Mel Allen, born Melvin Allen Israel on February 14, 1913, was an American sportscaster and the long-time voice of the New York Yankees. His broadcasting career spanned over five decades, and he was one of the most recognized voices in sports.

Allen was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and attended the University of Alabama, where he began his broadcasting career as a student announcer. After graduating, he worked for a local radio station before moving to New York City in 1937 to join CBS Radio.

In 1939, Allen began his association with the New York Yankees, initially sharing the play-by-play duties with Red Barber. He became the team's primary announcer in 1943 and held the position until 1964. During his tenure, he called some of the most memorable moments in Yankees history, including Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series and Roger Maris's 61st home run in 1961.

Allen's distinctive voice and enthusiastic style made him a favorite among fans. His catchphrases, such as "How about that!" and "Going, going, gone!" became synonymous with Yankees baseball. He was also known for his detailed descriptions of the game, which helped listeners visualize the action on the field.

In addition to his work with the Yankees, Allen also called games for the Cleveland Indians and the Milwaukee Braves, as well as college football games for the University of Alabama. He was the voice of the World Series and All-Star Game for many years on both radio and television.

Allen's career took a downturn in 1964 when he was unexpectedly fired by the Yankees. The reasons for his dismissal remain unclear, but it was a major blow to Allen, who had become synonymous with the team. He spent the next several years working in advertising and public relations, as well as calling games for other teams.

In 1976, Allen returned to the Yankees as a guest announcer and was later hired as the host of "This Week in Baseball," a syndicated television show that ran until his death in 1996. He also returned to the Yankees' broadcast booth on a part-time basis in the 1980s and 1990s.

Allen received numerous awards during his career, including the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978. He was also inducted into the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame and the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.

Mel Allen passed away on June 16, 1996, at the age of 83. His legacy lives on in the memories of the countless baseball fans who grew up listening to his broadcasts. His distinctive voice and passionate delivery helped to define the golden age of baseball broadcasting and made him one of the most beloved figures in the sport.

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