Rick Trotter (c. 1955 – March 13, 2019) was an American public‑address announcer most notable for his long‑standing role with the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise the Houston Rockets. He was also involved in sports broadcasting for local radio stations in the Houston, Texas, market.
Early life and education
Details of Trotter’s early life, including his exact birth date, place of birth, and educational background, are not extensively documented in publicly available reliable sources.
Career
Public‑address announcing
- Trotter began his tenure as the Rockets’ public‑address announcer in the early 1990s, succeeding former announcer Walt Menchino.
- He served in this capacity for more than two decades, becoming recognized for his distinctive voice and enthusiastic delivery during games at The Summit (later renamed the Compaq Center) and the Toyota Center.
Radio broadcasting
- In addition to his arena work, Trotter worked as a sports reporter and talk‑show host for Houston‑area radio stations, notably KFAN (1580 AM) and later for KTRH (740 AM).
- His radio duties included covering local sports events, providing game‑day updates, and conducting interviews with athletes and coaches.
Personal life
Public information about Trotter’s personal life, including family details, was limited. He was known within the Houston sports community for his personable demeanor and engagement with fans.
Death
Rick Trotter died on March 13, 2019, at the age of 63. He was found deceased at his home in Houston. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed by his family or official sources.
Legacy
Following his death, the Houston Rockets and the broader sports community expressed condolences, highlighting his contributions to the game‑day experience and his impact on the city’s sports culture. The Rockets honored him during the 2019 season with tributes and moments of silence.
References
- “Rick Trotter, longtime Rockets PA announcer, dies at 63.” Houston Chronicle, March 15, 2019.
- “Rockets announce passing of veteran arena announcer Rick Trotter.” NBA.com, March 14, 2019.
- “Remembering Rick Trotter.” KFAN 1580 AM broadcast, March 20, 2019.