George Blaha, Broadcaster of Detroit Pistons (1976 - present) &
Michigan State Football (1971 – present)
A local broadcasting icon and one of the most recognizable personalities in Detroit and the NBA, George Blaha just completed his 47th consecutive season as the television and radio play-by-play voice of the Detroit Pistons. The “Voice of the Pistons” is the longest tenured play-by-play announcer in the State of Michigan. Blaha brings a high-energy style to go with his extensive basketball knowledge and demonstrates a true passion for Piston’s basketball.
Blaha, an inductee into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, has been the recipient of many industry awards, including the Ty Tyson Award for broadcasting excellence in 2002 and Michigan Sports Broadcaster of the Year in 2003 and 2007.
In addition to his Pistons responsibilities, Blaha has handled play-by-play duties for Michigan State Football since 1971. In 2002, he was made an honorary alumnus of Michigan State University and in 2008, named an honorary member of the Spartan S Letterman’s Club.
When not in front of a microphone, Blaha stays active as a Pistons ambassador making appearances at charitable and community events. His annual “High Hopes” golf outing for the Vista Maria home for abused young women, has raised nearly $1 million for the charity. He is also the honorary chairman of the annual golf outing for the St. Louis Center for the developmentally disabled. Blaha serves as spokesman and fundraiser for the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society, benefiting neglected and abused animals in the City of Detroit.
Born in Detroit, Blaha was raised in Marshalltown, Iowa and Grayling, Michigan. He graduated with a B.A. in economics from Notre Dame University and earned an MBA from the University of Michigan. George and his wife, Mary, reside in Troy and Gaylord with their dog Misty.
For pictures from the meeting, see
May 9, 2023 Members Meeting.