After the Miami Heat fell short in their bid for a playoff spot, the team’s popular PA announcer, Michael Baiamonte, has called his final game.
Michael Baiamonte has been the Miami Heat’s public address announcer for 35 seasons, making him the second-longest NBA in-arena PA announcer, trailing only Dan Roberts of the Utah Jazz (1979-2025). Baiamonte revealed his retirement in August, with the goal of making the 2025-2026 season his final. The Heat have yet to find a replacement.
In announcing his retirement, Baiamonte remarked, “I want to thank the Miami Heat for their understanding and support of my choice as I move on to the next chapter of my life with my wife Natalie and daughters. I’d like to express my gratitude to Heat Nation. I am eternally grateful for all of the affection you have shown me. During my final season, let us continue to make some noise, share some laughs, and, as usual, provide full support for our Miami Heat. Let’s go Heat! “
Baiamonte began his career in the insurance industry and worked part-time as a PA for the Miami Heat when the team premiered in 1988. In 1990, he formally quit the insurance profession to become a full-time PA announcer, a role he has maintained since then. His popularity exploded after his now iconic喊叫 at the two-minute mark of each quarter, “Two minutes! ” Two minutes!
In his 35 years, he has called over 1,500 Miami Heat games. He has also called six NBA Finals, including the Heat’s 2006, 2012, and 2013 titles.
Highlights from Last Season.
Michael Baiamonte had a memorable farewell tour in his final season. In February, the NBA recognized his tremendous career by naming him the PA announcer for All-Star Saturday Night and having him sing his classic “Dos Minutos” every two minutes of the games played during the NBA All-Star Tournament in Los Angeles.
On March 10, Baiamonte witnessed and comment on Bam Adebayo’s record-breaking 83-point performance against the Washington Wizards. This evening shattered several Heat records, including the most points scored in a game by a single player in Heat history and the most points scored in a quarter (31).
Baiamonte described the night as “the biggest regular season game in my 35 years,” adding to the Miami Herald, “I’m saying to myself, ‘Wow, this is just icing on the cake. ‘” It was fantastic. I joked, “Wow, the crew truly pulled out all the stops to try to change my mind. “
The Miami Heat formally honored him on April 4, when the squad held a “Mike B Celebration Night” during a 152-136 victory against the Washington Wizards. Throughout the evening, tributes were offered, and Baiamonte received gifts during a halftime event.
The Final Call
The Heat finished their regular season with a 43-39 record. Despite their best efforts in the No. 9 versus. 10 seed play-in game against the Charlotte Hornets, the Heat lost 126-127 in overtime. This defeat was the Heat’s first time missing the playoffs since the 2018-2019 season.
As a result, Michael Baiamonte made his last call in the 143-117 regular season finale against the Atlanta Hawks. For his final two-minute warning, he began with “Dos” and had the audience complete with “Minutos! ” To conclude the game, he was emotional while wishing the audience a safe journey home.
A New Beginning
With Baiamonte’s retirement, the Miami Heat fans may expect a very different team next season. For starters, Miami will be in the draft lottery for the first time since 2019. According to official calculations, they have a 4. 7% chance of getting a top-4 selection, but they are most likely to get the 13th choice with a 92. 9% possibility. The previous time the Heat had the 13th overall selection was in 2019, when they selected Tyler Herro, who has since established himself as a vital component of Miami’s squad. They also own the 41st selection, which they received as a result of the Terry Rozier controversy.
In addition to the draft, the Heat may have a very exciting free agency. With Miami expected to have around $64 million in cap space, star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant (who have indicated an interest in relocating) may be targets for Pat Riley. Norman Powell could be a significant re-sign for Miami.
With Miami failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019, the Heat may consider restructuring the organization as a whole. Whoever the new PA announcer is, let’s hope they get the opportunity to call games for a revitalized Miami Heat team that is aiming to break the play-in tournament cycle once and for all.
