Bob Socci Named the Next Radio Voice of the New England Patriots

For the first time in 21 years, there will be a new voice of the New England Patriots and that voice will be veteran broadcaster Bob Socci.

Socci was named the play-by-play broadcaster of the New England Patriots for the 2013 season by 98.5 The Sports Hub this week. Socci will replace , who served as the voice of the Patriots for 36 seasons.

Socci joins color commentator Scott Zolak in the booth to provide in-depth analysis of every Patriots game this season. Socci’s appointment is effective immediately, according to an announcement made Thursday by Mike Thomas, Vice President of Programming for CBS RADIO Boston via NewEnglandPatriots.com.

“Bob has more than 16 years of play-by-play experience,” said Thomas via Patriots.com. “We were impressed with his extensive work and expertise calling various football and baseball games and he’s a local guy with great knowledge of the Patriots. No doubt, Bob has big shoes to fill, but we are excited about this new era of play-by-play with Bob and Scott.”

Said Socci on his new role: “This is the thrill of a lifetime to get the opportunity from 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Patriots organization to continue the tradition established by the legendary Gil Santos to be the play-by-play announcer for the New England Patriots. I look forward to teaming up with Scott in the booth and building on The Sports Hub’s great success.”

For the past 16 years, Socci has called radio play-by-play for the U.S. Naval Academy football team, according to Patriots.com. He is also the lead announcer for CBS Sports Network's coverage of Patriot League college basketball.

Socci lives in Milton with his wife, Monique Tello, and two children, Gio and Maria.

To read more on Socci, click here.