Tim McCarver, widely recognized as the greatest, most beloved baseball analyst passed away yesterday at age 81.
McCarver spent 60 years in baseball as an all-star catcher and Hall of Fame broadcaster.
He called a record 24 World Series for ABC, CBS and FOX.
His 18-year broadcast partner Joe Buck reflected on the legendary baseball-lifer…
“I learned really fast that if you were in his inner circle, he would be a fierce defender of you and for you,” Buck said. “He taught me how to deal with criticism because he had been criticized, his whole broadcast career. And sometimes it was because he was a teacher of the game. If some player or manager didn’t manage or play the way he thought the game should be played, he let a national audience know it. He was always the first one in the clubhouse the next day. If that person had something to say back to him, he would engage and stood his ground, but it was fair.”
Fans quickly took to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of McCarver…
He was my favorite Cardinal when I was a kid growing up. I’m 66 and still have his baseball card. Rest in peace. #STLCards pic.twitter.com/LIphoiayue
— Terri Krueger (@photogal5) February 16, 2023
I followed him while he played for the Cards and could listen to the games from Cleveland on KMOX radio. We got a good signal then. What a great team! Then when I moved to NYC I seas thrilled to hear his color commentary for the Mets, my team in Queens! R.I.P. 💔🙏🏾⚾️
— Pam Hamilton (@iampammhamm) February 16, 2023
McCarver story: he went to the mound to talk to Bob Gibson. Gibby told him to turn around and get back behind the plate. “The only thing you know about pitching,” Gibson barked at McCarver, “is that you can’t hit it.” Great storyteller.
— Micheal Mahoney (@KCMikeMahoney) February 16, 2023
2001 WS. Game 5. Brosius HR.
Over a minute of stunned silence from Buck and McCarver while crowd deliriously roared.
TM (feeling what most of us felt): I have never seen anything like it.
JB: It borders on the surreal here in The Bronx.
— Jason Ault (@JasonAult16) February 16, 2023
He’s fixed in my childhood memories as the voice of the Mets. I still remember some of his stories and his always-present sense of humor.
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) February 17, 2023
Lifelong Yanks fan; first memory of McCarver was his team beating them in '64. Excellent catcher, & loved his broadcasting – particularly when he noted, right before Leyritz hit a 3-run homer in the '96 Series (off a slider), that Wohlers was throwing too many breaking balls. RIP
— Michael B Lehrhoff (@mblehrhoff) February 16, 2023
An iconic voice in baseball, a legend of his craft, from those of us who love the game of baseball, we thank you Tim McCarver. Rest in Paradise Sir… you have earned it
— Mike K (@KrazyKula) February 16, 2023
Many summer evenings made memorable though McCarver’s brilliant broadcasting. If you get a chance, read this book. Great for any baseball fan. pic.twitter.com/aOPrXmO7Wc
— Glenn R (@glennacc3) February 16, 2023
You could always hear in his voice how much he loved the game when he was doing the play-by-play. At times calling what would happen before it did. He carried over his love of baseball from the time he retired from playing to when he announced games.
RIP Tim, we miss you already— Sharon Wallace (@SharonW04867147) February 17, 2023
Most amazing game in any sport I’ve ever seen. Nothing like hearing Buck and Tim on a call. Was really young when he was with Jack. Just appreciated how great he was at teaching us the game. RIP to a legend.
— David Harms (@djharms86) February 16, 2023
He is already missed in the broadcast booth. He will be missed even more now. R.I.P. to a all around baseball legend 🙏🏻😢
— Joseph Vigna (@armoryman14) February 16, 2023
So true…when I was an intern working in public relations dept he was always so kind with millions of stories…spitting in a cup with his chew!!
— Stuart Campbell (@Stuart58033860) February 17, 2023
I was fortunate to get to spend some time with Tim at fantasy camp 2020. Both of us are from Memphis. His dad was MPD and so was I. My favorite part of camp I spent 4 hours with him talking and he even bought me drinks. Thanks Tim!!! Rest easy. pic.twitter.com/kuePokMuEC
— CutestDogEver (@HugoDaPom) February 17, 2023
My grandmother was a Mets fan and a huge McCarver fan and I watched a lot of games with her after my grandfather passed. He was baseball's Hubie Brown. Smart and I always learned something from them when I watched their broadcasts.
— Gordon Freligh Jr (@gfreligh72) February 17, 2023
Tim was the absolute best .
— Manny T (@MannyT91506915) February 17, 2023
Godspeed
— Corey Suttles (@CoreySuttles) February 17, 2023