Friday marks the end of a 30-year run at KCBS Radio for Steve Bitker.
The award-winning sports anchor has decided to retire, closing a storied career that started at the Redwood City Tribune during his last two years of high school and included many sets of impressive radio call letters along the way: KNBR (San Francisco) KSFO (San Francisco), KYNO (Fresno) and KFIG (Fresno). He came to KCBS Radio in April 1991 and never looked back.
Steve’s professional journey also took him to unique places.
He worked overseas in Tokyo for three years as a news and sports anchor at JCTV, Japan’s only English-speaking TV station.
Bay Area listeners know him as "an exemplary broadcaster, a fastidious journalist and a revered Bay Area sports historian," KCBS Radio News and Programming Director Jennifer Seelig wrote.
His voice is synonymous with Bay Area sports, breaking news coverage and, all too often, fun and insightful conversation with his early-morning partners.
To put it simply: Steve is a part of the fabric of the station and always will be.
His impact can only be summed up by colleagues who know him best.
Stan Bunger: I've shared a studio with Steve for more than 20 years, shared a ride to work with him for 15 as carpool partners and held him in high esteem ever since I've known him. KCBS Radio listeners know Steve for his steady, reliable, precise approach to his work. Those of us fortunate enough to work with him know him as all that plus: a really good guy. Except for that unfortunate blind spot regarding video review in sports.
Susan Leigh Taylor: When you work with somebody for 22 years, you develop goofy little things between each other. Steve Bitker and I had these exaggerated announcers voices that we used to do back and forth. Several times a week, Steve would walk into the studio to do his sports and I would go: "He's back!" Steve would respond with: "...with the sports!" So Steve, the next time I see you I'm going to have to say: "He's not coming back with the sports!" Have a happy retirement!
Kim Wonderely: While I haven't technically "worked" with you for well over a year, it's still going to be an adjustment not having you with us in the wee small hours. Back in the newsroom days we frequently bonded over our mutual love of travel and to that end, I'm so excited that this next chapter is about to open the world to you once again. I'll miss your voice in the morning but I know we'll be seeing you in real life. Bon voyage my friend!
Kevin Radich: Steve's work as a sports broadcaster speaks for itself. He is a standard bearer for sports reporting on radio. His greatest legacy is his unyielding fight for social justice. Steve has found a way to spotlight the battle for women's rights and fair hiring practices for people of color across all sports. His commitment to showcasing the struggle for equality, and his over arching humanistic take on sports reporting, has been inspiring to those of us that do this for a living. Bob Dylan, when asked about a new folk singer on the scene in the 60's used to reply: "Sure he sounds good, but does he say something." Steve has said an awful lot in 30 years. What a legacy, indeed!
Holly Quan: The first time I went to lunch with Steve, I thought the conversation would be the Oakland A's bullpen or the Sonoma County Crushers or how his book on the '58 Giants was coming. But he wanted to talk about eating his way around Europe, whether I had tried the Kao Mun Gai at Hawker Fare, or whether I wanted to join his family at the Anthony Bourdain talk at the Paramount Theater. After work, he would drive to UC Davis and back just to have lunch with his daughters. He would text me pictures on a Saturday night of phenomenal dishes from the latest restaurant to blow his mind. Steve knew where his off-air priorities lay - and its family, food and fun. An excellent reminder for the rest of us!
Doug Sovern: I knew from the first moment I met Steve on the street, when we were both news reporters for different stations, that we would become fast friends. He was smart and funny and we shared a passion for news, politics and sports. That was 36 years ago! For the past 30, we've worked side by side at KCBS Radio. We've had too many good times to count, at ballgames, in press boxes, and on two memorable pilgrimages to Lambeau Field, where we grilled bratwurst for John Madden, roamed the hallowed tundra and twice saw my beloved Green Bay Packers lose. Steve ribs me a lot on the air, but I know he cherishes my constant texts to him about the New York Mets, even though he pretends otherwise. It's been a joy and a privilege to call Steve a colleague and friend. Mornings on KCBS Radio will never be the same. We will all miss his sharp, incisive, insightful takes on Bay Area sports. His wife, kids and grandkids will be the lucky ones now, getting Steve all to themselves. Never just a contender, but a true champion, a Hall of Famer, and a KCBS Radio legend: That's Steve Bitker for the win!
Frni Beyer (AM Editor): Steve Bitker is an amazing combination of great broadcaster, great sports journalist, great sports historian, and mostly...a really, really great guy. He makes the job look easy, and through the pandemic that hasn't been easy. It has been a pleasure and privilege working with Steve and learning from him! I will miss our early morning conversations about politics, coffee, our kids, and of course, the Warriors.
Diana Shook (AM Writer): It hardly seems real that after this week we won't be hearing Steve banter with Stan every day. One thing I always appreciated is Steve's willingness to help those who aren't well-versed in sports understand a sports or sports-team related news story. He is so approachable when people (me) have questions, and always knowledgeable about his subject, but never condescending. Over the years we worked together, Steve and I bonded over our mutual love of pet cats and traveling the world. I will miss (have missed) our early morning chats. Saying goodbye for good - especially without seeing him in the newsroom again - is hard.
Nic Palmer (News Ops Manager): Being the lone Dodgers fan at KCBS Radio. I’ve really enjoyed my years working with Steve. He’s always had my back against all the giants fandom in the newsroom and Studio A. Steve’s an amazing broadcaster and journalist but also so incredibly well rounded. I’ll miss talking with him about everything from soccer, politics, "Top Chef," food, coffee, traveling and my dog, Diana.
Steve, a proud graduate of UC Berkeley, was treated to a surprise send-off from his beloved Bears on Friday morning.
The Cal Band is currently fundraising for new uniforms and instruments.
Donate here to help.
Donations can also be made online via credit card, or a check can be mailed to UC Berkeley Gift Services, 1995 University Ave., Suite 400, Berkeley, CA 94704-1070. Please make checks payable to UC Berkeley Foundation and be sure to write "Cal Band" on the memo line.
Best of luck, Steve. We'll miss you.
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