Tampa Bay Rays radio announcer Dave Wills passed away Sunday morning of undisclosed causes.
Wills, 58, was the team's broadcaster for the past 18 seasons. He joined the team's radio broadcast unit in 2005, pairing with play-by-play announcer Andy Freed.
The Tampa Bay Rays are deeply saddened to announce the passing of longtime radio announcer Dave Wills.
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 5, 2023
A beloved figure throughout the Tampa Bay community and Major League Baseball, he will be missed dearly. pic.twitter.com/k9iiQOsL4u
“Dave was an outstanding broadcaster, a great friend and an even better person," said Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg. "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 September due to a heart issue that caused him to miss the remainder of the regular season.
He returned for the playoffs, and most recently called Saturday's spring training game against the New York Yankees in Tampa.
Wills is survived by his wife, Liz, and two children —his son, Alex, and daughter, Michelle.
