1983 – Jack Brickhouse

Born in Peoria, Illinois, on January 24, 1916, sportscasting legend Jack Brickhouse is best known for his coverage of Chicago Cubs games from the late 1940s until his retirement after the 1981 season. Brickhouse’s career began in 1934, at radio station WMBD/Peoria, at just 18 years old he was the youngest announcer in the Country. Then in 1940, he got a job with WGN/Chicago, where he became the voice of the Cubs and White Sox, and announced Chicago Bears games for 24 consecutive seasons. At the national level, Brickhouse announced four World Series, five All-Star games, and three NFL championship games. He also broadcast wrestling as the ringside announcer for the DuMont Television Network. During his sportscasting career, Brickhouse was named Illinois Sportscaster of the Year, five times. He also received the Ford C. Frick award, from the Baseball Hall of Fame, in 1983. Brickhouse died on August 6, 1998. He was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame on April 11, 1983.