Rays to honor longtime radio broadcaster Dave Wills on April 22

The Tampa Bay Rays plan to honor longtime radio broadcaster Dave Wills, who died in his sleep early Sunday, with a pregame tribute on April 22 when they host the Chicago White Sox.

The Hall of Fame remembers @RaysBaseball broadcaster Dave Wills, who passed away on Sunday. (Courtesy Tampa Bay Rays) pic.twitter.com/OakjOoSOBB

— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) March 5, 2023

It will be a fitting day as Wills, 58, worked for 11 years before coming to Tampa Bay in 2005.

“It was confusing, because we just saw the guy and it’s just crazy how fast things can happen,” Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan said. “We’re thinking about him and his family. We’re gonna miss him.”

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The number of tributes, media articles and messages of condolences from around the major leagues are an indication of how much Wills impacted people’s lives, manager Kevin Cash said.

The Tampa Bay Rays are deeply saddened to announce the passing of longtime radio announcer Dave Wills.

A beloved figure throughout the Tampa Bay community and Major League Baseball, he will be missed dearly. pic.twitter.com/k9iiQOsL4u

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 5, 2023

The Rays also said radio coverage will resume Saturday, with Andy Freed — Wills’ partner since 2005 — and Neil Solondz calling the 3:10 p.m. game against the Marlins from Jupiter on 95.3-FM/620-AM and the team network.