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Harry Caray: Voice of the Fans
WGN announcer Pat Hughes presents Harry Caray: Voice of the Fans, an audio/photo tribute to Chicago and St Louis sports broadcaster Harry Caray, one of the most beloved figures in baseball. Caray's personality was as much a part of his charm as his broadcasting skill, and even ten years after his death, baseball fans across the country recall Caray fondly, both for his play-by play calls and his genuinely excited "Holy Cow!" exclamations during the games. Pat Hughes has compiled Caray's most famous calls and broadcasts onto a CD that accompanies the book. By combining Harry's voice with photos and stories of the Cards and Cubs, Harry Caray: Voice of the Fans will give readers not only a fond memory of Caray, but also a "where were you when...?" for many famous games, such as Ryne Sandberg's double game-tying home runs in 1984.
- GenresBaseballNonfictionSports
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 18, 2017
Harry Caray’s last season of broadcasting the Chicago Cubs was the 1997 season, 20 years ago. I have been a Caray fan since he started broadcasting with the Cubs in 1982, even sending him a letter inviting him to my shared apartment in St. Louis for Budweisers after the last game against the Cardinals in 1983, a letter I swear I saw him waving around on his first game coverage in 1984, while he spewed, in his way, “We get letters. We get letters.” Harry was a fan’s broadcaster.
An hour after I finished Pat Hughes’ short book on Caray, I turned on the Cubs game, and Jim Belushi was singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th Inning stretch. At the end of Belushi’s rendition, he shouted, “This is for you, Harry.” I find the impact that Caray had on the Cubs and their fans to be amazing. Imagine that 20 years after you’ve worked people are still talking about you. In fact, besides the Hall of Famers on the 1982 Cubs – Sandberg and Fergie Jenkins, and maybe Bill Buckner, I suspect a majority of Cub fans couldn’t name any other member of the team the year that Harry started. That makes his continued appreciation even more amazing. And to think his Cubs years were only half of his career. Holy Cow.
I read the e-book version and did not have the CD to listen to. The book promises the CD contains many clips of Harry, and if that were true, this would be a great remembrance of the announcer. Other reviews appear to dispel that belief, so I must rate the non-audio part of the book by itself and for what it was intended to be – a fan’s book. For those who want to spend an hour or two reviewing Caray’s prolific career, and to see some nice pictures that will bring back memories, this is pretty good. It is written much like a YA book, though, so don’t expect the depth you might get in a biography.
An hour after I finished Pat Hughes’ short book on Caray, I turned on the Cubs game, and Jim Belushi was singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th Inning stretch. At the end of Belushi’s rendition, he shouted, “This is for you, Harry.” I find the impact that Caray had on the Cubs and their fans to be amazing. Imagine that 20 years after you’ve worked people are still talking about you. In fact, besides the Hall of Famers on the 1982 Cubs – Sandberg and Fergie Jenkins, and maybe Bill Buckner, I suspect a majority of Cub fans couldn’t name any other member of the team the year that Harry started. That makes his continued appreciation even more amazing. And to think his Cubs years were only half of his career. Holy Cow.
I read the e-book version and did not have the CD to listen to. The book promises the CD contains many clips of Harry, and if that were true, this would be a great remembrance of the announcer. Other reviews appear to dispel that belief, so I must rate the non-audio part of the book by itself and for what it was intended to be – a fan’s book. For those who want to spend an hour or two reviewing Caray’s prolific career, and to see some nice pictures that will bring back memories, this is pretty good. It is written much like a YA book, though, so don’t expect the depth you might get in a biography.
February 4, 2023
Interesting look into the life of Harry Caray- I found myself as always, googling moments mentioned, and digging deeper. The book glossed over some negative portions of his life but all in all, perfect for a baseball fan.
December 2, 2018
This was a fairly comprehensive overview of the life and career of MLB Hall of Fame announcer Harry Caray. It’s a delightful read for any baseball fan.
May 12, 2019
I was not expecting a J book but it was still good.
July 7, 2020
A fast read for lovers of baseball and Harry Caray.
July 12, 2009
A decent read on Harry. Some funny moments but mostly very basic information on Harry Caray's life. The accompanying CD is very disappointing. Too much Pat Hughes talking, and not enough Harry Caray clips.
August 16, 2012
This is a brief biography of Harry Caray's life. There aren't a whole lot of details, but it gives the major events. It was expecting more from the audio CD. It was basically a retelling of the book by the author, not as much broadcasting highlights from Harry Caray.
March 27, 2012
Anyone who liked Harry (and who didn't) will like the book. It's great to go back in time and remember Harry's love for the game. His excitement for the game will never be matched.
September 19, 2013
A very sweet book and quick read. The CD sounds a bit like it was dumbed down and marketed to kids, but no matter. I guess I'm still a kid.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews