Bobby Slick Leonard has been an icon in Indiana since I can remember. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana in 1932, Slick has spent the majority of his life in the basketball state around the game of basketball.
A few home games ago, the game operations people led by Dean Heaviland began doing something very touching to honor Slick. If you ever listen to the radio broadcasts, anytime a Pacers player hits a three, Slick lets out his trademarked “BOOM BABY!” Now, whenever the Pacers hit a shot from downtown, public address announcer Michael Grady says the players name as usual and then a recording of “BOOM BABY” is played.
Short. Simple. Perfect.
My friend Eddie White joined the Indiana Pacers as Director of Corporate Communications this fall after having an already polished pedigree as a public relations guru at Notre Dame and with the Miami Dolphins. Then he moved on to Starter/Reebok/Adidas as a marketing executive. This man has creative and unique ideas, quickly becoming a huge asset to Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
Well Eddie had the brilliant idea. The recording is very fitting, capturing the history and tradition of Indiana basketball. Using Slick Leonard’s trademark phase not only makes a fan experience at Conseco Fieldhouse even more memorable but also honors and incorporates teams of the past. From a home team’s perspective, it is important to separate your game experience from everybody else. Using Leonard’s top phrase adds to Indiana’s personality and image. I know personally, there is very few memories better than Reggie Miller nailing a three and listening to Slick scream “BOOM BABY!”
Different generations may know Slick for different reasons. Some remember him playing at Indiana University, hitting clutches free throws down the stretch to win the 1953 NCAA Championship. Many others may remember his time in the ABA whether it be as a player, or coach with the Pacers beginning in 1969 – a position he held for almost 12 years.
And then there is my generation of fans that only know Slick “the broadcaster.” Beginning in 1985, he joined the voice of the Indiana Pacers Mark Boyle in what has been a perfect match ever since.
Boyle initially didn’t like the idea of having a partner and wasn’t sure how it was going to pan out. When he started broadcasting Pacers games 23 years ago, he was by himself.
Slick is fantastic behind the microphone because he had the experience and pedigree to do so. The best analyst is a former player or coach at a high level because they can provide insight and knowledge that Joe-nobody cannot. It’s the best of both worlds with Slick because he is a championship player and coach.
After the Pacers won at New York on March 13th, Slick unfortunately suffered a heart attack on the team bus while players and media were loading the buses. He received a couple of stents and now is resting at home in Indianapolis.
This wasn’t done just because of Slick’s condition, although the timing was perfect in his absence. The idea had been tossed around long before he suffered another heart attack.
I love my guy Michael Grady’s “Trifecta” after a three but nothing can top Boom Baby, especially if you’re a blue and gold fan. Hopefully this recording will stick and continue at every Pacers home game from here on out.