Bill Hillgrove
William Thomas Hillgrove (born November 20, 1940) is an American sports broadcaster, radio personality, and sports journalist.
Hillgrove is a notable broadcaster in his hometown of Pittsburgh, and has worked exclusively in that market. He served as the lead play-by-play broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Steelers football network (102.5 FM WDVE) from 1994 to 2024. He is also the lead broadcaster for the University of Pittsburgh sports network (93.7 FM The Fan), calling Pitt football games with former Pitt quarterback Pat Bostick and Pitt basketball games with former Pitt guard Curtis Aiken.
Early life
Born William Thomas Hillgrove in
Early career
Hillgrove's first job was as a
In 1969, he was hired as a road game broadcaster for the
Hillgrove was named the sports director for WTAE-TV in 1978 and acted as sports anchor for WTAE News.
Pittsburgh Steelers
In 1994, Hillgrove was handpicked by Steelers owner
After working for many years alongside famous color broadcaster
(sideline).Pittsburgh Panthers
Hillgrove has also been a commentator for Pitt football and basketball games. Former Pittsburgh Pirate
Awards and recognition
He was the 2007 winner of the Chris Schenkel Award, presented by the National Football Foundation, for his work as Pitt's football broadcaster.[1]
In July 2012, Hillgrove began hosting a Saturday jazz program presented by the online Pittsburgh Jazz Channel.
Personal life
Hillgrove married Rosette Sapienza, a vocal music teacher, in 1965. They live in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. The couple have two children and two grandchildren.
On June 19, 2020, Hillgrove was charged with driving under the influence for an incident four days earlier. Hillgrove drove a vehicle into the front of a Murrysville grocery store, breaking two windows, and then went inside to fill a prescription. He then returned to the car and drove home, where police later arrived and conducted a breathalyzer test. His blood alcohol content was found to be 0.16, twice the legal limit in Pennsylvania. Hillgrove told officers he "had a couple beers" and that the "car just got away from [him]".[2] He subsequently received a two-game suspension from both Steelers and Pitt football broadcasts.[3]
References
- ^ Smizik, Bob (2007-05-17). "Bill Hillgrove winner of Schenkel Award". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
- ^ Tomasic, Megan (June 19, 2020). "Steelers, Pitt sports radio broadcaster Bill Hillgrove charged with DUI in Murrysville". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
- ^ Rutter, Joe (September 2, 2020). "Bill Hillgrove faces 2-game suspension from Steelers, Pitt broadcasts for DUI charge". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
- Hillgrove proud to be a 'homer' By Doug Kennedy, PittsburghLIVE.com, November 19, 2004, accessed January 23, 2006