Early History
A native of Chicago, Jim Karvellas was born Demetrie C. Karvellas to first-generation Greek Americans Christ and Anthy Karvellas. He grew up among a close-knit extended family residing in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago near his father's grocery store. Jim was the oldest of three children, including a sister Becky (Theon) and brother Peter. At an early age, Karvellas practiced what would evolve into his signature play-by-play style. He spent a lot of time playing All Star Baseball, a common board game he would use to create an imaginary game. "When we were 14 or 15, we played what we called 'Spinner Baseball,' and Jim always did the commentary after we'd spun the dial," said a cousin, Larry Poullman of Chicago." Karvellas spent his high school years at St. John's Military Academy in Delafield, WI and later attendedSports Casting Career
Karvellas' radio and TV broadcasting career spanned basketball, soccer, football, baseball, golf, and eveNBA
Bullets
* Chicago Packers (1961–1962) * Chicago Zephyrs (1962–1963) * Baltimore Bullets (1963–1973) * Capital Bullets (1973–1974) * Washington Bullets (1974–1980) (1992–1993) Karvellas began his career in 1962 as the voice of the Chicago Packers (1961–1962). The team was soon renamed the Chicago Zephyrs (1962–1962). In 1963, he moved with the Zephyrs to Baltimore where it became the Baltimore Bullets, taking the name from an earlier team. In his own words, quoted from ''The Baltimore Sun'' in 1988: "It was my first really big league job, It was exciting for me being with a major league team. Although the NBA wasn't as big league then, it was big enough for me." At the time, he was the youngest NBA announcer. In 1992, he returned to the then Washington Bullets.NY Knicks (1980–1992)
For twelve years, New York fans came to know Karvellas as the voice of the New York Knicks. He began in 1980 on the MSG TV side, working for the first six seasons on home games with Cal Ramsey (two seasons) and Butch Beard (four seasons). He next moved to radio where he worked with Ernie Grunfeld (two seasons) and Walt (Clyde) Frazier (three seasons). He covered NBA games for CBS radio (1978–1986) and was host of the USA Network's NBA ''Game of the Week'' (1979–1981.)NFL & MLB
* Colts (1968–1969) * Orioles (1968–1969) Beginning in 1968, Karvellas began calling other Baltimore games. He did play-by-play for the Colts and became the third member of the Orioles' broadcast team that included Chuck Thompson and Bill O'Donnell. A year later, he called both the 1969 Super Bowl and World Series on national radio when both teams made appearances.North American Soccer League (NASL)
In the 1970s, Karvellas was involved with early efforts to bring the international game of soccer to American audiences.Baltimore Bays (1972–1973)
As president of the Baltimore Bays, Karvellas worked to bring soccer back to the city. The Bays ultimately moved to Philadelphia without Karvellas, who had left for Washington, DC.Washington Diplomats (1974–1975)
While a sportscaster on WTTG (Channel 5), Karvellas played a leading role in the third attempt to bring soccer to Washington, DC. He became president and part-owner of the Washington Diplomats and brought with him Baltimore Bays coach Dennis Viollet. Reported ''The New York Times'', "The Washington Diplomats are working hard to establish themselves, both in the North American Soccer League, which they will join this season, and with the people of the capital." With the loss of the Washington Senators baseball team, Karvellas also saw an opportunity. For a period of time the Diplomats were the only professional sports team in the area and there was growing interest in soccer in the suburbs. He said to the ''Times'', "We have 22,000 kids play soccer in this area and we have a responsibility, to them and to their parents. We are trying to make the Diplomats a first‐class operation.”New York Cosmos: "This is Cosmos Soccer" (1976–1980)
In 1976, Karvellas became the voice of the New York Cosmos, teaming up with Howard David on TV and radio. "Jim was the perfect man for those days. He had a lot of flair; he was a reflection of the team" said Cosmo's Giorgio Chinagila to the ''New York Post''. Karvellas' intonatioCelebrity Golf Association and Championship
The Celebrity Golf Championship (now known asPersonal life
Karvellas was married to the former Lorie Hirst for 38 years until her death in 1997. They had two children and five grandchildren.References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Karvellas, Jim People from Chicago American people of Greek descent 1935 births American radio sports announcers American television sports announcers National Basketball Association broadcasters New York Knicks announcers Sportspeople from Chicago New York Cosmos Baltimore Bullets (1963–1973) Washington Bullets announcers Washington Bullets Baltimore Bays Washington Diplomats Baltimore Colts announcers National Football League announcers Major League Baseball broadcasters Living people