Bob Costas – 2006
Bob Costas left his radio job in St. Louis to join the NBC television network in the early 1980s, but he never really left St. Louis. Known for his smooth delivery, knowledge of sports, and his quick wit, Costas was a play-by-play announcer for the old Spirits of St. Louis of the American Basketball Association. He became a major presence at KMOX Radio, and was briefly employed by the CBS network before signing with NBC He won many National Sportcaster of the Year awards and nearly 20 Emmy Awards for outstanding sports announcing. Costas was a recipient of the Curt Gowdy Award, which is awarded to members of the electronic and print media for outstanding contributions to basketball. In 1988 he broke new ground and won praise for “Later with Bob Costas,” becoming the first sportscaster to host a nationally televised late-night talk show. NBC consistently turned to Costas to host its Olympic coverage. As an active citizen of St. Louis, he lent his time and support to many charitable and civic causes.