Legendary broadcaster and D-Backs analyst Joe Garagiola dies at 90
The baseball world lost a broadcasting legend Wednesday. Former player and Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Garagiola died at the age of 90. The Arizona Diamondbacks have confirmed the news.
Garagiola’s family released a statement, which reflected on his legendary career within baseball.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of this amazing man who was not just beloved by those of us in his family, but to generations of baseball fans who he impacted during his eight decades in the game. Joe loved the game and passed that love onto family, his friends, his teammates, his listeners and everyone he came across as a player and broadcaster. His impact on the game, both on and off the field, will forever be felt.”
Commissioner Rob Manfred also sent out a statement, praising Garagiola for his impressive career and love of the game.
“All of us at Major League Baseball are deeply saddened by the loss of Joe Garagiola. Joe began illustrious career as a baseball player, but it wasn’t long before everyone knew that this unique individual would combine his multi-talented media skills and wonderful personality to make a mark off the field as well. Following his nine-year playing career, which included a 1946 World Series Championship with the St. Louis Cardinals, Joe became a broadcasting icon during his 58 years behind the microphone. The winner of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award in 1991 and Buck O’Neill Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, Joe narrated countless memorable moments, including Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle’s 500th career home run, as well as three All-Star Games and three World Series during the 1980s, working alongside fellow broadcast legend Vin Scully.
“With all of Joe’s professional successes, it was behind the scenes where Joe has had an equally impressive impact. For his work with kids, Joe was named the 1998 recipient of the Children’s MVP Award presented by the Jim Eisenreich Foundation. He served baseball as a leader in the fight against smokeless tobacco, working with NSTEP – the National Spit Tobacco Education Program – and traveling to each Major League camp during Spring Training to educate players about the dangers of tobacco and oral cancer. He was also a tireless supporter and longtime champion for the Baseball Assistance Team, which helps members of the baseball family who are in need.
“Joe’s love of the game was always on display, and his knowledge and insight is something that I truly admired. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Joe’s wife Audrey, their son, MLB Senior Vice President long-time baseball executive Joe Jr., as well as son Steve, daughter Gina, and their entire family, as well as his countless friends and admirers throughout our game.”
Garagiola’s career in baseball spanned an incredible eight decades. Garagiola debuted for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1946, and went on to play nine seasons in the majors. Garagiola reached the World Series as a rookie, hitting .319 during the series. The Cardinals won the series in seven games, making Garagiola a World Series champion.
Following his playing career, Garagiola became a broadcaster. He spent 30 years with NBC, working with Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully to call the “Game of the Week.” He also called numerous All-Star games and World Series with the network.
His work as a broadcaster went beyond baseball. Garagiola appeared on the “Today Show” and guest-hosted “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. He also hosted numerous game shows.
Following his association with NBC, Garagiola worked as a television analyst for the Diamondbacks. Garagiola was the 2014 Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient and won the 1991 Ford C. Frick Award for his excellence as a broadcaster.
In 2009, the Diamondbacks named the Broadcast Wing and TV booth at Chase Field after Garagiola, and the club built Joe Garagiola Field in Flagstaff in 2012.
Garagiola was also known for his charitable contributions outside the game. He created the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.), which was formed to “help members of the Baseball Family who were in need of assistance with nowhere else to turn.”
He was also responsible for the National Spit Tobacco Education Program, which aims to prevent people from using smokeless tobacco products.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
