One of the more beloved figures in all of sportscasting, Harry Caray was the voice of the Chicago Cubs from 1981 until his death in 1998. Caray was known for being a 'homer', for his "It might be, it could be, it is, a home run" catchphrase, and for leading fans at Wrigley Field in the singing of Take Me Out To The Ballgame, a tradition that lives on today.
Fast Facts:
- Born: March 1, 1914
- Birthplace: St. Louis
- Died: February 18, 1998
- 1989: Inducted into broadcasters wing of Baseball Hall of Fame
- Also called games for St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Oakland Athetics
- Often lampooned by Will Ferrell on Saturday Night Live
The Mayor of Rush Street
Caray's career began in St. Louis in 1945 with the Cardinals, and he worked with them for 24 years, working mostly with Jack Buck. He was fired following the 1969 season and worked one season for Oakland before joining the White Sox in 1971. He spent ten seasons on the 'South Side' until being hired away by the cross-town rival Cubs in 1981. The flagship station for the Cubs, Superstation WGN, was one of the first to become available on cable television across the country, and Caray's popularity reached new heights. His son Skip Caray and grandson Chip Caray also became baseball sportscasters as well.
