Bill Davidge, a staple in the Ohio hockey community who was a longtime broadcaster for the Columbus Blue Jackets, died on Tuesday, the team announced Wednesday.<\/p>\n
He was 72.<\/p>\n
Nicknamed \u201cDapper\u201d by his colleagues for always showing up with his hair perfectly done while wearing a suit, Davidge made his presence felt almost everywhere in Ohio hockey.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bill Davidge, a longtime broadcaster for the Blue Jackets, died Tuesday at 72. Facebook\/Bill Davidge<\/p>\n
Davidge played four years at Ohio State, captaining the team during the 1976-77 season.<\/p>\n
Soon after that, he joined the coaching staff at Miami University of Ohio, becoming head coach in 1985.<\/p>\n
In 1997, when it was announced that Columbus was getting an expansion franchise, Davidge was brought on board to be an amateur scout for the two seasons before the franchise\u2019s inaugural season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But when the Blue Jackets touched the ice for the first time in 2000, Davidge found himself in the broadcast booth as a color commentator until he retired at the age of 64 due to health concerns.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before he retired, Davidge witnessed the franchise\u2019s first playoff series victory when they swept the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n
One of his favorite catchphrases was, \u201cOh baby, you better believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bill Davidge and his wife, Jayna. Facebook\/Bill Davidge<\/p>\n
Longtime broadcast partner George Matthews reflected on Davidge\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody enjoyed their time on this Earth more than Billy D,\u201d Matthews told The Athletic<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cHe lived each day tip to tip. He made the world a more enjoyable place, and he\u2019ll be sadly missed by anyone whose life he touched.\u201d<\/p>\n The Blue Jackets released a statement on Wednesday afternoon on X.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bill Davidge playing for Ohio State in 1973. Facebook\/Bill Davidge<\/p>\n