Harry Caray: The Voice of Baseball
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.