Bob Socci has been named the radio play-by-play announcer for the New England Patriots on 98.5 The Sports Hub, the official flagship radio station of the team.

The hiring of Socci, who replaces the legendary Gil Santos, was announced by the station today. He will be paired with analyst Scott Zolak.

"Bob has more than 16 years of play-by-play experience," said Mike Thomas, Vice President of Programming for CBS Radio Boston, in a statement. "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."

For the past 16 years, Socci has called radio play-by-play for Navy football. He is also the lead announcer for CBS Sports Network's coverage of Patriot League college basketball.

Socci is a resident of Milton, Mass.

"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," Socci said in a statement. "I look forward to teaming up with Scott in the booth and building on The Sports Hub's great success."