This morning, I was remiss in mentioning the passing of legendary Baltimore broadcaster Chuck Thompson. He died yesterday at the age of 83. Thompson was the voice of the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Colts. He did both of them well. Chuck was recognized by the Baseball Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Broadcaster’s Wing in 1993. I remember listening to Chuck and Bill O’Donnell on WBAL in the 1970’s from my Rhode Island home and they were such a great broadcasting team. Thompson retired in 1987 and returned to the broadcast booth on a limited basis three years later. His final retirement was in 2000 as he was suffering from macular degeneration which took his eyesight. The man was beloved in Baltimore and there is a special section remembering Thompson’s accomplishments at the Baltimore Sun’s website. You may have to register to read the very kind articles or go to bugmenot.com. By reading the articles, you get a sense of how the Baltimore community embraced Thompson and how he loved Baltimore back.
He had his own catchphrases, “Ain’t the Beer Cold?” and “Go to War, Miss Agnes!” both of which were legendary to Orioles and Colts fans.
The Washington Post also has a story on Thompson’s passing
Truly sad to think that some of the great old-time broadcasters like Jack Buck, Harry Carey, Ned Martin, Ken Coleman and Thompson are no longer with us. Ernie Harwell and Curt Gowdy are retired and one has to wonder how long Vin Scully and Milo Hamilton will continue. They are the link to baseball’s and football’s past.
May you rest in peace, Chuck.
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