One of the defining moments of Don Klein's broadcasting career came in the 1982 NFC Championship Game between the 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. His iconic call of Joe Montana's game-winning touchdown pass to Dwight Clark, known as "The Catch," is etched in NFL history. The excitement in Klein's voice as he exclaimed, "Dwight Clark has it! It's a touchdown for the 49ers!" remains a cherished memory for 49ers fans.
Growing up in Napa, California, many sports enthusiasts, including myself, had the privilege of hearing Klein's voice. His commentary provided a connection to the 49ers' remarkable era of success, which included five Super Bowl victories in 14 years. It was during those years that I, too, aspired to become a sports broadcaster.
What sets Don Klein apart is his fascinating story of broadcasting the Seals games from Hawaii at the end of World War II, using Western Union wires to relay play-by-play details. The creative use of a drumstick and padded cushion to replicate the sounds of the game added to his unique broadcasting style.
Klein's career extended beyond football and baseball, as he covered two Summer Olympics for CBS radio. In an era before streaming and instant access, his calm and accurate descriptions of the games provided a sense of reliability and trust in the world of sports journalism.
In contrast to today's loud and opinion-driven sports media, Don Klein embodied a different era of broadcasting. He was a storyteller, faithfully reporting the events on the field, and establishing strong relationships with his sources. His approach emphasized the importance of facts and accuracy in sports reporting.
Don Klein's legacy as a sports broadcaster continues to resonate with those who remember his distinctive voice and his role in immortalizing moments like "The Catch." He represents a bygone era of sports journalism, where the focus was on the game and its players, not the personalities in the broadcast booth. The next time we watch highlights of historic sporting events, we'll fondly recall Don Klein in the broadcast booth, capturing the essence of the game with his timeless commentary.
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