Posted on 04/05/2015 3:46:23 PM PDT by EveningStar
Lon Simmons, the Hall of Fame broadcaster whose baritone voice and dry wit captured some of the most thrilling moments Bay Area sports history, has died. He was 91.
The Giants sent a press release Sunday afternoon that said, "The Giants family and Bay Area sports community lost a true gentleman (Sunday) morning when Hall of Fame broadcaster Lon Simmons peacefully passed away."
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
Too bad — and just in time for Opening Day too. Puts kind of a cloud on it.
I’m not familiar with Mr. Simmons, but on recordings he sounds as you would expect and want a Baseball Broadcaster to sound, clear, manly, excited and precise ,but w/o overtalking.
The way they used to do it.
Charley Slowes, the radio voice of the Nationals, is of the old school, but not many are.
1500 AM, which carries their games, is a 50,000-watt clear channel, so you might be able to pick it up, depending on where you are.
When Lon Simmons was paired with Bill King as the Oakland A’s radio announcers (and local TV simulcast), I would listen just to hear them call the games. Those were good times.
I grew up listening to Lon Simmons call not only Giants games, but the 49ers as well. He was a top-line sportscaster with very deep knowledge of the game and the players. He was a gem. RIP.
“You would expect and want a Baseball Broadcaster to sound, clear, manly, excited and precise, but w/o overtalking.”
And he was exactly that. He was right up there with the best.
Just like Vin Scully was a great football announcer as well for CBS, he made the call on “The Catch” in the 81 NFC Championship Game.
That is sad news. Lon was absolutely the best
“Tell it goooooood bye”.....May the angels sing him home
He was a true gentleman and a great fan of sports in general. His calls on baseball were ever knowledgeable and funny.
RIP.
Guys like Jim Nantz and Joe Buck can’t hold a candle to the play callers of yesteryear.
Rest In Peace
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