Furman Bisher

By Michael Scharff

August 13, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bisher, thanks to you and all of your colleauges at the AJC for your wonderful writing and rememberances of Sip. I already sorely miss his voice and humor on Braves home game broadcasts.

By Nurlman

August 13, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Wow.

By Gene

August 13, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

That was a good characterization by a good writer. Skip was irritating at times. He was greatly amused at his own jokes that sometimes were pretty bad. However, it was always good to catch him on the car radio, when I was out of town. He cared about his job, and he cared about the Braves. I will miss him.

By Peachtree John

August 13, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Furman:

If memory is correct, when I was growing up down the road from Charlotte, you wrote for the Charlotte Observer. Well, I followed you to Atlanta some time later and still enjoy your writing. It’s good to see you have that “Old Time Religion” and emotion can overcome the outward thick crust that life has deposited on you through the years when a verse of a hymn that brings the “Precious Memories” of a loved one. God bless.

Peachtree John

By falcon

August 13, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Skip Carey was to the Braves, what Larry Munson is to UGA. The man was an institution. He will be fondly remembered by fans for decades. There will never be another Skip.

By DirtyDawg

August 13, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t know Rick Camp well, but I do know him well enough to have at least been as thoughtful as Skip Carey was. In addition to being an unparalleled announcer, Skip was a better man than many of us were aware.

By Moved

August 13, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Mr Bisher:

It’s not often that a column in the Sports page can bring me to the verge of tears; in fact, this is probably the first time. Those of us who grew up listening to Skip felt like we knew him without ever meeting him, and we’re hurting today as well. Thanks for sharing your grief, and I’m very sorry for the loss of your friend.

By Papa

August 13, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Mr. B, A cleanly delivered and poignant piece. Skip offered exposition of action and intent. My prayers with his family and friends.

By oletimerbrave

August 13, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

As much as I will miss hearing him, the family will miss him more! I feel like he has aways been part of my life! All the Tributes to Skip Carey, I have been able to find, I have saved them for future listening. He will be missed bigtime!

By Ryan Chambers

August 13, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

I am not old enough to remember the Rick Camp July 4th game HR, but was told the story as a bedtime fabel by my father. Some kids got Dr. Seuss, I got Rick Camp.

I guess thats why I loved Skip. He was one of us. A fan. And you knew if you paid hald attention. There are a lot more good radio and tv guys out there, even those covering the Braves now. But most, sadly, are just trying to further their career to the next step or just doing Braves games around other more national deals. Not to insult those guys for wanting bigger and better. Lord knows, no one can blame them for reaching for those dreams.

But Skip was a Braves fan. Just like us. Always there. It was kind of comforting to know this when listening. I loved Skip, cried when I heard of his passing and will always try and remember the standard he set.

To end this rant, I had a radio that I had had since high school that I have always used as my “outdoor radio” and have had now going on ten years on my deck. Skips last call was the last game I ever listened to on it. I left out of town the weekend he passed and came back home to find it not working when I returned Monday.

I cried then, too. God bless you, Skip, and my prayers are with your family.

By marthanne

August 13, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

it is still so hard to believe that skip is no longer with us and i am still almost in tears every single time i stumble across an article by one of atlanta’s finest about this man — even when you don’t know someone personally when they have been a part of your life for all the years skip called games — it hurts a lot and i hurt for his wife and children —

By Ralph

August 13, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

As long as there is Baseball, a Brave team, an Atlanta Stadium, Skip will remain alive in the minds and thoughts of the fans, and the people who knew him.

By E "Buzz" Miller

August 13, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Skip was DA MAN……….He will be forever missed by THIS Braves fan….He was the VOICE of the Braves and we must now turn the page….I’ll never forget his humor - off the wall comments, etc. He was one of a kind and I’ll miss him..God Bless him and his family!

By Chris

August 13, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

As a young child in the late 60’s, I spent many a night before bed listening to Skip do Atlanta Hawks games. To hear him describe Pete Maravich dribbling circles around the opposing team or Lou Hudson hitting a jump shot was a thing of beauty. I was lucky enough to be at a Rome Braves game last year and get to hear Skip help Josh do the play by play. I’ll never forget it. Like Lewis Grizzard, Skip is one of those people who cannot be replaced, but one who’s memory will always be treasured. God bless him and his family.

By Fahim

August 13, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Wonderful article Mr. Bisher….

30 years from now when I’m in my 60s I’ll tell my grandkids that I had the honor and privilege of listening to the great man who’s statue sits outside whatever ballpark the Braves play at.

Miss you Skip…and we love you dearly. You will never be forgotten!

By scottbravesfan

August 13, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Great Job

By Tennille Dawg

August 13, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

How do you spell Furman Bisher? C L A S S. Thank you sir, as always.

By Furman B fan

August 13, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Mr Bisher you are a pros pros. The best writer left in this rag. well maybe the only writer left in this rag. Where have all the true newspaper people gone?

By Royce b

August 13, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

The only time I actually met Skip was earlier this season when he was sitting outside the bbq place at the Ted that bears his name. He looked so frail but clearly was Skip on the inside.

I asked him when he was every going to write a book about his baseball stories. Without missing a beat he said whenever he finds a country with a non-extraditition treaty. LOL. I told him if he ever wrote a book I’d buy a copy. Again quick as a whip he replied ” well, I’ll make sure to write atleast one copy then!”

Didn’t cry at my grandma’s funeral but found my 47 year old eyes watering like a baby at the ceremony at the Ted Tuesday.

RIP

By scottnjaxbeach

August 13, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

First, let me say that Mr Bisher you are to sportswriting what God is to Grace…

I was at the game when Rick Camp hit the homerun. If my memory serves me correctly it was the 4th of July and the game didn’t end till about 2 or 3am. There was a long rain delay which caused the game to go this long. And true to braves fashion they insisted on shooting the fireworks at the end of the game. The fireworks were so loud that it woke an elderly lady from her bed. I believe that Skip reported the following night that the lady had called and asked whether Sherman was attacking Atlanta again!

Skip your race has been run my friend. I know you sit with your Dad in the heavens above!

By Patrick

August 14, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

I discovered the Braves during the 13 game winning streak back in 82 with my mother. I remember late night games when the boys played Tommy Lasordas Dodgers. I would watch these games until I was numb. Especially when they were on a school night and I had to use my best politics just to listen to the game as I fell asleep. Skip Caray was there every night win or lose he was the voice that guided me through those classic games with Bruce Benedict, Dale Murphy and Claudell Washington.

If I was on the road and I was trying to find the game in my car..I’d listen for Skip’s voice..if he was on the boys were playing and all was right in my world regardless of miles I had to travel.

Skip was almost like a relative to me..my mother called me from Atlanta the day she say he had passed away..we had moment of silence because like me her love for the Braves was nutured by Skip and we felt the tremendous loss of a friend who should have been family.

I too find myself listening to every memorial that the internet has and I still get goose bumps when I hear him say ” So long everybody” for the last time.

He will be missed and listening to the game will never be the same in Atlanta…perhaps we should all count our blessings that we as Braves fans had the honor and the extreme joy to be touched by Skips talent and heart for over 30 years.

I miss him..because with him gone I feel a piece of my childhood has gone too.

RIP Skip!

By Coach (Skip will be missed)

August 14, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

The life of Skip Caray could be summed up in these few words:

He made the world a better place and baseball was his calling

Few of us get to do what we really love. Skip excelled at it.

By The Fight Realtor

August 14, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this

My favorite Carey comment of all time came in an insignificant game, in the midst of a lost season, in June 1989. It was my last night as a student at Georgia State University, and I stopped by a friend’s on the way home. Tianamen Square was brewing in Beijing, and it looked like revolution might break out in China. The Braves, meanwhile, were getting drubbed in the first game of a double header at home against the Dodgers. These were the wilderness years for the Braves, where year in and year out, they were God awful. In the top of the 9th inning, with the Braves down by six or so runs, a Dodger batter steps to the plate, and proceeds to be very picky about the pitches he offers at. Finally, after the batter looked at two or three balls, Carey said something to the affect, “Come on!! Swing the bat!! What does it matter, anyways?!?!” Carey was a true original.

By KC Kid

August 14, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

If Bisher writes it, I read it.

His writing makes it painful to read the other “writers” at the AJC. Well done Furman, as always.

Godspeed Skip. We all enjoyed your talent and we’ll remember you always as the voice of the Braves in their Golden Era.

By Kelley

August 14, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

Braves’ baseball will never be the same.

I still cannot believe that Skip is gone. I don’t know who will make me laugh when I listen to Braves’ games now.

Great article, Mr. Bisher.

By Ross in Pawleys Island

August 14, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardozo once wrote, “In the end the great truth will have been learned that the quest is greater than what is sought, the effort finer than the prize, or rather that the effort is the prize, the victory cheap and hollow were it not for the rigor of the game.” Skip understood this, and Mr. Bisher you understand it too. Your piece is so well done. I too loved the man.

By jackie

August 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Once again reading your article I shed tears for Skip - What a beautiful tribute Mr. Bisher…you nailed it. We will all miss his many talents and his laugh.

How Great Thou Art…

By Dennis McSwain

August 14, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Thank you Mr. Bisher for your eloquent words. I have an uncle that took time with me when I was a boy. He played catch with me when my Dad was too busy. He took me places and the first time I spent a night away from home it was with him and his wife. There will be a void in my life on the day that he leaves this world.

It may seem a bit silly because I never met Skip Carey in person, but that’s exactly how I miss him right now. He was like a precious uncle who was always “there for me.”

By jackson677

August 14, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Well, as I’ve heard Skip say, during many a broadcast, “It’s the bottom of another fifth.” I’d just like to hear him call one more ballgame. Do you think anyone over at TBS will put together a DVD of highlights (and lowlights)of video clips in remberance of him? Something like the short video they did for Neikro the season after he retired. (I believe the music they used was a song called “Suddenly last Summer” I’d love to a DVD of that too.) But I digress. Thanks Furman and all the writers at AJC. You guys are and have been the class act of sports writters in not just the South but all of the US for years.

By goober

August 14, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Mr. Bisher. Seeing those words from “How Great Thou Art” in print captured Skip and our love for him perfectly. I hope somehow that all of these thousands of memories and tributes to Skip in the AJC and other places can be transmitted to Heaven so Skip can read them. Anybody have God’s email address?

By Marc

August 14, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Dear Sir, Just as Skip has been one of favorites though these years so have you been. I walked into Turner Field on Tuesday morn and my eyes filled with tears - tears of many flavors - sadness, joy, loss ad regret. Regret is an emotion that I try most to avoid, but I never actually met Skip and got to tell him how much he has been in my life, niggling at my ear and so… regret. But no regret for Mr. Bisher, because I say this to you. I have read your words and seen that little likeness at the top of the column for so much of my time here, the Newspaper pulled between my fingers and Thank You, Thank You. It a shame on me that I waited this long to say Thank You, but here I have. Thank you. No regrets. ‘nuff said.

By Eric Shelander

August 14, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Sir, Outstanding, as was all the blogs, articles, comments, etc. Skip in many ways was the Atlanta Braves. Growing up I read Furman Bisher and Jesse Outlar religiously, from the days of the Crackers at Ponce De Leon across from Sears to Atlanta Stadium to Turner Field.I was there opening night lo those many years ago when the Pirates spoiled our opener in extra innings, I believe it was Willie Stargell hit a home run in the 10th or 11th to beat us. For years I endured that other radio voice and then Skip came to town to team with Ernie and Pete and the game was on. I will never forget all those nights in Columbus GA at Ft. Benning listening to the game on radio while on duty. Several years ago in Houston, while doing radio interviews with several players, I got to share a few moments with Skip in the Press Buffet area. In fact I got to meet and greet both Skip and that other radio voice now broadcasting for another team, and you know what, Skip had more class in his little finger than, well enough said. We will miss you Skip, take care. Eric Shelander, Dallas, TX

By John

August 14, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Having grown up in Philadelphia in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s, I was privledge to hear the likes of Richie Asburn and Harry Kalas, calling Phillies games, and Gene Hart calling Flyers games. To me they were and Harry still is, the life and bllod of those teams. Like those great announcers, when I moved here in 1996 I listened to the radio at times when the Braves were playing and I was driving home from work or from some other outing. Skip had that unmistakable voice that you knew instantly who it was you were listening to. He could call a game with the best of them, describing it like you were sitting right there on the first base line looking out and watching the play unfold. Many a times he would throw one of those zingers out of know where and you wondered “what had just happened” but that was Skip always trying to lighten up a situation or make fun of himself.

Even though I still bleed Phillies red, I do know what everyone else is feeling. When you loose a friend like Philadelphia did with Richie Asburn and Gene Hart, it is like loosing a part of your family that you will never get back. This town was privaledge to hear an exceptional announcer for 30 years and I was privaledge to have heared him 12 of them.

Mr. Carey you will be missed by all your extended family, both those that rooted against your team and those that rooted for it. You sir, were a giant among men.

By Ken Stallings

August 14, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

The central point you captured well, Furman, is that we cannot figure out the right way to say goodbye because fundamentally we don’t want to say goodbye.

We realize Skip was an original, never to be duplicated or even emulated. For so many decades he made Braves baseball a true family affair, a constant in the changing universe. Never before had so many games been broadcast to so many places. Skip’s voice and personality were the defining moments of those many games.

Prior to TBS, baseball was a regional game. With Skip and TBS is became a national game with a regional identity. More than any other human on earth, Skip Caray became a friend on a national level.

The closest comparison I can find is Will Rogers, who via his radio program reached the nation on a personal level and then traveled around that nation to establish a personal bond. But Skip had a greater connection through television.

The nation erected statues of Will Rogers, named foundations after him, and did a myriad of other personal honors. The nation morned Rogers much in the way it morns Skip.

Except with Rogers, we knew his was an acting persona. With Skip, we knew we identified the real man. That made his death more personal.

By Tom

August 14, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

GREAT article, Furman!

All us ‘old timers’ appreciate the ‘real Mccoy’!

By Paddy

August 14, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Mr Furman, you have been writing great for a long time. But this is a masterpiece. Thanks for putting everyone of Skips friends on the same page in that song book. Because of you, we all have been heard. That is the power of the written word and very few do it better.

By rayjay

August 14, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Bish fret not,Skips calling the Braves games fron now on in Heavens press box & might i add that Lewis @ Catfish are in the VIP box next door……

By BT

August 14, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

I hope you are getting a book together that is a compilation of your finest articles. There are so many it would be extremely hard to choose which ones go into the book.

Your writings have been a blessing to readers for decades and for that I thank you.

By Geno

August 14, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Mr Bisher Thank you for continuing to write so well and with feeling. Your comments on Skip really hit it with me who saw Skip in league with Al Helfer and Mel Allen. Yep, I go way back. I wish Ed Danforth were still around so I could read his column on Skip. Yep, I used to read you when you were in The Constitution and that PM I would compare your column to Ed’s in The Journal.

By Rick

August 15, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bisher,

I think that skip represented an era in Atlanta that we all loved that will never return.

My Mom was born at Grady in 1934 and my dad in Roopville/Lowell, Ga. in 1928. My grandparents were born and buried in Ga as well. Some in Atlanta.

But I could not live in Atlanta now.

To me, you and Skip and Lewis are what’s left of a the greatest place on earth at it’s greatest time. It was wonderful.

Atlanta lost a piece of it’s soul with Skip passing.. Lewis too.. Hang in there.

Bob Neal, Ted Turner, Andrew Young, Vince Dooley, Hosea Williams, Larry Munson and even Neal Boortz are some others that come to mind as well.

Very good article.

By Poste Haste

August 15, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Skip Caray is in extra innings now, and the score is God 1, Atlanta 0, (with Skip going home on Atlanta’s Sacrifice).

The angels are doing the tomahawk chop now……I hope they like cold hotdogs and warm beer…..if they start the “Wave”, Skip will know he went to the wrong place……doesn’t the foul pole extend upward into infinity?…….oh Skip’s the joy-boy of radio, he pushed electrons to and fro…..if there’s a hall-of-fame heaven, then they must have a hell of a booth…

By Richard

August 15, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Furman, Thanks for a great summation of an outstnading career. I agree with Tennille Dawg that you have class

By Clay

August 15, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Mr.Bisher
Many years ago you summed everyones attraction to Skip Carey. In one of your columns,You said the Hawks game had gotten so exciting that you left the arena and went outside to listen to Skip Carey on your car radio. I guess you can tell that i am a long time fan of yours as well.

By Debbie

August 16, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

That was one of the most beautiful articles I’ve ever read. It made me cry. I shall never forget the summer, in the mid 70s, when my dad bought a converter box for the television so we could watch “Channel 17” and the Braves games. I’ve been watching, listening on the radio etc..ever since. I miss Skip’s voice already. The games just don’t sound the same.

It will take some time to get used to NOT hearing Skip.

Mr. Bisher, you are a great man. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. God Bless You

By Rick

August 16, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Every article I have read about Skip Carey has the same theme. Skip was a jerk but he had a soft side too. Even his own son said he was not the easiest guy to get along with. If you die and the first thing people say about you is that you are a pain in the A**, then you were pretty much a total jerk. And Skip was!