National Basketball Association

Cavs' Hall of Fame announcer Tait returns

Published Mar. 27, 2011 11:32 p.m. ET

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Joe Tait, the Cavaliers' Hall of Fame radio play-by-play broadcaster, worked his first game of the season Sunday when Cleveland played Atlanta.

Tait had double bypass surgery and an aortic valve replaced in January. He was hospitalized in November with a blood clot in his lung, delaying the surgery.

Tait, 73, said before the season that he planned to retire in April. He plans to broadcast Cleveland's five remaining home games.

''I wanted to go out working, as opposed to staying at home and let the season end without at least coming back for a few games,'' Tait said. ''I didn't want to fold up my tent and silently slip away.''

''We kept pushing the (return) date back and back and back, but hopefully I can work the final five,'' Tait said.

Tait was touched by the support he received from the fans.

''It was amazing,'' he said. ''The number of cards and letters were staggering. I really appreciate all the response.''

Tait was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame last summer. He has been the Cavaliers' radio announcer for all but two years since the team entered the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1970.

''We had some great times, we had some good teams,'' Tait said. ''I've got plenty of very good memories to take into retirement.''

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