For the first time in more than three decades, a new voice will be leading the radio broadcasts of Patriots games.
The team announced Wednesday that Milton, Mass., native Bob Socci has been chosen as the new play-by-play man for Patriots games on 98.5 The Sports Hub, replacing broadcasting legend Gil Santos, who retired this offseason after 36 years in the booth.
The 45-year-old Socci has spent the last 16 years as the radio voice of Navy football and is currently in his first season of calling Pawtucket Red Sox games for the PawSox Radio Network. He’ll be joined on the air by color commentator and former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak.
“This is the thrill of a lifetime to get the opportunity from 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Patriots organization to continue the tradition established by the legendary Gil Santos to be the play-by-play announcer for the New England Patriots,” Socci said in a statement. “I look forward to teaming up with Scott in the booth and building on The Sports Hub’s great success.”
Fans can catch Socci’s first official broadcast on 98.5 The Sports Hub when the Patriots open up against the Buffalo Bills on September 8.
