Curt Gowdy's career in sportscasting spanned several decades, during which he became a familiar voice to sports fans across America. Born on July 31, 1919, in Green River, Wyoming, Gowdy grew up with a love for sports, particularly baseball and basketball. After attending the University of Wyoming, where he played basketball and tennis, Gowdy served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Following his military service, he began his broadcasting career in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1944.

Gowdy's big break came in 1949 when he was hired by the New York Yankees as a radio announcer. Working alongside the legendary Mel Allen, Gowdy honed his skills and gained valuable experience covering one of baseball's most storied franchises. His tenure with the Yankees lasted until 1951, after which he moved to Boston to become the lead announcer for the Boston Red Sox. Gowdy's time in Boston, from 1951 to 1965, solidified his reputation as a top-tier sportscaster. His distinctive voice and ability to convey the excitement of the game endeared him to Red Sox fans.

In 1965, Gowdy transitioned to a national stage when he joined NBC Sports. Over the next decade, he became the network's lead play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball, the National Football League, and college football. Gowdy's versatility allowed him to cover a wide range of sports, including the Olympics, where he provided commentary for events such as skiing and swimming. His work on NBC's "Game of the Week" brought baseball to a national audience, and his broadcasts of the World Series and Super Bowl were highly anticipated events.

One of Gowdy's most memorable assignments was calling the first-ever Super Bowl in 1967, a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. His ability to capture the drama and significance of the event helped set the standard for future broadcasts. Gowdy also covered the historic 1971 World Series, which featured the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles, and is remembered for his call of Roberto Clemente's outstanding performance.

In addition to his work with NBC, Gowdy hosted the long-running television series "The American Sportsman" on ABC, which showcased outdoor sports and adventure. The show, which aired from 1965 to 1986, allowed Gowdy to share his love of the outdoors with viewers and featured celebrities and athletes participating in activities such as hunting and fishing.

Throughout his career, Gowdy received numerous accolades for his work in broadcasting. He was awarded the George Foster Peabody Award in 1970 for his outstanding contributions to television. In 1984, he was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame, and in 1985, he received the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his excellence in baseball broadcasting.

Curt Gowdy's voice became synonymous with some of the most iconic moments in sports history.

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