Monday, August 4, 2008

R.I.P Skip Caray




Yesterday Atlanta lost one of its most distinctive voices when Hall of Fame Braves game broadcaster Skip Caray passed away at age 68. Growing up in the 90s I think I paid more attention to Skip's voice than I did most of my teachers. Unlike his father Harry Caray, Skip was known less for being enigmatic and more for being sarcastic. Especially during the 80's when the Braves were the worst thing baseball had to offer. He also used to make fun of the movies that TBS chose to run after the games.

But, we all know that Skip is going to be forever remembered for his call in the 1992 National League Championship Series:



BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN!...BRAVES WIN!

Damn, that clip has my eyes welling up...dead serious. That moment will always stick out to me, because truthfully at the time, I was torn between the Pittsburgh Pirates (where I was born) and the Atlanta Braves (where I was raised). I was a very confused young man who owned both a Rally Rag (the Pirates version of the Terrible Towel) and a Tomahawk. This was the second year in a row that both teams faced each other in the National League Championship Series. Since the Braves won it 1991, my selfish desires wanted to see the Pirates take it this time. With a 2-0 lead going into the bottom of the 9th Inning, I thought they were going to so I just started nodding off. But then, when I woke up, I saw a line drive flying into left field...and the rest is history. For the first time as a young sports fan, I cheered for joy and cried for sorrow at the same time.

Sorry about taking yall down memory lane...but I had to share that.

So, R.I.P. to Skip Caray for providing a soundtrack to one of the greatest moments in sports history.

1 comment:

crunkite said...

Man this fucked me up a few days ago. R.I.P.

I wonder if they will bring his younger son (Josh) up to broadcast with Chip Caray?

I read he's been calling games for the Rome Braves.