Rays radio announcer Dave Wills died early Sunday morning, the team announced in a statement. He was 58 years old.
“Dave was an outstanding broadcaster, a great friend, and an even better person,” Rays owner Stu Sternberg said, via Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. “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 hospitalized in Toronto late in 2022 with what he said was supraventricular tachycardis, a heart condition that caused him to miss the final two weeks of the regular season, according to Topkin.
However, Wills did return to the airwaves for the Rays’ two playoff games against the Guardians in the wild-card round.
Wills had been with the Rays since 2005 following 11 years as part of the White Sox radio team. Earlier in his career, Willis broadcasted games for the minor league Kane County Cougars in suburban Chicago as well as Notre Dame football and basketball.
To honor Wills, Tampa Bay will not broadcast Sunday’s spring training game against the Orioles at Tropicana Field. The Rays will hold a moment of silence before the game, according to Topkin.
