Dave Wills, whose play-by-play radio calls accompanied some of the most memorable moments in Tampa Bay Rays history, died Sunday morning in Florida, according to the team. He was 58.
Wills has been the Rays’ radio voice since 2005, almost coinciding with the team’s unlikely rise to power despite its lower-revenue status. Wills covered the Rays’ World Series runs in 2008 and 2020 and called Saturday’s Grapefruit League exhibition game from Tampa.
“Dave was an outstanding broadcaster, a great friend and an even better person,” Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said in a statement released by the team. “He had a remarkable talent for bringing the game to life for our fans and was a vital part of the Rays family.
“We will miss him dearly and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Wills was part of a respected Rays radio crew that included Andy Freed and Neil Solondz. The group was voted best American League radio team in a survey by The Athletic two years ago.
