From the Vault: Bill Hillgrove and Dick Groat

Bill Hillgrove and Dick Groat formed one of the most beloved sports broadcasting duos in Pittsburgh history, calling Pitt men's basketball games on the radio from 1979 to 2019. Reflecting their iconic status, Hillgrove and Groat are the first inductees into the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame who did not play or coach for the Panthers.

Bill Hillgrove and Dick Groat wave to the crowd at a PItt basketball game

Bill Hillgrove stands in the Press box at Heinz field

Hillgrove has been the play-by-play voice for Pitt basketball since 1969. He was Pitt football's color analyst from 1970-73 before taking over play-by-play duties for the 1974 season. Hillgrove has received three of the most prestigious awards in sports broadcasting: the Lindsey Nelson Award, Chris Schenkel Award and Woody Durham Voice of College Sports Award.

Bill Hillgrove stands in an empty PItt Stadium wearing a Bowtie

Bill Hillgrove and former Pitt head coach Jackie Sherrill shake hands on the field

Bill Hillgrove shakes hands with Pitt Head Coach Jackie Sherrill

A Picture of a Bill Hillgrove Bobblehead

A photo of a Bill Hillgrove bobblehead, courtesy of Bill Hillgrove himself.

Bill Hilgrove poses for a photo with Bill Fralic

Bill Hillgrove poses for a picture with Bill Fralic

Bill Hillgrove is presented with the NFF Chris Schenkel Award on the field at Heinz field.

Bill Hillgrove accepts a proclamation form the Allegheny County Council recognizing his more than 50 years covering Pittsburgh sports

Dick Groat is one of Western Pennsylvania's greatest multi-sport athletes. He was a college basketball All-American at Duke and the 1960 National League MVP and N.L. batting champion with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Groat was recruited by Hillgrove to serve as his analyst for Pitt basketball broadcasts prior to the 1979-80 season.

Dick Groat winds up a pitch while on the mound in a Pirates uniform

Dick Groat and Jeff Capel shake hands at Capel's welcome ceremony

Dick Groat and Pitt Head Coach Jeff Capel meet at Capel's welcome press conference.

Dick Groat holds a commemorative game basketball while waving to the crowd

Dick Groat is honored at a Pitt basketball game in the Petersen Events Center.

They served together for 40 seasons, providing the soundtrack for some of the most thrilling moments in the history of Pitt basketball.

Bill Hillgrove (Center) and Dick Groat (Right) at the he Rainbow Classic in Honolulu.

Bill Hillgrove and Dick Bill Hillgrove and Dick groat speak at the media table at a PItt basketball gamegroat speak at the media table at a PItt basketball game

Bill Hillgrove and Dick groat speak at the media table at a PItt basketball game

Honor Bill Hillgrove and Dick Groat at the 2024 Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame induction, Friday, September 13 at the Petersen Events Center.

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