Miami Heat names Gale Nelson as new public address announcer
Key Points(5)
- Baiamonte, who began announcing Heat games in 1990, narrated three NBA championship seasons and numerous memorable moments during his tenure.
- He retired as the second-longest-serving public address announcer in NBA history.
- Nelson is a longtime South Florida community leader who has headed Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami for more than 20 years.
- The organization provides mentoring services to young people across Miami-Dade County.
- His work with the organization has also been recognized by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who proclaimed a “Gale Nelson Day” in his honor.
The Miami Heat has named Gale Nelson, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, as its new public address announcer and official “Voice of the Heat.”
Nelson will take over the role for the 2026-27 season, succeeding Michael “Mike B” Baiamonte, who retired at the end of the 2025-26 season after 35 seasons with the team.
Baiamonte, who began announcing Heat games in 1990, narrated three NBA championship seasons and numerous memorable moments during his tenure. He retired as the second-longest-serving public address announcer in NBA history.
Nelson is a longtime South Florida community leader who has headed Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami for more than 20 years. The organization provides mentoring services to young people across Miami-Dade County. His work with the organization has also been recognized by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who proclaimed a “Gale Nelson Day” in his honor.
“This is a dream, and I do not take it lightly,” Nelson said. “Mike B set the gold standard. My job is to honor that legacy and bring my own energy to every single possession.”
Nelson's experience behind a microphone dates back to his freshman year at Bowsher High School in Toledo, Ohio. He was first asked to use a microphone by the school's late principal, James Ray, a former NBA player.
Michael McCullough, the Heat's executive vice president and chief marketing officer, said Nelson's voice and style stood out during the selection process.
“Gale brings a unique style and his very distinctive voice to the PA announcer position,” McCullough said. “We were intrigued right from the start when we heard Gale, and we knew he could be exactly what we were looking for.”
Nelson will continue in his role as president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami while serving as the Heat's public address announcer.
He said the two roles share a common focus on encouraging young people and building connections within the community.
“Every kid who hears my voice in that arena should know that someone believes in them,” Nelson said. “That's what mentorship is. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to be present.”
Nelson is scheduled to make his debut as the Heat's public address announcer on Oct. 6 during the team's Red, White & Pink intra-squad scrimmage at Kaseya Center. He will call his first home preseason game on Oct. 8, when the Heat hosts the New Orleans Pelicans.
