OT: MGoObituary - Hall of Fame MLB broadcaster Tim McCarver dead at 81
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35673836/world-series-champion-tv-analyst-tim-mccarver-dies-81
He wasn't everyone's cup of tea (cough, Deion, cough), but I always enjoyed his commentary.
Had a long career with the Cards and Phils and announced 23 World Series. Rest in peace, Tim.
February 16th, 2023 at 2:49 PM ^
Rest easy Tim McCarver. Last out of 1968 World Series.
February 16th, 2023 at 4:31 PM ^
For Tigers fans, that '68 World Series was fabulous fun. To be down 3 games to 1 and then pull it out with three straight wins is something that won't be forgotten by those who witnessed it. And the Cardinals team was on a whole a Hall of Fame squad. To think that their terrific catcher is no longer with us is a fateful reminder that it happened "just" 65 years ago. At the time, the Tigers hadn't been World Series champs in 23 years which seemed an eternity to us younger fans. Now, it's been "just" 39 years since 1984.
Rest in peace, Tim McCarver. Thank you for your presence in our baseball memories!
February 16th, 2023 at 5:56 PM ^
Even after winning game 5, they had to win twice in St Louis with game 7 against Bob Gibson. Probably the best comeback ever during the World Series yet there never seems to be much fanfare for it outside of Detroit. If the Yankees had pulled off something similar in more modern times it would get brought up every October.
February 17th, 2023 at 11:36 AM ^
Not only did Mickey Lolich win 3 complete games (which nobody has done since) but he didn't even start game 1. He beat Bob Gibson on 2 day's rest in game 7...in St. Louis.
Mickey Lolich also hit a home run in the World Series (the only one of his career) because of course he did.
I wasn't alive in 1968 (or 1984 for that matter) but this is by far my favorite Detroit Tigers team of all time.
February 17th, 2023 at 12:53 PM ^
55 years ago.
February 16th, 2023 at 2:50 PM ^
I really enjoyed his knowledge and easy delivery. Hell of a catcher for the Cards - long career.
February 16th, 2023 at 6:16 PM ^
I remember a story McCarver once told about Bob Gibson. Apparently, something had transpired so McCarver felt he needed to go out to the mound to talk with Gibson about it. When McCarver arrived, Gibson snarled at him, "What are you doing here? The only thing you know about good pitching is that you can't hit it." By his own testimony, McCarver meekly retreated back to his spot behind the plate.
February 17th, 2023 at 8:23 PM ^
I think a friend at work told me that story. That’s the first thing that came to mind when I opened this thread.
February 16th, 2023 at 2:55 PM ^
Rest In peace.
February 16th, 2023 at 2:57 PM ^
I actually liked him doing color on broadcasts.
It was funny hearing how he interacted with Bob Gibson. He was afraid to visit Gibby on the mound because of his intensity. But they were great friends otherwise.
February 16th, 2023 at 3:50 PM ^
There's a documentary about Nolan Ryan called Facing Nolan, and there's a bit of the same thing revealed: off the field Ryan was a decent enough fellow, but on the mound in a game he was another person. Super-competitive.
February 16th, 2023 at 4:13 PM ^
I liked McCarver too. He did tend to over-explain, especially earlier in his career. But, like many catchers, he also had a great intuitive feel for the ebb and flow of a game.
February 16th, 2023 at 3:15 PM ^
never thought id see a deion referenced in a remembrance thread about tim mccarver. i remember him from early days of mets broadcasts
February 16th, 2023 at 3:29 PM ^
February 16th, 2023 at 3:47 PM ^
Ya gotta be a tough fucker to wear the gear and play catcher all those years. I'd probably take McCarver in that fight.
February 16th, 2023 at 6:19 PM ^
Me too. As good of a cover corner as Deion was, when it came to tackling, he didn't want to hit anybody.
February 16th, 2023 at 4:27 PM ^
He caught the incomparable Bob Gibson. He was a man. Rest in peace, Good Sir.
February 16th, 2023 at 5:29 PM ^
Not only Gibson, but he was the personal catcher for Steve Carlton for many years. You must be good at your craft if those two want you on the receiving end.