Byline: K.C. Johnson
CHICAGO _ No matter what personnel changes the Bulls make this summer, next season's player introductions at the United Center will carry a different sound.
Longtime public-address announcer Ray Clay will not return for his 13th season and will be replaced by Steve Scott, who worked several games in Clay's absence over the last two seasons.
Bulls fans may not know Clay's name and face, but his rendition of the team's signature introduction_"And now ... the starting lineup for your Chicago Bulls!"_became a recognizable part of the championship years. Time and again, fans drowned out his low baritone as soon as he began introducing the centerpiece of the dynasty, Michael Jordan: "From North Carolina! ..."
Clay, who took over for local disc jockey Tommy Edwards before the 1990-91 season, had a front-row seat for all six championship teams. Clay, who also is director of campus recreation at Illinois-Chicago, began his announcing career with UIC men's basketball in 1980.
The reason for Clay's departure is unclear. A team spokesman said the team merely opted for "a different direction."
Neither Clay nor Steve Schanwald, the Bulls' executive vice president for business operations, could be reached for comment.
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(c) 2002, Chicago Tribune.
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