Mike Breen’s parents, John and Mary, raised him on the imperatives of family, faith, kindness, and community.
He is an American play-by-play sports commentator who has been one of the iconic voices of the NBA for years. He shatters broadcasting barriers as he marks his 20th NBA Finals appearance.
Highlights
- Mike Breen credits his parents for instilling in him the values of family, faith, kindness, and community.
- John Breen was a Korean War veteran and a steamfitter, while Mary Breen served as the family’s nurturing center.
- NBA legend Bill Walton hosted the Breen family in San Diego during Mike’s father’s final years.
Mike did play-by-play for the Marist College Red Foxes basketball team in 1985 before working with the Knicks as a radio announcer for WFAN from 1991 to 1997.
Later, he succeeded Marv Albert and became the television play-by-play for the Knicks. He joined NBC as a backup play-by-play announcer for the 1998 NBA playoffs.
During the 2003–04 NBA season, he joined ESPN as the number 3 announcer.
Mike became the lead broadcaster for ABC’s NBA coverage in February 2006. He was renowned for yelling the word “Bang!”
On May 14, 2021, he was awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
I’ve had this enormous privilege to call so many great moments in NBA history, but the best part, the best part, has always been the lifetime of friendships that the game has given me.
Mike Breen
Mike Breen’s Parents Raised An NBA Legend With Faith
Michael Breen, the son of John and Mary Breen, was born on May 22, 1961, in New York City, New York. His parents raised him alongside his brother, Pete.
He often credits his parents for shaping the man he is today. He was brought up on the enduring values of family, faith, kindness, and community.
John Breen, a steamfitter in his day, was a man beloved by all who knew him. He had a way of making people feel seen and valued, always offering a kind word.
His warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on those around him.
Sadly, he passed away after a battle with Parkinson’s in 2011, but his legacy of compassion lives on through his son.
Meanwhile, Mary Breen, a devoted stay-at-home mom, was the heart of the family. She was the steady, nurturing presence that held everything together.
She still resides in the same Yonkers home where Mike and Pete were raised, a house filled with decades of memories.
Remarkably, it’s also the same home where she grew up, having moved back after her father’s passing. She remains the center of the universe to Mike and Pete.
Mike often describes his parents as the most selfless people he has ever known. Their words on courage and humility served as his guidance, particularly during trying times.
Mike’s instinct was to endure the loss quietly when a devastating fire destroyed his home, never seeking sympathy or attention. The quiet strength that his parents instilled in him.
However, the news of the tragedy spread, and the outpouring of support from friends and colleagues was a result of the values John and Mary had always taught.
It’s my life story. In terms of every step of the way there’s somebody there with kindness or somebody that cares or somebody there who helped. My whole life I’ve been blessed. Growing up with a mother and father and brothers, with my own family with my wife and my kids. My career. I’ve been blessed with all these things.
Mike Breen
Mike Breen’s Emotional Story About Bill Walton’s Kindness
During a heartfelt interview on NBA Today with Malika Andrews, Mike Breen shared a touching story about Bill Walton’s kindness, friendship, and the impact of small acts of love.
His story reminds the most significant legacies are written in kindness.
Mike recounted how his father, John, a Korean War veteran who served on the USS Midway, was battling advanced Parkinson’s disease.
As his health declined, Mike’s younger brother, Pete, suggested a trip to San Diego so their father could revisit the aircraft carrier, now a museum.
Mike knew Bill Walton lived in the area, so he called him for hotel recommendations. However, Bill insisted that they live with him.
Mike’s father cherished those three days spent with Bill forever. Bill gave him the “Bob Dylan room,” a place of honor in his home, and devoted every moment to him.
For the next three days, he did not leave my father’s side. Wherever we went, wherever we ate breakfast or lunch or dinner, he was seated right next to my father. If we went for a drive in the car, my father was in the front seat next to him. ‘John you’re next to me, John you’re next to me.’ Didn’t leave him at all.
Mike Breen
Bill went even further, arranging a special tour of the USS Midway with the ship’s commander, who greeted them as heroes.
Despite his chronic pain, he walked every step with John, even as the emotional journey brought tears to all of them.
By the end of the three days, Bill wasn’t my friend, Bill was my father’s friend. When he came back, he didn’t live much longer after that, but that’s all he talked about. My mother, who is still alive, said he talked about those three days over and over again. They were the best three days of the late years of his life, which were difficult for him, and Bill made them the best three days.
Mike Breen
Mike took his family with him when he won the Gowdy Award, and they were surrounded by basketball royalty.
However, his mother only wanted to meet Bill Walton because of the kindness he had shown.
Mary had to meet the man who did that wonderful thing for her husband, John.
Additional Information
- Mike Breen lives with his wife, Rosanne, and their three children, Michael, Nicole, and Matt, in Long Island, New York.
- He graduated from Salesian High School in 1979 and from Fordham University in 1983.
- During his career, he has announced five Olympic Games, one Winter Olympics, and four Summer Olympics.
