‘Irish’ Bill: Online voice of the Raiders

Bill Hammel, like many American boys, grew up dreaming of a career in sports. And, like many American boys, he realized sooner rather than later that he would never be a professional player.

“I wasn’t very athletic as a child,” he explained with a laugh.

Hammel didn’t pursue an athletic career. But growing up in northeast Indiana with a father he described as “a big sports guy,” Hammel spent many hours watching sports on television and listening to radio broadcasts of Notre Dame football, Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds baseball and Fort Wayne Komets hockey. It became a childhood dream to become a sportscaster.

For the complete story, see the Nov. 8 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.