deepest appreciation and best wishes for the future.”

Raptors.com

“I’m doing what’s right for my family,” Swirsky said today. “My wife and my children are the priority.

“This isn’t about me. I’m leaving a comfort zone where I love doing basketball for the Raptors and love the passion and support I’ve received from the fans.

“But there comes a point where I’ve got to listen to my family. And they’re the priority.”

- Globe and Mail

A tireless promoter of the sport and the team, the veteran broadcaster will continue as an afternoon host on the The FAN590 radio station “for the foreseeable future” but will be in Chicago at the start of the next NBA season.

Swirsky came to Toronto a decade ago to take over the play-by-play job with a young franchise trying to establish itself in a hockey-dominated market. He became an immediate hit with his enthusiasm and willingness to interact with fans.

He’s written a blog on the team’s website, makes public appearances whenever he’s asked and has become as synonymous with team as just about any player.

Swirsky, who lives with his wife and three children in Burlington, became a Canadian citizen earlier this season and was touted as Chuck The Canuck by the team.

- Toronto Star

On Tuesday afternoon’s show, Swirsky confirmed he was leaving, as first reported in the Chicago Tribune.

There was no immediate word on who would replace him. One possibility is Paul Jones, who currently does the play-by-play on the team’s radio broadcasts.

- National Post