Helfer began his broadcasting career in the 1930s, working for CBS Radio. He was one of the original voices of the Mutual Broadcasting System's Game of the Day in the 1950s, the first network radio show to broadcast a daily baseball game. He was also the lead play-by-play announcer for the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants, and later for the Mutual Broadcasting System's Game of the Day broadcasts.
Helfer's broadcasting style was characterized by his deep, booming voice and his enthusiastic delivery. He was known for his catchphrases, such as "Old Big 'Un" for a home run, and his signature sign-off, "This is Al Helfer saying good night for...." He was also known for his ability to paint a vivid picture of the game for listeners, making them feel as if they were right there in the stadium.
In addition to his work in baseball, Helfer also covered other sports. He was the voice of the New York Knicks in the 1940s and 1950s, and also broadcasted college and professional football games. He was also a boxing announcer, covering many of the major fights of the 1940s and 1950s.
Despite his success, Helfer's career was not without controversy. He was known for his outspokenness and his tendency to speak his mind, which sometimes got him into trouble. He was fired from the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943 after a dispute with team management, and he was also let go from the New York Giants after criticizing the team's performance.
After retiring from broadcasting in the 1970s, Helfer remained active in the sports world. He served as a consultant for the Houston Astros and was a member of the Veterans Committee for the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was posthumously awarded the Ford C. Frick Award by the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019, recognizing his contributions to baseball broadcasting.
Al Helfer passed away in 1975, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of sports broadcasting. His distinctive voice and enthusiastic style helped to shape the way that sports are broadcasted today, and his contributions to the field are still remembered and celebrated.
🎙️
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Al Helfer BiographyF i l t e r & S o r t Filter & Sort
2½ hours
Sep 2, 1972Sep 2, 1972
On September 2, 1972, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the
Los Angeles Dodgers vs St. Louis Cardinals - Radio Broadcast / On September 2, 1972, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium II. Starting for the Dodgers was Doug Rau, a left-handed pitcher making his Major League debut, while the Cardinals sent out Durham to the mound. The 1972 season was an interesting one for both teams. The Dodgers were in the midst of a rebuilding phase, having traded away some of their established stars in the previous year. Meanwhile, the Cardinals were coming off a successful 1971 campaign and were looking to repeat their success. The league was also experiencing a significant story in 1972, as it was the year of the first players' strike in Major League Baseball history, which had led to the cancellation of some games earlier in the season.
The game started off quietly, with both teams failing to score in the first inning. However, the Dodgers broke the deadlock in the second inning, scoring four runs. This scoring spree was initiated by a walk to Crawford and a single by Valentine. A wild pitch by Durham moved the runners to second and third, followed by an intentional walk to Russell. This set the stage for Yeager, who tripled to left, clearing the bases. Rau, in his debut game, followed suit with a triple of his own, scoring Yeager and putting the Dodgers up 4-0. The Cardinals' pitching struggled to contain the Dodgers' offense, with Durham being replaced by Palmer partway through the second inning.
The Cardinals' offense, on the other hand, was held in check by Rau. The Cardinals managed only three hits and one run, which came in the seventh inning when Jutze doubled and was driven in by Carbo. The Dodgers scored one more run in the sixth inning, with Yeager scoring on a single by Lacy. The Dodgers' pitching was the star of the game, with Rau going the distance, giving up only one run on three hits in his Major League debut.
The Dodgers' 5-1 victory over the Cardinals was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the team. Despite their struggles, the Dodgers would go on to finish the season in second place in the National League West, while the Cardinals would finish fourth in the National League East. The 1972 season was also notable for the performance of Steve Carlton of the Philadelphia Phillies, who won the Cy Young Award after an outstanding season in which he won 27 games for a team that won only 59 games in total. Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics would go on to win the World Series, defeating the Cincinnati Reds in seven games.
2½ hours
Aug 17, 1957Aug 17, 1957
During the month of August 1957, the Pirates found themselves in a tight pennant race...
Pittsburgh Pirates vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / During the month of August 1957, the Pirates found themselves in a tight pennant race with the Milwaukee Braves. They were battling for the top spot in the league, and every game mattered. Led by legendary outfielder Roberto Clemente and slugger Hank Aaron, the Pirates and Braves engaged in an intense race that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Dodgers, on the other hand, were also performing well in August. Led by their star player, Duke Snider, and bolstered by the strong pitching of Don Drysdale, the Dodgers were staying within striking distance of the leading teams.
Throughout the month, both the Pirates and Dodgers played numerous crucial games against each other and other top teams in the league. These matchups were closely contested, often decided by the narrowest of margins.
By the end of August 1957, the Pirates had managed to maintain their position in the race for the National League pennant. Their star players, like Clemente, delivered key performances to keep them in contention. However, the Dodgers were hot on their heels, determined to seize any opportunity to overtake the Pirates and secure the top spot.
As the season progressed, the Pirates and Dodgers continued to battle it out until the final games of the regular season. The race for the pennant remained incredibly tight, making the 1957 season one of the most memorable and exciting in baseball history. Ultimately, the team that prevailed would have the honor of competing in the World Series and contend for the championship title.
2 hours
Jul 28, 1957Jul 28, 1957
The 1957 baseball season witnessed an intense rivalry between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Cincinnati...
Brooklyn Dodgers vs Cincinnati Redlegs - Scully - Radio Broadcast / The 1957 baseball season witnessed an intense rivalry between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. Both teams were formidable contenders in the National League, with August serving as a crucial month that showcased their strengths and weaknesses.
The Brooklyn Dodgers, led by stars such as Duke Snider and Gil Hodges, were known for their powerful hitting and solid pitching staff. In August, the Dodgers showcased their offensive prowess, consistently producing runs and maintaining a strong position in the league. Their pitching rotation, anchored by future Hall of Famer Don Drysdale, also delivered stellar performances, ensuring the team remained competitive throughout the month.
On the other side, the Cincinnati Reds posed a formidable challenge to the Dodgers' dominance. Led by the legendary Frank Robinson and supported by strong pitching from players like Joe Nuxhall, the Reds proved to be fierce competitors. In August, the Reds displayed resilience, with both their offense and pitching excelling at crucial moments. This intense rivalry between the Dodgers and the Reds heightened the excitement for fans and set the stage for a captivating battle for the National League pennant.