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February 18
Harry Caray the voice of the fan February 18
February 18, 1998 Harry Caray: The Voice of Baseball passes away.
Few broadcasters have left a mark on baseball quite like Harry Caray. Known for his infectious energy, signature catchphrases, and larger-than-life personality, Caray spent over 50 years behind the mic, becoming one of the most beloved figures in the sport.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Caray grew up in a tough neighborhood and was orphaned at a young age. A talented baseball player, he was offered a scholarship to the University of Alabama but couldn’t afford room and board. Instead, he played semi-pro baseball around St. Louis while working for a sports equipment company. His broadcasting career began with a bold move—writing to KMOX, the powerful radio station that aired St. Louis Cardinals games, claiming he could do a better job than the current announcers. The station gave him an audition, and while he didn’t land a major league job immediately, he became a sports journalist in Illinois and Michigan before returning to St. Louis in 1944.
The following year, Caray was hired to broadcast Cardinals and Browns home games, teaming up with Gabby Street. From 1945 to 1969, he was the unmistakable voice of Cardinals baseball, his broadcasts reaching two-thirds of the country through KMOX’s 50,000-watt signal. He called games with Jack Buck, delivering crisp, passionate play-by-play and never shying away from criticizing poor performance—even from the Cardinals themselves. For millions of fans, especially in the Midwest and West, Caray’s calls were their connection to baseball.
Caray’s time in St. Louis ended in controversy in 1969 when Cardinals owner Gussie Busch fired him. He spent 1970 calling games for the Oakland Athletics, then moved to Chicago in 1971 to join the White Sox. With the Sox, Caray’s persona grew even larger. At the urging of owner Bill Veeck, he began singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch, a tradition that would become his trademark. He also called games from the bleachers on hot summer days and worked alongside Jimmy Piersall. In 1977, he teamed up with Mary Shane, the first female broadcaster in MLB history.
After 11 years on the South Side, Caray moved to Wrigley Field in 1982, becoming the face of the Chicago Cubs. Despite being past retirement age, he found a second wave of fame as the Cubs’ TV voice, his enthusiasm a perfect match for the team’s underdog spirit. Thanks to WGN’s national cable reach, he became a household name across America. Fans adored his catchphrases:
"It might be… it could be… it is!" for home runs
"Holy Cow!!!" for big moments
"Cubs win! Cubs win! Cubs win!" after a victory
Caray’s distinctive black-rimmed glasses made him instantly recognizable, and his love of baseball, beer, and nightlife made him a legend in Chicago.
A stroke in 1987 ended his 42-year streak of never missing a game. When he returned, President Ronald Reagan called him live during a broadcast, but true to form, Caray seemed more interested in the Cubs’ action on the field.
In 1998, while preparing for his 54th season, Caray suffered another stroke on Valentine’s Day and passed away two days later. Though he kept his age a secret, it was later confirmed he was born in 1914.
Caray was honored with the 1989 Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in broadcasting and was named one of the top 10 sportscasters of the 20th century. His legacy lives on through his son Skip Caray and grandson Chip Caray, both longtime broadcasters. His name is also immortalized in Harry Caray’s Restaurant in Chicago, a must-visit for baseball fans.
And at Wrigley Field, fans still sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame", just like Harry would have wanted.
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Trivia:
There is only 1 Hall of Famer born on February 18th who is he?
Hint: The answer is below
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February 18, 1909, the Boston Red Sox trade Cy Young to the Cleveland Naps for pitchers Charlie Chech and Jack Ryan and $12,500 Young pitched for Cleveland in the 1890s when it fielded a team in the National League. Young, who won 21 games for the Sox at age 41, will win 19 games for the Naps including his 500th win and will finish his career 2 seasons’s later with 511 career wins.
February 18, 1922, the Cincinnati Reds trade future Hall of Famer Rube Marquard and shortstop Larry Kopf to the Boston Braves for pitcher Jack Scott. Marquard, a 17-game winner in 1921, will fall to 11-15 in for the Braves in 1922.
Born today . . .Steady Joe Gordon hit 20 or more home runs seven times in his 11-year career, which was interrupted by military service in World War II. Despite playing in poor parks for his right-handed power, Gordon socked more than 250 home runs, setting an AL career record for homers by a second baseman. He was also a fine defensive player who won five World Series rings with the Yankees and Indians.
February 18 1967 — During a special softball exhibition game, pitcher Eddie Feigner strikes out six consecutive major leaguers. The victims are Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson, Harmon Killebrew, Roberto Clemente and Maury Wills.
February 18 1998 — Chicago Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray dies four days after collapsing at a Valentine’s Day supper. Caray, age 84, after suffering a heart attack four days earlier while having Valentine’s Day dinner with his wife, Dutchie.
February 18 1999 — The Yankees put an end to trade rumors by acquiring Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for pitchers David Wells and Graeme Lloyd and IF Homer Bush. Clemens will help New York win back to back titles, and pitch in 4 World Series in 5 years for the Bronx bombers.
Quote of the day:
"There's no person alive who got his money's worth better than my old man." -
Skip Caray
MILESTONES
Birthday Boys!
Bruce Kison, Cal Neeman, Dal Maxvill, Frank House, Jerry Morales, Joe Gordon, Joe Tipton, Jon Mayberry, Manny Mota, Syd O’Brien, Rafael Ramirez and Luis Arroyo
Passings.
Harry Caray, Jim Davenport, Juan Pizarro, Luke Hamlin, Bill Ott, Buddy Lewis, Chuck Hostetler and Eddie Mathews
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Trivia Answer: Joe Gordon.
