Barber's career began in 1934 when he was hired by the Cincinnati Reds as their radio broadcaster. His distinctive Southern drawl and unique phrases, such as "sittin' in the catbird seat" and "tearin' up the pea patch," quickly made him a fan favorite. He was known for his meticulous preparation and his ability to paint a vivid picture of the game for listeners.
In 1939, Barber moved to the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he became one of the first broadcasters to use player statistics to enhance his commentary. He was also one of the first to interview players in the dugout during games. Barber's innovative approach to broadcasting helped to revolutionize sports journalism.
Barber's tenure with the Dodgers was marked by several significant events. He was behind the microphone for Jackie Robinson's first game in 1947, breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. However, Barber's relationship with the Dodgers ended in 1953 due to a contract dispute.
In 1954, Barber joined the New York Yankees' broadcast team, where he remained until 1966. During his time with the Yankees, Barber continued to innovate, becoming one of the first broadcasters to use a portable microphone to report from different locations in the stadium.
Barber's career was not without controversy. He was known for his outspokenness and his refusal to shy away from criticizing players, coaches, and even team owners. This often put him at odds with those in the baseball establishment, but it also earned him a reputation for honesty and integrity.
After retiring from broadcasting in 1966, Barber remained active in the world of sports journalism. He wrote several books about his experiences in baseball and served as a commentator for National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" until his death in 1992.
Throughout his career, Barber received numerous awards and accolades. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1990 and received the Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978, recognizing his significant contributions to baseball broadcasting.
Red Barber's influence on sports broadcasting cannot be overstated. His innovative techniques, unique style, and unwavering commitment to honesty helped to shape the way sports are broadcasted today. His legacy continues to inspire broadcasters and sports journalists around the world.
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3 hours
Oct 3, 1964Oct 3, 1964
On Saturday, October 3, 1964, the New York Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians at Yankee...
Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees - Clinch - Radio Broadcast / On Saturday, October 3, 1964, the New York Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium in a day game that was a part of the final stretch of the regular season. The Yankees started the game with Al Downing on the mound, a left-handed pitcher who had been a key part of their rotation throughout the season. The Indians countered with Lee Stange, a right-hander who was looking to improve on a challenging season, as reflected in his 7-14 record. At this point in the season, the Yankees were in a tight race for the American League pennant, while the Indians were playing for pride, well out of contention for the postseason. The baseball world was abuzz with the tight pennant races, especially in the National League where the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds were locked in a fierce battle.
The game started with the Yankees taking an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to a Mickey Mantle double that drove in Phil Linz and Bobby Richardson. The Indians managed to score a run in the top of the third on a single by Chico Salmon, but the Yankees responded in the bottom of the inning with a run of their own, extending their lead to 3-1. The Indians showed signs of a comeback in the sixth inning, scoring two runs to tighten the game at 3-3. However, the Yankees' offense proved too strong, exploding for five runs in the eighth inning to secure a commanding lead. Key contributions in this inning came from Mantle and Elston Howard, who both drew walks and later scored, while Joe Pepitone and Clete Boyer added crucial hits.
The final score was 8-3 in favor of the Yankees, a victory that played a significant role in their successful chase for the American League pennant. The 1964 season was a memorable one for the Yankees, as they won the AL pennant but eventually lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in a thrilling seven-game World Series. Mickey Mantle, despite battling injuries, had a solid season, and the Yankees' roster was dotted with All-Stars, including Howard, who won the American League's Most Valuable Player award.
3½ hours
Sep 10, 1961Sep 10, 1961
In the midst of the 1961 baseball season, the New York Yankees faced...
Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees - Game 1 of DH - Radio Broadcast / In the midst of the 1961 baseball season, the New York Yankees faced off against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, September 10. The Yankees were in the midst of their legendary season, with Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, known as the M&M Boys, chasing Babe Ruth's single-season home run record. Meanwhile, the Indians were a solid team trying to stay competitive in the American League. The starting pitchers were Whitey Ford for the Yankees and Barry Latman for the Indians. Ford was having a strong season, but this game would prove to be a challenge for him. Latman, on the other hand, was looking to hold back the powerful Yankee lineup.
The game started off with a bang as the Indians put up two runs in the first inning, with Johnny Romano and Willie Kirkland driving in runs. The Yankees, however, answered back in the second inning, plating six runs. The big blow was a two-run homer by Johnny Blanchard, and Whitey Ford himself drove in a run with a single. The Indians fought back in the third inning, scoring four runs, highlighted by a three-run homer from Vic Power. The Yankees' relief pitcher, Jim Coates, then came in and settled things down, holding the Indians to just one run over the next six innings.
In the eighth inning, the Yankees managed to push across the go-ahead run, thanks to a pinch-hit single from Bob Cerv. Luis Arroyo then came in to close out the game in the ninth, securing a 7-6 victory for the Yankees. It was a hard-fought game, with both teams showing their offensive prowess.
The 1961 season is remembered as one of the most exciting in baseball history, largely due to the home run chase between Mantle and Maris. Ultimately, Maris would break Ruth's record, hitting 61 homers, while Mantle would finish with 54. The Yankees would go on to win the World Series, defeating the Cincinnati Reds in five games. The Indians, meanwhile, would finish the season in fifth place in the American League. Despite their loss in this particular game, they showed their ability to compete with the best, contributing to the memorable narrative of the 1961 season.
3 hours
Aug 2, 1961Aug 2, 1961
In the 1961 season, the Kansas City Athletics (now the Oakland Athletics) and the New...
Kansas City Athletics vs New York Yankees - Radio Broadcast / In the 1961 season, the Kansas City Athletics (now the Oakland Athletics) and the New York Yankees had contrasting performances. The Yankees dominated the American League, setting a new standard for excellence, while the Athletics struggled and finished towards the bottom of the standings.
The New York Yankees, led by their iconic duo Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, were a force to be reckoned with. Both Mantle and Maris were on a historic chase to break Babe Ruth's single-season home run record of 60. August was a pivotal month for the Yankees, as Mantle and Maris continued their home run battle. Mantle was dealing with injuries but managed to hit 9 home runs in August, bringing his season total to 44. Maris, however, was on fire and hit an impressive 13 home runs in August, reaching a total of 51 for the season.
The Yankees' overall dominance in the league also showed in their record for August. They won a majority of their games and solidified their position at the top of the American League standings.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Athletics faced a difficult season in 1961. They struggled with both their offense and pitching, leading to a disappointing performance throughout the year, including August. The team failed to gain momentum and remained near the bottom of the standings for most of the season.
2½ hours
Sep 7, 1959Sep 7, 1959
On September 7, 1959, the Boston Red Sox faced off against the
New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox - Radio Broadcast / On September 7, 1959, the Boston Red Sox faced off against the New York Yankees in a daytime game at Fenway Park, a classic rivalry in the world of baseball. On the mound for the Yankees was Duke Maas, who had a respectable season record of 12-7, while the Red Sox countered with Jerry Casale, who was holding a 10-8 record. At this point in the season, the Yankees were in a tough fight for the American League pennant, while the Red Sox were playing the role of potential spoilers. The 1959 season was marked by the dominance of the Chicago White Sox in the American League, and the Yankees were trying to keep pace. Meanwhile, the Red Sox were trying to finish the season on a high note, despite being out of the playoff picture.
The game started off with a bang, as the Red Sox exploded for six runs in the second inning, including back-to-back home runs from Don Buddin and Jerry Casale. This early offensive surge set the tone for the rest of the game. The Yankees tried to respond in the third inning with a solo home run from Bob Cerv and a two-run shot from Mickey Mantle, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Red Sox's early lead. The Red Sox's offense was relentless throughout the game, with key hits from Pumpsie Green, Jackie Jensen, and Vic Wertz. On the pitching side, Casale managed to hold the Yankees to four runs over 6.1 innings, while reliever Mike Fornieles came in to close the game without allowing any more runs.
In the end, the Red Sox triumphed over the Yankees with a final score of 12-4. The Yankees' loss was a significant blow to their pennant race, as the Chicago White Sox would go on to win the American League and face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Despite their lack of postseason play, the Red Sox's victory in this game was a highlight of their season, showcasing their ability to compete with the top teams in the league. In the larger context of the 1959 season, this game was emblematic of the changing balance of power in the American League, with the White Sox's rise and the Yankees' struggle to maintain their dominance.
21 minutes
1952–1954
In this audio clip from 2006, legendary baseball broadcaster Ernie Harwell reflects on his early...
Ernie Harwell - Early Radio Days - Radio Interview Part 2 of 8 / In this audio clip from 2006, legendary baseball broadcaster Ernie Harwell reflects on his early days in radio, marking a nostalgic journey back to the roots of his illustrious career. The interview showcases Harwell's humble beginnings and his ascent to becoming one of baseball's most revered voices. The year 2006 situates this interview towards the end of Harwell's life, providing a poignant look back at a career that spanned over half a century, during which Harwell became synonymous with Detroit Tigers' baseball. The interviewer engages Harwell in a discussion that illuminates the broadcaster's early challenges and successes, giving listeners an intimate glimpse into the formative years of his professional life. This context is especially significant considering Harwell's passing in 2010, making the clip a valuable piece of historical audio that preserves the memory of a beloved figure in sports broadcasting.