In conjunction with Fox Sports North, the Minnesota Timberwolves today named Dave Benz as the team’s television play-by-play announcer. Benz will team up this season with color analyst Jim Petersen to call 75 Wolves games this season on Fox Sports North and WFTC MY29.
Benz, a graduate of Oswego State University (Oswego, NY,) brings a wealth of experience and versatility to Minnesota with over 20 years in the sports industry. His television and radio play-by-play experience includes college basketball for FOX Sports, the mtn. and Comcast Sportsnet where he covered a number of men’s and women’s programs in the Mountain West, Pac-12, Big-12, WCC, Big West and Sun Belt conferences. He has also been behind the mic for Major League Baseball Cactus League games as well as Arena Football League and CHSAA High School Football games. Most recently he was the radio “Voice of the Sabercats” for San Jose’s AFL team.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be the new television voice of the Timberwolves. It has been my lifelong dream to be an NBA play-by-play announcer,” said Dave Benz. “I look forward to calling many Timberwolves wins this season alongside Jim Petersen, who is one of the best in the business. I also look forward to meeting Timberwolves fans and sharing in their passion for this organization.”
Benz comes to the Twin Cities from the San Francisco Bay Area where he worked as host, anchor and reporter for Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area. There he had the opportunity to cover the Giants 2010 World Series title and the 49ers run to the NFC Championship game as a pre and postgame show host. His lengthy career has afforded him the opportunity to regularly cover a number of NBA teams including roles as pre and postgame host for the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. He has also had roles covering the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets.
“After a nationwide search, we were captivated by Dave’s call of a game and how he captures the moment,” said Ted Johnson, Wolves Sr. Vice President of Marketing/Communications & Chief Marketing Officer. “Dave has experience covering many teams in different leagues and we feel he will be a great fit for our emerging team.”
“We’re pleased to welcome Dave to our FOX Sports North family, we’re confident he’ll bring energy and enthusiasm to our Timberwolves telecasts,” said Tony Tortorici, executive producer for FOX Sports North. “His knowledge of the sports scene will complement Petersen, Hanneman, Lynch and the rest of the TV team very well.”
