Skip Caray Dead at 68

[love_that_reefer]

Broadcaster Skip Caray, who was in his 33rd season of calling Atlanta Braves games, died in his sleep Sunday at his Atlanta home.

Caray, the son of former Hall of Fame play-by-play announcer Harry Caray, had several ailments in the last year but had recovered enough to continue calling Braves home games at Turner Field. He would have been 69 on Aug. 12.

"Our baseball community has lost a legend today," Braves president John Schuerholz said. "The Braves family and Braves fans everywhere will sadly miss him. Our thoughts are with his wife Paula and his children."

Caray had done a majority of his work for TBS, which gave him a national audience and large fan base.

Caray began his broadcasting career at KMOX-Radio in St. Louis as host of a 15-minute high school sports show and as a sportscaster for high school basketball games. He later joined his father as a color commentator for University of Missouri football.

He began broadcasting baseball for the Tulsa Oilers of the Southern League in 1963. Caray was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2005 with longtime broadcast partner Pete Van Wieren.

Born in St. Louis, Caray was a graduate of the University of Missouri, with honors in journalism. He is survived by his wife, Paula, and four children; Chip, Cindy, Shayelyn, and Josh and seven grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Sad day for baseball fans everywhere as Skip was heard by everyone who has ever enjoyed the game. I have probably seen hundreds of Braves games Skip has called and can still hear him saying "Chipper Jones" in my head. Hope he gets a well deserved celebration of life from baseball and his family.

[BuckFoston]

Very sad to see him go. R.I.P. my prayers go out to his family and friends.

[catman]

He was a very good voice for baseball games. Very knowlegable and easy to listen to. He will be missed by all fans.

[cjkalt]

He was the reason I became a knowledgeable baseball fan, was listening to his broadcasts on TBS before NESN was a part of basic... i'm really sad to seem go

[ljshorty89]

Sad day for baseball, even though I'm not a fan of the team he represented, he was a smart, eloquent, and verbose man. Sad to see him go.

[DravenX]

I just found out just now. I can't believe it. I always love hearing the games when he is in the booth.

If it wasnt too late I would call my parents. My family is from GA. My dad grew up watching the Braves when they moved to Atlanta. Just can't believe it.

[realmofotalk]

He once equated the Braves beating the Montreal Expos to good triumphing over evil. He was a huge homer, but I'll give him credit for his popularity with baseball fans.