RIP Skip Caray

Well put.

Days at the beach with my grandfather who played minor league ball, sitting in front of the TV watching the Braves of Murphy and Horner suck it up. Skip was as much part of the soundtrack to those trips as the waves crashing and the wind rustling the sea grass in front of the house we always rented.

 

He's the reason I remember all those old Braves names. Honestly, my best friend and I will get going on those early-'90s names and have trouble stopping. I wonder how many broadcasters have that impact.

 

A big part of me has died, as well.

He, Pete Van Wieren, Ernie Johnson, Sr., the amazing John Ward and my dad (not a sportscaster, but often told me to hush so he could hear the radio) are the distinct voices of my youth.

My best (and only) Skip Story was when I created a public service announcement that had a baseball theme to it. Being here in L.A., Vin Scully was asked and was willing to be the voiceover. I chose Skip. It was a wonderful half hour.

 

For years, those of us not close to MLB markets had two choices: WGN and Harry Caray with the Cubs or TBS and Skip Caray with the Braves.

Usually, the folks chose the Cubs, in part because of Harry and the loveable loser tag the team had (and still has). But listening to Skip was worthwhile, especially as he continued to keep humor light as the losses piled up for the Braves.

RIP Skip. You'll be missed.

 

Maybe this has already been said, but I'll ask anyway:

I called my dad to tell him and we know we both like the Caray's, but is Skip Chip's dad or what is the relation? We couldn't remember. We just remember listening to both of them for many, many years.

 

Harry, Skip, Chip right down the line.

 

And according to the atlantabraves.com story, another son, Josh, who is a broadcaster for the Rome Braves.

 

My teen years were spent with WTCG, and Caray & friends
Hubie's Hustlers (the lunch-pail Hawks of Dan Roundfield, John Drew and Tree Rollins, etc. era)
Losing lots to Philly in the postseason
Phil Niekro doing cold, cold opening days on the mound, on the road, with those baby blue Braves unis
Post-Chief Noc-A-Homa era, and pre-Chief
Bob Horner's legendary 2-for-40 season-opening at-bat schneids
Jerry Royster's infielding
Jerry Matthews and Dale Murphy in the outfield.
And Skip Caray & friends keeping it all so real.

RIP Skip

 

"Listen to this crowd"

 

I remember the exact same play.

They were playing San Francisco, and Jeffrey Leonard was the batter.

I spent many a summer night listening to Skip, Pete on WTBS.

RIP to a legend.

 

My favorite Skip line, from back in the late 1980s, during another 100-loss season and at the midway point to make the game official:

"And now, we've reached the bottom of another fifth ..."

 

That's funny just seeing it in your post.