Noted sportscaster who called play-by-play for the Mutual Broadcasting System's Game of the Day, bringing baseball to a wide audience during the 1940s and 1950s.
Al Helfer, affectionately known as "Mr. Radio Baseball," left an indelible mark on the world of sports broadcasting. With a career spanning over three decades, he called the play-by-play of seven World Series, ten All-Star Games, and regular season broadcasts for several teams, including the New York Yankees, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Oakland Athletics.
Born on September 26, 1911, in Elrama, Pennsylvania, Helfer's fascination with sports began at a young age. He played football and basketball at Washington & Jefferson College, where he later took his first job as a sports reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. His foray into radio broadcasting started in 1933, when he began recreating Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games for radio station WWSW.
Helfer's big break came in 1935, when he joined Red Barber as the regular broadcast team of the Cincinnati Reds. He later moved to CBS in 1937, working on various baseball and football games. In 1939, he was reunited with Barber on the Brooklyn Dodgers broadcasts, earning the nickname "Brother Al" from his colleagues.
During World War II, Helfer served in the U.S. Navy, taking a brief hiatus from his broadcasting career. Upon his return, he started doing Game of the Day broadcasts for Mutual, eventually pairing with Dizzy Dean on the network's broadcasts in the early 1950s. Although their on-air partnership was marked by disagreements, Helfer's talent and professionalism shone through.
Helfer's contributions to baseball broadcasting are undeniable. He called the final home game of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957, introducing the players to the crowd for the last time. He went on to work with various teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, and helped fill the void of National League baseball in New York after the departure of the Dodgers and Giants.
Helfer's life was marked by dedication to his craft and a passion for sports. He passed away on May 16, 1975, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire sports broadcasting enthusiasts today.
"It's a beautiful day for baseball!" - Al Helfer's iconic opening line, which became synonymous with the excitement and joy of the game.
Al Helfer's remarkable career serves as a testament to his dedication, talent, and love for baseball. As "Mr. Radio Baseball," he left an indelible mark on the world of sports broadcasting, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of sports enthusiasts.
98 Years Old
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