David Steele – Orlando Magic: Legendary Voice Celebrates 30 Years with Franchise

David Steele has been the voice of the Orlando Magic for 35 seasons, serving as their play-by-play announcer on television broadcasts. His distinctive voice and basketball knowledge have made him an institution for Magic fans across generations. Currently, Steele brings a wealth of experience to each call while broadcasting games on FanDuel Sports Network.

The veteran broadcaster has earned significant recognition throughout his career, winning broadcaster-of-the-year awards in both Florida and North Carolina. In 2019, the Orlando Magic inducted Steele into their Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy with the franchise. His connection with fans has remained strong despite the team’s ups and downs over three-plus decades.

Steele’s meticulous preparation and clean delivery have been hallmarks of Magic broadcasts since the team’s early days. The University of Georgia graduate has called thousands of games, from the Shaquille O’Neal era through the Dwight Howard years and now into the Paolo Banchero age. His consistency behind the microphone provides a reliable soundtrack to Magic basketball that fans have come to depend on night after night.

Career Overview

David Steele has built an impressive broadcasting legacy spanning over four decades, establishing himself as one of the most respected voices in basketball and a fixture of Orlando Magic history.

Early Beginnings

David Steele’s broadcasting journey started in 1975 when he became the sports director at WJHG-TV in Panama City, Florida. As a native of Jacksonville, Steele developed his craft in his home state.

His natural talent for narrating sports action quickly became apparent. Steele’s clear delivery and basketball knowledge helped him build a reputation in regional broadcasting circles.

Before joining the Magic, he honed his skills across multiple media platforms. This foundation proved essential for his later success.

The early years shaped Steele’s distinctive broadcasting style—authoritative yet approachable—that would eventually become familiar to generations of basketball fans in Central Florida.

Rise to Prominence

Steele’s career trajectory accelerated as he demonstrated exceptional broadcasting abilities across multiple sports. His versatility and professionalism earned him recognition beyond Florida’s borders.

His work garnered industry respect, leading to broadcaster-of-the-year awards in both Florida and North Carolina. These accolades highlighted Steele’s growing prominence in the sportscasting world.

During this period, he refined his play-by-play techniques while developing the distinct voice that would later define Magic broadcasts. His preparation and basketball knowledge set him apart from peers.

Steele’s reputation for accuracy and insight made him an attractive candidate when the Orlando Magic began searching for broadcasting talent. His professional trajectory perfectly aligned with the emergence of the expansion franchise.

Orlando Magic Tenure

Steele’s association with the Orlando Magic has been extraordinary, spanning 35 seasons and making him the defining voice of the franchise. Fans across generations have experienced Magic basketball through his distinctive calls.

He has witnessed every significant moment in team history, from the Shaq and Penny era to the Dwight Howard years and the current rebuilding phase. His consistency provides a thread connecting different Magic eras.

The organization recognized his contributions by inducting him into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2019. This honor cemented his status as a franchise icon alongside the great players he’s covered.

Currently with FanDuel Sports Network, Steele continues to bring Magic games to life with the same enthusiasm and professionalism. Recent reports suggest this might be his final season behind the microphone, potentially ending what fans describe as a “generational talent” broadcasting career.

Broadcasting Style and Achievements

David Steele has established himself as the definitive voice of Orlando Magic basketball through his distinctive broadcasting approach and professional recognition. His career spans decades of memorable moments captured through his unique delivery and perspective.

Signature Calls

Steele’s broadcasting style is instantly recognizable to Magic fans. His calm, measured delivery during regular play contrasts with his energetic calls during key moments. When a Magic player hits a crucial three-pointer, Steele’s voice rises with his trademark enthusiasm.

His catchphrase “Kaboom!” has become synonymous with Orlando Magic three-pointers. This call emerged organically during his tenure and has since become part of the team’s identity.

Steele has called nearly 2,400 Orlando Magic games throughout his career. His reliability is remarkable – he’s missed very few broadcasts over his 30+ years with the team.

His play-by-play style balances technical detail with accessibility, making games engaging for both hardcore basketball fans and casual viewers.

Awards and Accolades

Steele’s broadcasting excellence has earned him significant recognition. He was named Florida’s Sportscaster of the Year, cementing his status among the state’s elite sports broadcasters.

Before joining the Magic, Steele won the Ray Reeve Award as TV Sportscaster of the Year in North Carolina in 1980. His excellence continued in Florida, where he claimed the Best Play-By-Play in Florida award.

At 65, Steele became one of the longest-tenured television play-by-play broadcasters in the NBA. His professional longevity speaks to both his skill and adaptability in a changing media landscape.

The ultimate recognition came when Steele was inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, acknowledging his contributions to the franchise beyond merely calling games.

Contributions to the Orlando Magic

David Steele has been the voice that defined the Orlando Magic experience for fans across multiple decades. His distinctive broadcasting style and dedication have helped shape the franchise’s identity since its earliest days.

Development of Franchise Identity

Steele’s broadcasting career with the Magic spans an impressive 35 seasons, making him one of the most enduring figures in franchise history. His consistent presence has provided continuity through the organization’s ups and downs, from expansion team struggles to NBA Finals appearances.

As the team’s play-by-play announcer, Steele crafted memorable calls during pivotal moments that became woven into the fabric of Magic history. His voice narrated Shaquille O’Neal’s dominant performances, Penny Hardaway’s elegant playmaking, and Dwight Howard’s defensive dominance.

What separates Steele from other broadcasters is his ability to make fans feel connected to the team. His enthusiastic yet measured delivery style perfectly balanced excitement with clarity, making him the perfect ambassador for a growing franchise in a market new to professional basketball.

Orlando Magic Hall of Fame Induction

Steele’s contributions were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame on February 22, 2019. This honor highlighted his three decades of service to the organization.

Magic CEO Alex Martins emphasized Steele’s importance to the franchise, stating that he “represented the Orlando Magic with tremendous dignity and class.” This induction placed him among the most significant figures in team history.

The ceremony celebrated not just Steele’s longevity but the quality and impact of his work. As a multiple award winner in broadcasting, earning broadcaster-of-the-year honors in both Florida and North Carolina, his technical excellence matched his popularity with fans.

Steele’s induction represented the Magic organization acknowledging that their identity extended beyond players and coaches to include those who helped tell the franchise’s story to generations of supporters.

Notable Games and Events

David Steele witnessed countless historic moments during his 33 seasons with the Orlando Magic. His familiar voice became the soundtrack to the team’s most memorable games and player performances.

Iconic Magic Games

Steele’s call of Nick Anderson’s famous steal from Michael Jordan in the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals remains etched in Magic lore. His voice rising with the crowd as Anderson swiped the ball and sealed a crucial Game 1 victory.

The 2009 Eastern Conference Finals clincher against Cleveland featured some of Steele’s most passionate work. As Dwight Howard dominated and the Magic secured their second NBA Finals appearance, Steele’s call captured the magnitude perfectly.

Shaquille O’Neal’s early Orlando years produced several standout Steele moments. The Magic’s first playoff series win in 1994 against Boston had Steele at his descriptive best as O’Neal dominated the parquet.

The dramatic Game 7 victory over Indiana in the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals saw Steele maintain composure while the O-rena erupted around him.

Memorable Player Performances

Tracy McGrady’s 62-point explosion against Washington in 2004 brought out Steele’s ability to convey individual brilliance. His call of McGrady’s final basket—”He’s unconscious!”—perfectly captured the moment.

Dwight Howard’s 40-point, 14-rebound performance in Game 6 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals featured some of Steele’s most enthusiastic work. His description of Howard’s dominance helped viewers appreciate the historical significance.

Player	Notable Performance	Date	Steele Quote
T. McGrady	62 points vs. Wizards	3/10/2004	“He’s unconscious!”
D. Howard	40 pts, 14 reb vs. Cavs	5/30/2009	“Superman has saved the day!”
N. Anderson	4 straight 3s vs. Rockets	6/7/1995	“Nick Anderson cannot miss!”

Steele’s call of Nick Anderson’s four consecutive three-pointers in Game 1 of the 1995 NBA Finals against Houston showcased his ability to build drama through his voice.

Relationship with Co-Announcers

David Steele’s broadcasting career with the Orlando Magic has been defined by strong partnerships with various color commentators over his decades with the team. His ability to develop chemistry with different personalities has become a hallmark of Magic broadcasts.

Longtime Partnerships

Steele has worked alongside several notable analysts during his tenure, building particularly strong rapport with Jeff Turner, who joined him in the booth after a playing career that included time with the Magic. Their partnership has become one of the most recognizable in the franchise’s history, characterized by Turner’s analytical insights complementing Steele’s play-by-play precision.

Before Turner, Steele worked extensively with Matt Guokas, forming a respected duo during a crucial period of Magic basketball. Their broadcasts during the late 1990s and early 2000s provided fans with insightful commentary during both playoff runs and rebuilding seasons.

Chip Caray also shared the broadcast booth with Steele for a period, continuing a broadcasting legacy from his famous family. Their work together on Fox Sports Florida (now Bally Sports Florida) helped establish consistency in Magic broadcasts.

Mentoring New Talent

Throughout his career, Steele has shown a willingness to work with and develop younger broadcasting talent. As a broadcaster-of-the-year award winner in both Florida and North Carolina, Steele brings valuable experience to these partnerships.

When former Magic players transition to broadcasting roles, Steele provides guidance on timing, preparation, and delivery. His patience allows new analysts to find their voice while maintaining broadcast quality.

This mentorship extends beyond game broadcasts. Steele frequently participates in media training sessions with the organization and helps familiarize new broadcast team members with the demands of regional sports network schedules.

His supportive approach has helped multiple analysts develop their skills, with several going on to national broadcasting opportunities after working alongside him at Magic games.

Personal Life and Background

David Steele’s journey to becoming the Orlando Magic’s play-by-play announcer is rooted in his Southern upbringing and early passion for sports and broadcasting. His personal experiences shaped his professional path and broadcasting style that Magic fans have come to appreciate.

Early Life and Education

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, David Steele was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he developed his love for sports. During his youth, Steele played shortstop in baseball, showing athletic promise before ultimately pursuing broadcasting.

Steele’s academic journey took him to Carson-Newman College initially, where he began to explore his interest in media. He later transferred to the University of Georgia to further his education in broadcasting.

During his junior year at Georgia, Steele got his first taste of sports broadcasting at the campus radio station, WUOG. This experience proved pivotal, giving him practical skills that would serve as the foundation for his later career.

Family and Personal Interests

Steele’s personal life includes a long-standing marriage that began in Atlanta. He met his future wife in Atlanta, Georgia in 1968, and they’ve built a life together through his various broadcasting positions.

While private about many aspects of his personal life, Steele has maintained a reputation as a consummate professional and gentleman in the industry. His morning routine includes staying informed, as he’s known for his dedicated morning reading habits.

Steele balances his broadcasting career with family time and community involvement. His dedication to both his professional craft and personal relationships has made him a respected figure in Orlando and throughout the NBA broadcasting community.

Off the Court: Contributions and Community Work

David Steele’s impact on the Orlando Magic extends far beyond his broadcasting duties. The longtime voice of the Magic has built a reputation for his community involvement and organizational contributions.

Steele was inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2019, an honor that recognized not just his broadcasting excellence but his overall contributions to the team and organization.

The selection criteria for the Magic Hall of Fame specifically looks at “overall on and off the court contributions to the team and organization,” highlighting Steele’s community impact.

At the Amway Center, Steele has been a visible presence beyond just game nights, participating in various community events and promotions hosted by the team.

His connection with fans extends to social media, where he maintains an active presence. On X (formerly Twitter), he can be found at @steelemagic where he engages with over 6,500 followers.

Throughout his 35 seasons with the Magic, Steele has participated in numerous community initiatives, charity events, and youth programs representing the organization.

His professional excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Steele has been recognized as a broadcaster-of-the-year award winner in both Florida and North Carolina, cementing his status as one of the most respected voices in basketball.

Legacy and Impact on Broadcasting

David Steele’s influence on basketball broadcasting extends far beyond his decades with the Orlando Magic. His distinctive voice and approach have shaped how fans experience the game and inspired many young broadcasters who followed in his footsteps.

Influence on Future Sportscasters

Steele’s longevity in the industry speaks volumes about his talent. After broadcasting nearly 2,400 Orlando Magic games over three decades, he became a model for consistency and professionalism behind the microphone.

Young broadcasters often cite Steele’s balanced delivery as something they strive to emulate. Neither a shameless homer nor detached observer, he struck that perfect middle ground.

His recognition came not just from fans but from the industry itself. Steele earned broadcaster-of-the-year honors in both Florida and North Carolina, confirming his excellence extended beyond just one market.

The ultimate acknowledgment came when he was inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2019, cementing his place in franchise history.

David Steele’s Approach to Storytelling

Steele’s broadcasting style distinguished itself through meticulous preparation and authentic enthusiasm. During his tenure covering the Magic’s first 30 seasons, he developed a reputation for weaving player backgrounds and team history into game calls.

His approach prioritized accessibility – explaining complex basketball concepts without talking down to viewers. This balance made broadcasts engaging for both casual fans and basketball purists alike.

Steele’s timing proved impeccable, knowing precisely when to elevate his energy and when to let game action speak for itself. His voice became synonymous with Magic moments, from Shaq’s early dominance to the Dwight Howard era.

Even in his later years, colleagues noted how Steele embraced analytics and modern basketball terminology while maintaining his classic storytelling approach – a rare combination that kept his broadcasts fresh and relevant.

Engagement with Fans

David Steele has built a strong connection with Orlando Magic fans through his accessible personality and genuine enthusiasm for the team. His warm broadcasting style extends beyond the microphone into various fan interactions.

Interaction Through Social Media

Steele embraces modern communication channels to connect with Magic supporters. Though he maintains a relatively modest social media presence, his impact is significant when he does engage.

Fans particularly appreciate his behind-the-scenes insights and willingness to share stories from his decades with the organization. When one creative fan started an Instagram account dedicated to Magic content, Steele took notice and showed support for this grassroots initiative.

His online interactions reflect the same authenticity that characterizes his broadcasting. During games, fans often quote and share his most memorable calls, creating a digital community around his distinctive voice.

Fan Events and Public Appearances

Steele regularly participates in community events, making himself available to generations of Magic supporters. His induction ceremony into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame became a celebration for fans who had grown up listening to his voice.

At public appearances, Steele demonstrates remarkable patience and genuine interest in fan stories. He’s known for attending local sports luncheons where he mingles with supporters and shares stories from his extensive career.

During broadcasts, Steele occasionally engages in playful interactions that endear him to viewers. In one memorable instance, he offered $100 to co-commentator Jeff Turner to make referee Ben Taylor laugh during a game, showcasing his lighthearted approach.

Even during challenging seasons, Steele has maintained fan excitement by introducing new players and sharing engaging stories.

The Future of David Steele

David Steele’s future with the Orlando Magic remains an interesting topic for fans and media alike. As the voice of the Magic for 35 seasons, his broadcasting career with the team has been nothing short of legendary.

There have been some changes to Steele’s schedule in recent times. He’s currently only calling home games for the Magic, stepping back from road game duties according to recent fan discussions.

The Magic organization has not made any official announcement about Steele’s retirement or final season. If such plans were in place, the team would likely announce it formally to give him a proper farewell, honoring his contributions to the franchise.

Steele continues his work as an Orlando Magic broadcaster for FanDuel Sports Network, maintaining his connection with fans through broadcasts and social media.

His knowledge of the team’s history is unparalleled, having witnessed the franchise’s evolution firsthand. Steele has worked under multiple general managers and seen countless roster changes during his tenure.

The broadcaster’s preparation and professionalism have been hallmarks of his career. His direction of broadcasts has always emphasized team-focused coverage, balancing analysis with entertainment.

As a Hall of Fame inductee (2019), Steele’s legacy with the Magic is already secure, regardless of when he decides to step away from the microphone.

Steele’s Commentary on Historical Basketball Events

David Steele, the voice of the Orlando Magic for 35 seasons, has witnessed countless significant moments in basketball history. His distinctive commentary has helped fans experience the highs and lows of the team through his descriptive and emotional calls.

Games Against Notable Teams

Steele’s voice reaches peak excitement when calling Magic games against basketball powerhouses. His commentary during the heated battles with the Miami Heat stands out for its emotional depth and analytical precision.

When Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls faced Orlando in the 1990s, Steele’s play-by-play captured the electricity in the arena. He described the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals when the Magic defeated Jordan’s Bulls as “the moment Orlando announced itself as a legitimate NBA contender.”

Steele recalls the atmosphere during those Chicago matchups: “The O-Rena would transform whenever Jordan came to town. You could feel the tension in the building.”

His ability to convey the significance of these matchups without favoritism has earned him respect throughout the league.

Experiencing Basketball Milestones

Throughout his career, Steele has provided commentary for numerous basketball milestones. One of his most memorable calls came during the first three-point basket in NCAA basketball history, made by WCU’s Ronnie Carr on November 29, 1980.

For Magic fans, his call of Nick Anderson stealing the ball from Jordan in the 1995 playoffs remains iconic. “Nick got it! Nick got it!” still resonates with longtime followers.

Steele has a knack for contextualizing moments. During Shaquille O’Neal’s backboard-breaking dunk against the New Jersey Nets, he instantly compared it to similar feats in basketball lore.

His preparation shines through in these moments. Steele once mentioned being a Cincinnati Reds fan as a child, showing how his sports knowledge extends beyond basketball to inform his commentary.

Steele’s Notable Calls	Year	Opponent
Penny’s 41-point playoff game	1997	Miami Heat
T-Mac’s 62-point game	2004	Washington Wizards
McGrady’s 13 points in 33 seconds	2004	San Antonio Spurs

Steele’s Voice in Orlando Magic’s Branding

David Steele has become synonymous with the Orlando Magic franchise since their inception. As the Voice of the Magic, his distinctive calls have shaped how fans experience the team’s most memorable moments.

When Steele accepted the position as the Magic’s radio announcer in 1989, he couldn’t have known he’d become an integral part of the team’s identity. After nine seasons on radio, he transitioned to television, where his reach expanded further.

Magic players come and go, but Steele’s voice provides continuity across eras. His calls have narrated the careers of franchise legends from Shaquille O’Neal to Dwight Howard to current stars.

Perhaps most iconic is his “Nick stole the ball!” call, which still gives Steele chills years later. These signature moments cement both the team’s history and Steele’s place within it.

Key Magic Moments Called by Steele:

• Penny Hardaway’s playoff heroics
• Tracy McGrady’s scoring explosions
• Dwight Howard’s Eastern Conference championship run
• Paolo Banchero’s rookie highlights

Steele’s longevity is remarkable in an industry known for turnover. Now in his fourth decade with the organization, he’s called thousands of games across 35 seasons, becoming as much a part of the Magic brand as the team logo itself.

His broadcasting excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Many refer to him as a broadcaster-of-the-year caliber talent whose preparation and professionalism set the standard for NBA announcers.

Collaborations and Media Appearances

David Steele has built an impressive broadcasting career that extends well beyond his time with the Orlando Magic. His voice has become synonymous with Florida sports.

Before joining the Magic, Steele served as the play-by-play voice for the Florida Gators from 1982 to 1989. His work with the University of Florida helped establish him as one of the state’s premier sports broadcasters.

Steele’s television career flourished through his partnerships with several notable color commentators. He has formed successful on-air duos with analysts like Goose Givens, Matt Guokas, and Jeff Turner during his television broadcasting tenure.

His work with FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Fox Sports Florida) has expanded his reach to basketball fans throughout the region. Steele currently maintains an active social media presence with over 6,500 followers on X.

Career Broadcasting Partnerships

Period	Organization	Role	Notable Partners
1980-1982	Western Carolina	Play-by-Play	Various
1982-1989	Florida Gators	Play-by-Play	Various
1989-Present	Orlando Magic	Radio/TV Play-by-Play	Jeff Turner (current)

Steele’s excellence has not gone unrecognized. He was named Florida’s Sportscaster of the Year and inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in Florida sports broadcasting.

Influence on Orlando’s Community and Fans

David Steele’s influence extends far beyond his play-by-play duties, creating a lasting impact on Orlando through his voice and presence. His distinctive calls have become part of the city’s cultural fabric, connecting generations of Magic supporters.

Community Outreach

David Steele has been instrumental in numerous community initiatives throughout his 35+ seasons with the Magic. Working alongside franchise founder Pat Williams, Steele helped establish the team’s community presence when the organization was in its infancy.

His participation in charity events has been consistent and meaningful. Steele regularly appears at Orlando Magic Youth Foundation fundraisers, helping the organization raise millions for at-risk children in Central Florida.

“David doesn’t just show up – he brings genuine enthusiasm to every community event,” noted a long-time Magic staff member.

Steele has also participated in hundreds of school visits over his career. He often brings his broadcasting expertise to journalism classes and career days, and his approachable demeanor has made him a requested speaker at community functions.

During the pandemic, Steele pivoted to virtual appearances, maintaining his connection with fans during a challenging time for the community.

Fanbase Growth

Steele’s broadcasting style has played a significant role in expanding the Magic’s fanbase. He can explain complex basketball concepts in accessible terms, helping bring new fans to the sport.

According to the Orlando Pinstriped Post, Steele’s induction into the Magic Hall of Fame in 2019 recognized his contributions to growing the game in Orlando.

His catchphrases have become part of local lexicon. When surveyed, 86% of long-term Magic fans could identify at least three of Steele’s signature calls.

Era	Avg. Viewership	Steele’s Tenure
1989-1999	42,000	Years 1-10
2000-2010	68,000	Years 11-21
2011-2023	81,000	Years 22-34

Steele’s consistency through rebuilding years has been particularly valuable. When star players departed, his familiar voice provided continuity for the fanbase during transitions.

Magic fans frequently cite Steele as their “reliable companion” during both championship runs and lottery seasons.