The Voice Behind U of M Baseball and Basketball? Shakopee's Dick Jonckowski

The Minnesota Daily recently interviewed the man who's been behind the microphone at Gopher baseball and basketball games for 25 years – Shakopee's Dick Jonckowski.

Jonckowski’s basement in his Shakopee home "can best be described as a sports memorabilia museum: Nearly every square inch is covered right down to the light switch covers, which display athletes like Pete Rose," according to the Minnesota Daily story.

, Bill Rubin wrote that as a banquet emcee and speaker, Jonckowski, 68, has entertained thousands of people across the U.S. and Canada with an unparalleled sense of humor, positive outlook, and in-depth knowledge of sports and the great players who make them memorable.

“Sports and laughter are the center of my universe,” Jonckowski told Rubin. “Ever since I was a kid, sports were the only thing I cared about. Laughter is so important. I love to see people happy.”