Photo Credit: Zack Hill
When a person thinks of the Flyers broadcast team, one person that immediately comes to mind is Steve Coates. Coatesy has been a staple in most Flyers fans homes for the past 43 years, and he officially announced his retirement a few weeks ago. According to the Press release, the Flyers will conduct the search for their next color commentator in the Summer.
The Flyers honored Coatesy before the game on Saturday April 1 against the Buffalo Sabres, and he was given a few awesome gifts with the likes of a set of golf clubs from the players and a golf cart from the Flyers. Also, each player wore a #43 Jersey during Pre-Game warm-ups to honor Coatesy. He has endured a storied career, and has worked with the likes of many broadcasters, some of his best friends and personalities were Gene Hart, and Jim Jackson, “I’m surprised I didn’t get fired on my first game after spilling coffee all over Gene Hart’s notes,” Coatesy said at his press conference before the game on Saturday.
Coatesy is a legend to most Flyers fans, and a face that everybody knows. After 43 years of service to the Flyers organization this is a well-deserved retirement. He will indeed remain a fixture in the Flyers community and partake in some alumni events at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.
It’s a retirement that was forced by his body. Coatesy admits that he is retiring due to his right eye. He’s having trouble seeing out of that eye, and unfortunately he can’t see the game the way he used to be able to see it. This is a darn shame for someone who started Coatesy’s corner, to which most kids of that era grew up on this segment.
Last night the Flyers held a retirement party for Coatesy, and to me it should be called Coatesy’s last call following a great storied career. Former PR Guru Zack Hill took a great photo of the event featuring the greats Bill Barber and Bobby Clarke
Best of luck Coatesy with your future endeavors. Do not be stranger at the rink.
