Baseball just a came as simple as a ball and bat. Yet, as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. A sport, a business and sometimes almost even a religion.
I think I owe thanks to the people who have listened to me over the years, who tuned in on the radio. They have given me a warmth and loyalty that I’ve never been able to repay. The way they have reached out to me has certainly been the highlight of my life.
In baseball, democracy shines its clearest. The only race that matters is the race to the bag. The creed is the rule book. And color, merely something to distinguish one team’s uniform from another’s.
Baseball is a ballet without music. Drama without words.
I look on life as a joyous adventure.
I just have faith. It’s just there. It’s not any big deal.
It’s been a terrific life.
There’s a man in Mobile who remembers that Honus Wagner hit a triple in Pittsburgh 46 years ago. That’s baseball.
When I went to Brooklyn in 1948 Jackie Robinson was at the height of his brilliant career.
With the Giants I broadcast the debut of Hall of Famer Willie Mays.
Everybody in the minor leagues – if you’re a player, an announcer, whatever – wants to be in the big leagues.
But most of all, I’m a part of you people out there who have listened to me, because especially you people in Michigan, you Tiger fans, you’ve given me so much warmth, so much affection and so much love.
Baseball is the president tossing out the first ball of the season. And a scrubby schoolboy playing catch with his dad on a Mississippi farm.
Baseball is a rookie, his experience no bigger than the lump in his throat as he begins fulfillment of his dream.
A tall, thin old man waving a scorecard from the corner of his dugout. That’s baseball.
I praise the Lord here today. I know that all my talent and all my ability comes from him, and without him I’m nothing and I thank him for his great blessing.
God blessed me by putting me here for thirty-one years at Michigan and Trumbull.
I deeply appreciate the people of Michigan. I love their grit. I love the way they face life. I love the family values they have.
Baseball is continuity. Pitch to pitch. Inning to inning. Season to season.
I love what I do. If I had my time over again, I’d probably do it for nothing.