"Red
Barber was perhaps the most factual reporter I've ever known."
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- Jack
Brickhouse |
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Known best as the "Voice of
the Brooklyn Dodgers", the late Red Barber has several times been
voted the top baseball announcer in the country. As the consummate play-by-play
announcer of this nation's pastime, the "ol' Redhead's" career
included 15 years with the Dodgers, five with the Cincinnati Reds, and
thirteen with the New York Yankees.
On August 26, 1939 Red Barber broadcast
the first professional baseball games ever televised, a doubleheader between
the Dodgers and the Reds at Ebbets Field in New York City. The telecast
was carried over W2XBS from the top of the Empire State Building.
Barber's broadcasts were noted for
their fairness, accuracy and great respect for the game's traditions.
His journalistic approach to sports reporting, combined with a lively
and informative style, made him truly a "people's broadcaster".
In his years as a sportscaster,
Red compiled an impressive record, covering 13 World Series, four All-Star
baseball games, five Army-Navy games and four NFL championship games.
Until his death in 1992, Barber
was active behind the microphone. Every Friday from his home in Tallahassee,
Fla., he was a guest on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition"
hosted by Bob Edwards. The two entertained and delighted millions of listeners
for 12 years.
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