Bob Rathbun

Bob Rathbun is a sportscaster, motivational speaker, and author with a long-standing career in American sports broadcasting. Rathbun began his broadcast career at age 12, calling a half-inning of an American Legion baseball game, which sparked his interest in the field. He launched his professional career as sports director for WSTP Radio in Salisbury, North Carolina, and went on to work with the Washington Bullets of the NBA and the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball. Rathbun also served as the lead broadcaster for ESPN's "ArenaBowl '87" and worked as a radio broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers.

Rathbun joined the Atlanta Hawks organization and became the longest-tenured television play-by-play voice in the team's history. He has provided commentary for Atlanta Braves baseball games on Fox Sports Net and covered collegiate sports for CBS, ABC, and ESPN, as well as NBA games for TNT and NBA TV. Rathbun has also served as a play-by-play announcer for basketball and other sports on the ACC Television Network, calling games for both the ACC and the SEC. He hosts "A Trophy Life," the official podcast of the Naismith player and coach of the year awards.

Rathbun is known for his partnership with Dominique Wilkins, a nine-time NBA All-Star and former Hawks player, forming a prominent broadcasting duo in NBA regional coverage. During his tenure as the voice of the Hawks' television broadcast, Rathbun has covered significant team milestones, including 56-win and 60-win seasons and Eastern Conference finals appearances. He demonstrated resilience by returning to his role as play-by-play announcer for the Hawks shortly after a medical emergency during a live broadcast.

Rathbun has received 12 Regional Emmy Awards, eight Sportscaster of the Year honors, a Distinguished Service Award from the ACC, and induction into the Hampton Roads Sports Media Hall of Fame, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. He was also recognized with the national Cynopsis Sports Media honor for live sports coverage. In addition to his broadcasting work, Rathbun is a motivational speaker and author of "Fast Forward Winner," sharing his insights and experiences with audiences beyond the sports industry.