At 26, Foley got his big break when the Blackhawks hired him as their radio voice for the 1980-81 season. Again, his father's Buick dealership played a vital role.
Mary Foley: (Michael Wirtz, Bill Wirtz's brother and the Hawks' executive vice president) was an interesting guy. If he hadn't been in hockey, he probably would have done something with automobiles. He always was at Bob's dealership. He knew Pat was into broadcasting. Bob said: "I'd like to give you a tape (of Pat calling minor league games). Put it in your car, and maybe you can listen to it on your way downtown." Whenever he came in, Bob would give him another one. Pat always said Michael knew more about the Grand Rapids Owls than he ever needed to know. That was the opening in the door.
Rocky Wirtz: Uncle Mike didn't say a lot. He passed Pat's tape around and said, "Listen to this." He sounded really good. Even though he was young, he didn't sound like a 26-year-old. He had a presence. I don't think that voice has changed one bit.
