Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Dudley pursued a major in chemistry at the University of Virginia before embarking on a broadcasting career in the late 1930s. His initial foray into broadcasting began at a radio station in Charlottesville, leading to his subsequent commentary on Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox games between 1938 and 1941. World War II saw Dudley serve as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces.

Post-war, Dudley became the leading voice for the Indians, holding the position from 1948 until his dismissal in January 1968. His career continued with the Seattle Pilots in 1969, but he did not follow the team when they relocated to Milwaukee and became the Brewers the next year. In the 1970s, Dudley narrated for various minor league teams before retiring.

Dudley's commentary style was distinctively friendly and homespun, marked by memorable catchphrases like "Hello, baseball fans everywhere" at the start of broadcasts, "The string is out" for a full count, dramatic calls of home runs, and his signature sign-off, "So long and lots of good luck, you hear?"

Apart from his broadcasting career, Dudley was a well-known figure in advertising in Cleveland, notably for Aluminum Siding Corporation and Kahn's Hot Dogs, bringing his unique style to commercials.

His broadcasting achievements included covering the 1954 World Series and All-Star Game for the Mutual network, and the 1961 All-Star Game for NBC Radio. Dudley also lent his voice to football games, covering Ohio State University, University of Washington, and NFL teams like the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Colts.

In recognition of his contributions, Dudley received the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997. He passed away at the age of 89 in Tucson, Arizona.

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