MIAMI — Ahead of Sunday’s 2025-26 regular-season home opener against the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat announced Saturday that Michael Baiamonte, the second-longest tenured public-address announcer in the NBA, will retire at the end of the season.
Baiamonte, over his first 34 seasons in the job, has announced more than 1,500 games, including six NBA Finals, at both Miami Arena and the facility now known as Kaseya Center.
Known for his booming baritone intonations, his signature calls have included, “Stand up and make some noise!” amid Heat moments of truth and “Dos Minutos” at the ends of quarters.
In a statement, Baiamonte said, “After giving this much thought and consideration, I have decided that this season, my 35th with the Miami Heat organization, will be my last.
“I want to thank the Miami Heat for their understanding and support of my decision as I move to the next chapter of my life with my wife Natalie and our daughters.”
Baiamonte’s overall Heat tenure dates to when he stepped in as the backup announcer on February 21, 1990. In 1991-92, he was hired full time.
Over the years, Baiamonte’s voice has been heard in the NBA 2K’s Take-Two Interactive game, announcing Shaquille O’Neal’s arrival to Miami, hosting the Welcome Event in July 2010 as the Heat ushered in the Big Three era with LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, and hosting three NBA championship celebrations.
The Heat will hold a season-long “Mike Drop” campaign in his honor, with a nationwide search for his replacement scheduled to commence in coming weeks.
