In 1940, Brickhouse moved to Chicago and joined WGN radio as a staff announcer. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, but returned to his broadcasting career after the war. In 1948, he began broadcasting Cubs games on WGN-TV, becoming the first voice heard on the station. He added White Sox games to his duties in 1950, and for many years, he called both Cubs and White Sox games, a unique situation in Major League Baseball.
Brickhouse was known for his enthusiastic and upbeat broadcasting style. His signature home run call, "Hey, hey!" became a catchphrase in Chicago and is still associated with the Cubs to this day. He was also known for his catchphrase "Any old kind of a day is a good day for a ball game," reflecting his love for the sport.
In addition to baseball, Brickhouse also called Chicago Bears football games and was behind the microphone for several historic sports moments. He called the 1959 World Series, the 1963 NFL Championship Game, and four no-hitters. He also broadcasted the first televised wrestling matches in the Chicago area.
Brickhouse retired from broadcasting in 1981, after calling Cubs games for 33 years. He was inducted into the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame in 1985 and received the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983, recognizing his contributions to baseball broadcasting. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in television.
After his retirement, Brickhouse remained active in the Chicago community. He served on the board of directors for the Cubs and the White Sox, and was involved in numerous charitable organizations. He passed away on August 6, 1998, but his legacy lives on in Chicago sports.
Throughout his career, Jack Brickhouse became a beloved figure in Chicago sports, known for his enthusiasm, his catchphrases, and his dedication to the teams he covered. His contributions to sports broadcasting have left a lasting impact, and he is remembered as one of the greats in the field.
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On November 3, 1968, the Chicago Bears visited the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field...
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