Miami, FL. – Michael Baiamonte, the official in-arena announcer for the Miami HEAT and the second-longest tenured public address announcer in the NBA, is scheduled to retire at the end of the 2025-26 season. Throughout his career, Baiamonte has called over 1,500 professional basketball games, including six NBA Finals. His distinctive and commanding voice has been a hallmark for HEAT fans and is widely recognized as one of the most prominent voices in the South Florida sports and entertainment community.
“After giving this much thought and consideration, I have decided that this season, my 35th with the Miami HEAT organization, will be my last,” said Baiamonte. “I want to thank the Miami HEAT for their understanding and support of my decision as I move to the next chapter of my life with my wife Natalie and our daughters. I also want to say THANK YOU to all of HEAT Nation. For all of the love you have shown me, I am forever grateful. During my final season, let’s continue to make some more noise, share some more laughs, and, as always, give all our collective support to our Miami HEAT. LET’S GO HEAT!”
Whether elongating the words during decisive parts of the game with “STANNNNDDD UP AND MAKE SOME NOOOOIIISSSEEEE” or flexing his Spanish with the familiar “DOS MINUTOSSSSS” at the two-minute mark of every quarter, the creativity and style of Baiamonte’s signature calls have evolved into indelible touchpoints of Miami culture.
“In addition to the incredible level of energy and enthusiasm he has brought to each Miami HEAT game, for more than three decades Michael B’s professionalism and affable personality have endeared him to all of us in the front office and to HEAT fans everywhere,” said Michael McCullough, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer of The HEAT Group. “His voice will forever be a part of our franchise history.”
As a highly experienced emcee, Baiamonte has hosted a diverse range of events for organizations of all sizes, including award ceremonies, conferences, and special functions across various industries such as sports, entertainment, hospitality, retail, academia, and politics.
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Baiamonte’s initial involvement with the HEAT dates back to the team’s second season at the former Miami Arena, when he served as the backup announcer on February 21, 1990. He was subsequently hired full-time during the 1991-92 season. In 2019, he was selected to provide commentary for the NBA All-Star Weekend events in Charlotte, North Carolina. His voice is also featured in the NBA 2K video game developed by Take-Two Interactive. Other significant milestones in Baiamonte’s career include:
- Hosting the 2006 NBA Finals Game 6 Road Rally at Kaseya Center when the HEAT defeated the Dallas Mavericks to win their first NBA Championship.
- Announcing Ray Allen’s 3-pointer with seconds left in regulation of Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals to send the game into overtime.
- Announcing Shaquille O’Neal’s arrival to Miami as he exited an 18-wheeler truck with a squirt gun spraying the crowd in front of Kaseya Center.
- Hosting the Welcome Event in July 2010 as the HEAT ushered in the Big 3 era.
- Announcing the starting lineup introductions of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade’s first home game.
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Hosting three NBA Championship Celebrations following the championship parades in 2006, 2012 and 2013.
The HEAT will celebrate 35 Seasons of Michael Baiamonte through a season long campaign, Mike Drop. A nationwide search for his replacement will commence in the coming weeks.
Photo/WestLamy/WORLDWIDEWEST