My little brother already took care of the memorial info for Mr. Caray on the day of his passing so i figured I would wait until the day of his memorial to pay my tribute.
Baseball lost treasure last week. The son of legendary announcer Harry Caray,
Skip was mostly unrecognized across the country. He started calling Braves games the year before I was born. His voice was heard by millions across the country on TBS but few outside Atlanta really appreciated it. I firmly believe Skip Caray was one of the most undervalued announcers in the game. Yes I am biased but I still believe that Mr. Caray was the best announcer that never got any attention. The only time I ever heard anyone ever say anything about him outside Atlanta it was to make fun of his style. Yet he was the voice of 14 years of Braves excellence and he is THE voice of baseball for me.
I grew up during the worst years of the Braves existence. Bob Horner, Pasqaul "I-285" Perez (ask me about that nickname and I'll tell you a great story), worst record in baseball, these were just some of the things we lived through back then.
Then in 1991 it all changed. Glavine, Smoltzie, Ronnie Gant and the gang started winning. They lost what may well have been one of the best World Series ever, but they rejuvenated a fan base. Skip was there to give me the play by play on my radio. Then dad cable and I got to enjoy his sarcastic whit along with all the games I could handle.
The Dodgers have Vern Scully, the Tigers have Ernie Harwell. I'll take Skip Caray every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
I grew up with "Braves Win, Braves Win!" Who could ask for more?
Thanks Skip. I don't know if baseball will ever be the same. At least not for me.
1 comment:
Amen!
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