Jim Wetzel,[1] known on-air as Jim West, is a retired sportscaster who worked in Baltimore and Chicago. He was a play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, and Washington Capitals.
West was born in Baltimore and graduated from Towson State College.[2] In 1962, he was hired to handle play-by-play for Baltimore Clippers games on WITH radio.[3] The following season, both the Clippers and West moved to WBAL, where West also hosted the Baltimore Orioles pre- and post-game shows.[3][4] In 1967, West received the James H. Ellery Memorial Award for outstanding media coverage of the American Hockey League.[5]
In 1970, West became the television announcer for the Chicago Black Hawks.[6] From 1971 to 1976, he also called Cubs games for the station.[7]
In 1978, the Washington Capitals chose West to call the team's games on WDCA-TV.[2] From 1983 to 1990, West co-hosted the Jones and West Morning Show with Bob Jones.[8] From 1984 to 1986, West was the play-by-play announcer for Maryland Terrapins football games.[9] His final full-time job in broadcasting was the sports anchor role for WBAL Radio's morning show. He retired in 1995 and was replaced by Pam Ward.[10]
