Sportscaster Merle Harmon Dies at 82

[spinderella]

Statement from the Texas Rangers:

Arlington, Texas—The Texas Rangers today issued the following statement on the passing of former broadcaster Merle Harmon, who died this afternoon at the age of 82:



“Major League Baseball and the Texas Rangers have lost a legendary play-by-play announcer and a great friend. Merle Harmon called games with distinction and class in his nearly 40 years with the Kansas City A’s, Milwaukee Braves, Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers. The Rangers had the privilege of having Mr. Harmon in their television booth for his final eight years as a broadcaster. He was one of the true gentlemen of his profession. We express our deepest sympathies to Mr. Harmon’s family and friends.”



Mr. Harmon worked Rangers games on KXAS-TV (1982-83), 5 Star Cable (1982), and Home Sports Entertainment (1983-89). He was behind the mike when Nolan Ryan recorded his 5000th career strikeout on August 22, 1989 against Oakland’s Rickey Henderson at Arlington Stadium. Following his retirement, he became a fulltime resident of Arlington, Texas.



The Rangers will observe a moment of silence for Mr. Harmon prior to tonight’s game with the Baltimore Orioles. The club will also erect a plaque outside the home television booth at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in his memory later this season.

 

[MikeShannon914]

Sorry to hear about Merle. It was just last week that it hit 31 years since Rangers PxP expert Dick Risenhoover died. Wish someone would erect a plaque on HIS behalf, too. Same for the late Holtz.

 

[ISaidSo]

They did, they named the lake after Holtz...

 

[RADIO TRUTH]

The highlight of Merle Harmon's career was being the play by play voice for the New York Jets in 1968 on WABC and being the broadcaster of Superbowl 3, the greatest football game ever played.

 

[northernlights]

I had the pleasure of meeting Merle Harmon about five years ago. The man had a plethora of knowledge and insight on not just sports, but anything else you wanted to talk about. He will most definitely be missed.

 

[radioman148]

Statement from the Texas Rangers:

Arlington, Texas—The Texas Rangers today issued the following statement on the passing of former broadcaster Merle Harmon, who died this afternoon at the age of 82:



“Major League Baseball and the Texas Rangers have lost a legendary play-by-play announcer and a great friend. Merle Harmon called games with distinction and class in his nearly 40 years with the Kansas City A’s, Milwaukee Braves, Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers. The Rangers had the privilege of having Mr. Harmon in their television booth for his final eight years as a broadcaster. He was one of the true gentlemen of his profession. We express our deepest sympathies to Mr. Harmon’s family and friends.”



Mr. Harmon worked Rangers games on KXAS-TV (1982-83), 5 Star Cable (1982), and Home Sports Entertainment (1983-89). He was behind the mike when Nolan Ryan recorded his 5000th career strikeout on August 22, 1989 against Oakland’s Rickey Henderson at Arlington Stadium. Following his retirement, he became a fulltime resident of Arlington, Texas.



The Rangers will observe a moment of silence for Mr. Harmon prior to tonight’s game with the Baltimore Orioles. The club will also erect a plaque outside the home television booth at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in his memory later this season.

I remember Merle Harmon calling the Milwaukee Brewers games when they first started in 1970 & through the 70s. RIP.