Legendary sportscaster who brought iconic events like the Olympics and Super Bowl to life with his charismatic commentary. Known for his smooth, baritone voice and poetic descriptions of athletic feats.
Known for his iconic voice and versatility in covering various sports, Jack Whitaker is a name synonymous with excellence in sports broadcasting. With a career spanning over five decades, Whitaker has left an indelible mark on the world of sports, earning him a place among the greatest sportscasters of all time.
Born on May 18, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Whitaker grew up with a passion for sports. After graduating from Northeast Catholic High School in 1941 and Saint Joseph's University in 1947, he began his broadcasting career at WPAM in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. His early years in broadcasting saw him working at WCAU, where he did local weather broadcasts and other announcing duties.
In 1961, Whitaker entered network sports at CBS, where he did play-by-play for the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL and hosted the anthology series CBS Sports Spectacular. Over the next two decades, he worked for CBS, covering a range of sports, including golf, horse racing, championship boxing, and Major League Baseball. His versatility and expertise earned him a reputation as one of the most respected sportscasters of his time.
Whitaker's coverage of golf is perhaps his most enduring legacy. He covered all four major championships and was a staple of CBS's golf coverage. However, his career was not without controversy. In 1966, he was banned from covering the Masters golf tournament for CBS after tournament chairman Clifford Roberts took offense to his comment, "Here comes the mob," in reference to the arrival of the gallery at the 18th hole of the Augusta National Golf Club at the end of a playoff. Despite this setback, Whitaker continued to work for CBS and eventually returned to cover the Masters in 1972.
Whitaker's contributions to sports broadcasting have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 1986 and received the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award in 1992. In 2012, he was awarded the Sports Lifetime Achievement Award at the 33rd Annual Sports Emmy Awards.
Jack Whitaker's impact on sports broadcasting cannot be overstated. He set a high standard for sportscasters, earning the respect of his peers and the admiration of sports fans everywhere. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of sportscasters, and his contributions to the world of sports will be remembered for years to come.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jack Whitaker has left an indelible mark on the world of sports. His passion, expertise, and dedication to his craft have made him a legend in the world of sports broadcasting.
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Legendary voice of American sports, calling iconic moments in football, baseball, and Olympics, with a career spanning over four decades.
