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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > August > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTruth be told, Van Wieren won’t be having fun
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pete Van Wieren will offer a eulogy at Skip Caray’s memorial Mass Monday, and that will be hard. But he expects the hardest part to come with Tuesday night’s game, with the resumption of a decades-old routine that can never be the same.
“We’ll be in the press box at Turner Field and we’ll see all the people Skip was used to seeing,” Van Wieren said. “But he’s not going to be there anymore.”
Van Wieren was flying to San Francisco on the Braves’ charter Aug. 3 when he learned his on-air partner of 33 years had died. He’d been asleep, and Braves manager Bobby Cox roused him with a tap on the shoulder, and instantly Van Wieren knew something was wrong: “Bobby never comes to the back of the plane.”
Owing to the baseball schedule, the Braves and Van Wieren won’t be able to return home until Sunday night, and the week away, he conceded, “has been tough.” His voice cracked and his eyes welled up during the opening of last Monday night’s broadcast, “but then the game starts and you’re trying to do the game … And it wasn’t really strange not seeing Skip around the hotel because he hadn’t been traveling the last couple of years.”
So Van Wieren had a week to sift through a trunk of memories. Over those 33 years the two had done everything together — “Even in the offseason, we’d do things with the wives,” Van Wieren said — and they never stopped laughing. “We’d laugh on a daily basis. We’d be doing a game and we’d laugh about somebody wearing a funny hat.”
They laughed, mostly from necessity, through the lean early years, and they laughed just as hard during the Braves’ run of 14 consecutive division titles. They’d settled into their respective roles not because they were “roles” because they were who they were. “Skip was Skip,” said Van Wieren, famously nicknamed the Professor, “and I was the guy with the record book.”
Caray had a credo: “Have fun and tell the truth.” And his brand of fun flared into all manner of tangents. Such as:
There was the time he came to the ballpark with a risque joke — Skip always had a new one — he wanted to tell on the air. He told the joke to Van Wieren, who said, “I don’t think so.”
But Skip was seldom easily deterred. “He was determined to tell this joke on the air,” Van Wieren said, and sure enough …
“He came up with the concept where he would tell the punch line only. The punch line was as clean as a whistle, but anyone listening who knew the whole joke had to be falling off his chair. So that started a whole series of punch-line-only jokes. People were sending us jokes, just to hear the punch lines.”
Then there was the time Skip was doing a late-game SuperStation promo. “It was for ‘Squirm,’ a really bad horror movie. And Skip said, ‘If anybody stays awake long enough to watch this thing and writes a review of it, we’ll send you an autographed baseball.’ We got a couple of thousand reviews.”
And then there was the time back in the ’70s when a certain newspaper ran a Sunday story claiming nobody was watching or listening to the games. “Skip was incensed,” Van Wieren said. “So he gave out the phone number of the Atlanta Journal & Constitution on the air and said, ‘If you’re listening, give them a call.’ So many people called up that it blew out their switchboard … He was always great at provoking a response.”
Atlantans will bid farewell to Caray these next two days, first at Monday’s funeral service, then at a Tuesday morning “tribute and celebration” at Turner Field. And then, hours after the latter, the surviving half of the timeless duo will gather his stats and his record book and seat himself in the familiar perch, and that’s the part he dreads most.
“It will be an awful lot different,” Van Wieren said, “going back in the booth.”
Permalink | Comments (108) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves/MLB
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Comments
By CarolinaJacket
August 10, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Thank God we still have Pere, but it will never be the same. We miss you Skip.
By bill
August 10, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
AS I said before…. HONOR Pete, Ernie and Skip now! Don’t wait until they all pass on. It doesn’t have to be a statue, but something Now!
By viking65
August 10, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
When Pete, retires, I think it would be totally appropriate for the Braves to have some sort of monument to Skip, Ernie, and Pete at Turner Field. Through bad times and good they’re been the greatest and most postive constant surrounding the Braves over the last 30 years. The deserve a lasting place in Braves history.
By Murphy
August 10, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Great stories!! Thanks.
By Frank
August 10, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Skip had diabetes and I call in to his pregame show and he told my son to be strong and do not let it control you. He said you can still have a great life but take care of yourself. God bless Him.
By Frank
August 10, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Skip had diabetes and I call in to his pregame show and he told my son to be strong and do not let it control you. He said you can still have a great life but take care of yourself. God bless Him.
By Very Sad
August 10, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Thank you for the story, Mr Bradley. How we love that man! The void he leaves is caverness.
By Very Sad
August 10, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
uh, make that ‘cavernous’. Hard to see through tears.
By Billy
August 10, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
Skip was the man! May God be with him.
By oasisbraves
August 10, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Don Sutton too
By Martha
August 10, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Great story Mr.Bradley. I really feel for Pete, this is going to be tough for him as it has been a week and he has had to think about what he will say. Lots of memories.
We will miss Skip, he was Braves Baseball along with the others. We had a great team and now one is gone.
Martha
By Tim
August 10, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
I agree with the sentiments. Skip was great and I am thrilled the Braves inducted him into their Hall of Fame a couple of years ago. I think a monument of Ernie, Skip and Pete would be a great tribute.
I also want to take the opportunity to say how much I love and appreciate the work of Pete Van Wieren. What a professional! Skip always got the laughs, but he had a great straight man. What a great team the two made. I’m sending some love to Pete out of respect for Skip because I know he would want Pete to get his due.
By K-baby
August 10, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves could place name plates on a section of seats in the stadium in his memory. Of course, each plate should have the name of a different Georgia town commemorating his ongoing joke of announcing the hometown of every fan who caught a foul ball.
That would be a permanent reminder of his wonderful wit and sense of humor he brought to every broadcast.
By dobearsbare
August 10, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
They’ve already honored them by inducting them into the Braves Hall of Fame. Someone suggested retiring No. 17 for the Superstation crew, but I’m wondering how Glenn Hubbard would feel about that.
By dobearsbare
August 10, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
They’ve already honored them by inducting them into the Braves Hall of Fame. Someone suggested retiring No. 17 for the Superstation crew, but I’m wondering how Glenn Hubbard would feel about that.
By D-Cider
August 10, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
I saw Jim Huber’s tribute to Skip on TBS today after the red sox-white sox game. very, very touching. But at the conclusion, when the photograph of Skip was put on the screen and his unmistakable voice said, “So long, everybody.” it gave me chills. And with the passing of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, this has been on lousy week.
By Mark Bradley
August 10, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Thanks, folks. I imagine a few more Skip stories — a few hundred more, surely — will be offered at the memorial services Monday and Tuesday.
By Michael
August 10, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
In my opinion, Skip Caray was a major part of, not only the Atlanta Braves, but Major League Baseball as a whole. He is as important to the Braves and Major League Baseball as Red Barber is to the New York Yankees, Jack Buck is to the St. Louis Cardinals and Ernie Harwell is to the Detroit Tigers.
And here’s hoping that the first thing God says to Skip is, “In Heaven, Skip, there are no pre-game shows.”
Welcome home, Skip. We’ll miss you!
By vnjagvet
August 10, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Skip kept it real for his entire career. What’s more, he kept it fun and entertaining. As someone who grew up in the same era as Skip, I heard the same announcers he did. His dad, Jack Buck, Mel Allen, Red Barber, Vin Sculley, Jimmy Dudley, By Sam, and many more.
Nevertheless, he didn’t imitate any of them. He fashioned a unique style that combined accuracy, honesty, and most of all, humor. Sometimes bightingly sarcastic, but always funny and self-depricating.
Like his dad, he belongs in the Hall of Fame.
By Joseph Allen McWhorter
August 10, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Mark, the two greatest memorable calls from Skip Carey that I certainly will never forget are the 1992 slide into home plate by Sid Bream in the seventh game of the NLCS and, of course, Marquis Grissom grabbing the final fly out in the sixth game of the 1995 World Series to clinch the Braves only world title. I remember him saying “Grissom on the run-yes,yes,yes,yes-the Atlanta Braves have given you a championship.” What a great memory. I will certainly miss skip.
By Chief Noc-a-homa
August 10, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
I hope the broadcast Tuesday’s service on XM so everyone in the country can hear the love people had for Skip. Yes he was a homer but he was our homer and we will love him for that. God bless Skip and the Caray family.
By Joe
August 10, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
I hope they televise at least one of the services for those of us who cant be in Atlanta. God bless the Caray family
By TC
August 10, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
One of Skip’s greatest calls has to be the July 4th game back in the mid 80”S when Rick Camp hit a homerun to tie the game in about the 17th inning. Of course the Braves went on to lose in the 18th, but that was the norm of those 80’s teams. Still a great call by Skip that i will always remember because of all the grief he gave Camp about his lack of hitting ability.
Skip, you and Pete were the Greatest.
By James
August 10, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
This old boy from La Grange, Georgia never caught a foul ball at a Brave’s game, but rest assured there’s a tear in my eye and a lump in my heart knowing Skip’s gone. I’m sure as Skip entered Heaven’s gate St. Peter announced to everyone, “Skip wins! Skip wins! Skip wins!”
By Bryan
August 10, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
I remember the first time I met Skip was after a game in the mid 1980’s one of those nights when there were about 15,000 people at a game. I was walking down the corridor in the stadium after a game and got an autograph from Skip Pete and Ernie. I was talking to them about broadcasting and Skip and Pete took my friend and I into the radio both and gave us a five minute tour of the layout it was something I’ll never forget. The view was amazing.
I remember that night they were giving away visors and they had a ton left in the booth and Skip and Pete had told us to take as many as we wanted.
God bless…
By MamaJen
August 10, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
I grew up near Detroit, listening to Ernie Harwell call the Tigers’ games. He was incredibly awesome, and to this day, just hearing his voice takes me back to the happiest times of my childhood. As an adult, I left Michigan and spent many years without a “home team” to listen to and root for. Then four years ago, my family and I moved to Atlanta, and I started listening to the Braves. My husband and I would hear Skip Caray and his off-the-wall humor and just listen in amazement. For four wonderful years, we were able to listen to Skip and Pete, and we’d so often listen to the radio broadcasts, look at each other, and just bust out laughing during games. When I heard that Skip died, I cried. I laid awake at night, thinking about the game and how much radio personalities mean to baseball. I just can’t believe that the vibrant personality I had grown to love is gone. When I told my oldest son (11) what had happened, he almost cried, too, “But mom, he always made you laugh!” Yeah, he did. I am so sad, for his family, and for all of us who will miss him. In my mind, he is second only to Ernie Harwell in the realm of “great baseball broadcasters”. I am grateful for every moment I was privileged to listen to Skip call the Braves. What fun! I pray for Pete, that he has the strength he needs to continue on, especially during this week. And Skip, you will be missed! God Bless you and your family.
By MamaJen
August 10, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
I grew up near Detroit, listening to Ernie Harwell call the Tigers’ games. He was incredibly awesome, and to this day, just hearing his voice takes me back to the happiest times of my childhood. As an adult, I left Michigan and spent many years without a “home team” to listen to and root for. Then four years ago, my family and I moved to Atlanta, and I started listening to the Braves. My husband and I would hear Skip Caray and his off-the-wall humor and just listen in amazement. For four wonderful years, we were able to listen to Skip and Pete, and we’d so often listen to the radio broadcasts, look at each other, and just bust out laughing during games. When I heard that Skip died, I cried. I laid awake at night, thinking about the game and how much radio personalities mean to baseball. I just can’t believe that the vibrant personality I had grown to love is gone. When I told my oldest son (11) what had happened, he almost cried, too, “But mom, he always made you laugh!” Yeah, he did. I am so sad, for his family, and for all of us who will miss him. In my mind, he is second only to Ernie Harwell in the realm of “great baseball broadcasters”. I am grateful for every moment I was privileged to listen to Skip call the Braves. What fun! I pray for Pete, that he has the strength he needs to continue on, especially during this week. And Skip, you will be missed! God Bless you and your family.
By MamaJen
August 10, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
I grew up near Detroit, listening to Ernie Harwell call the Tigers’ games. He was incredibly awesome, and to this day, just hearing his voice takes me back to the happiest times of my childhood. As an adult, I left Michigan and spent many years without a “home team” to listen to and root for. Then four years ago, my family and I moved to Atlanta, and I started listening to the Braves. My husband and I would hear Skip Caray and his off-the-wall humor and just listen in amazement. For four wonderful years, we were able to listen to Skip and Pete, and we’d so often listen to the radio broadcasts, look at each other, and just bust out laughing during games. When I heard that Skip died, I cried. I laid awake at night, thinking about the game and how much radio personalities mean to baseball. I just can’t believe that the vibrant personality I had grown to love is gone. When I told my oldest son (11) what had happened, he almost cried, too, “But mom, he always made you laugh!” Yeah, he did. I am so sad, for his family, and for all of us who will miss him. In my mind, he is second only to Ernie Harwell in the realm of “great baseball broadcasters”. I am grateful for every moment I was privileged to listen to Skip call the Braves. What fun! I pray for Pete, that he has the strength he needs to continue on, especially during this week. And Skip, you will be missed! God Bless you and your family.
By NO MORE BOBBY
August 10, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Our prayers are with you Pete, Joe and the Caray family. Look at it this way - he has the best seat in the house now.
By sportsnut4
August 10, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
http://www.total-e-sports.blogspot.com
By johnny
August 10, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
I never met Skip Caray,but there will never be another summer in my life that i want miss him.To hear Skip make his homerun call was a treat that i shall miss forever.As a 50 year old man i’m not ashamed of 1 tear i shed at this computer.thank you Skip Caray for all the wonderfull memorizes
By George Holman
August 11, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
Pete is great, but Pete with Skip is like peanut butter with out jelly,,,,,,,,,
By Chris
August 11, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
I’m only 22 years old, but I have been listening to Skip and Pete call Braves games over the radio for as long as I can remember. Skip was truly one of a kind and I will truly miss him. I was always amazed as a young kid at how Skip “knew” the hometown of every single person that caught a foul ball…just typing that now makes me laugh out loud at Skip and his wit. I wasnt really old enough to really comprehend or truly remember the Sid Slide…but I know good and well what it meant to ATL and as a life long Braves fan, that has got to be my absolute favorite call that Skip made - “Theres a lot of room in right center, if he hits one there, we can dance in the streets. The 2-1……swung line drive left field, one run is in, here comes Bream…here’s the throw to the plate, he iiiisssss SAFE!…BRAVES WIN!, BRAVES WIN!, BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN!…BRAVES WIN!!!
You will truly be missed, Skip Caray. We love you. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
By TybeeDawg
August 11, 2008 4:51 AM | Link to this
There’s a drive….deep center field…. Skip going baaaaaack…… Heaven wins, heaven wins! Heaven wins! Scores and highlights after the break…….
I’ll miss you, Skip…tell Grizzard hello fer me….and send a warning message to Hudspeth. Love to the Family, Tybee Dawg
By DoTheRightThing
August 11, 2008 6:20 AM | Link to this
Retire17forSkip.com
By JM
August 11, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this
I miss his voice already. BRAVES WIN ! BRAVES WIN ! BRAVES WIN ! Rest in peace, Mr. Caray.
By Don & Jennie
August 11, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this
During the summer of 1978 the Braves weren’t exactly setting the woods on fire and my wife was at West Georgia College working on her Masters Degree. She was pregnant with our second daughter and living in the dorm. She often remarked that she didn’t know how she would have made it through that summer without being able to listen to Skip, Ernie and Pete broadcast the Braves. She still talks about that summer.
By Paddy
August 11, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
On a warm day in the Chicago bleachers, a full figure woman in a halter top had a halter top accident. Without missing a beat, Skip tells us, “looks like there is already one out in the 5th.”
Only in America and only by Skip.
RIP
By swolf4810
August 11, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
A statue in honor of Skip Pete and Ernie; NOW sound like a fine idea to me. Let’s not wait till they’re all gone.
By forever fan Jody
August 11, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
There is a hole in the heart of Braves Nation that will never fully heal. I’ve never had the chance to meet either Skip or Pete, but they are part of my family. For literally as long as I can remember, those 2 men have been as important a part of the Braves as any player. Maybe even more so. I don’t think Skip and Pete ever went into a slump. I’ve depended on them for 25 years, and they’ve never let me down. Pete, thank you for all the years of joy you’ve given us. We love you. And Skip, you may be gone, but your voice will echo forever. Rest in peace, my friend. You’ve earned it. We love you.
By Scott Miner
August 11, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
What better game to honor Skip but at a Cubs game. Harry and Skip will join in when they sing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” during the 7th inning stretch…a Caray tradition. There probably wont be a dry eye at Turner Field.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
August 11, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry Skip has passed away but some of you folks are being really ridiculous. Skip was irascible, inarticulate and condescending. What is there to miss? His illumination of the obvious could have been accomplished by anyone and just as well. Skip’s level of talent doesn’t merit a statue. A lawn-jockey would be more in line with his value and service rendered.
By cityofdecatur
August 11, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
Honor Skip Pete and Ernie NOW with all do respect Joe Don and Chip and (Mark) will always be the new guys. HONOR SKIP PETE AND ERNIE NOW Please!
By Summer Nights
August 11, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
As a child I would travel to my grandparents cabin. The cabin was a little rustic w/ teo bedrooms and one bath tucked away in the North GA mountains. Rustic as it was, with no cable TV I spent those summer nights listening to Skip and Pete on the radio with my Grandfather. I will never forget those moments spent with him and doing the most simplistic of things. At the time it seemed like no big deal, but looking back some twenty years Skip and Pete were there at one of the best moments of my childhood.
Although I never met Skip, listening to those broadcasts he became part of my family or at least my youth. It is impossible to read these without getting teary eyed in trying to express what he meant to me and my youth.
It can be summed up by saying that one day I hope my children will be able to look back fondly of me and the littlest of moments. Those are the ones we will keep forever.
God bless you Skip!
By forever fan Jody
August 11, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
And by the way, either TBS or Sportsouth needs to show some class and televise the tribute at Turner Field tomorrow; many of Skip’s fans live outside the Atlanta area. Skip gave them 33 years. I think they can give him 2 hours. Somebody please do the right thing!
By Kelley
August 11, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
Great article.
I agree with so many of you who say that the Braves should honor Skip and Pete now, it’s a shame that Skip went so suddenly and will not be able to see the outpour of affection from people who thought so much of him.
I heard him wonder on the air a few weeks ago, what would happen if there was no music played between innings and before each batter? He, with his usual sarcasm, said that people would actually be able to talk to each other about the game, like the games used to be played.
I think in honor of Skip the Braves should have a home game where they don’t play all the loud music between each inning, just as Skip would have liked.
So many things will always make me laugh and remember Skip, last night I turned it to ESPN and saw the Sunday night game and laughed thinking of Skip and how he referred to ESPN as the “real commissoner of baseball” and how it drove him crazy that ESPN would change the time of a game at their liking for Sunday Night Baseball. I will miss that kind of brutal honesty, no one else will offer that kind of honesty like Skip, he was definately one of a kind.
By Jaine
August 11, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
People pass on in life and in time, there memory may fade from our minds as we go about our daily lives. Anyone who has been a Braves fan for the last 30 plus years can tell you that won’t be the case with the memory of Skip…we will never listen to a Braves game again and not long to hear his voice. I mean no disrespect for any of the current baseball announcers - especially Skip’s sons and Pete; however, I have to say it is not and never has been enjoyable to listen to or watch a game without Skip. No one has his talent, wit and personality. He provided great entertainment during the lean years and great excitment during the Braves glory run…I dare say many a fan would have been lost long ago had it not been for Skip…he was one of a kind and there is no one who can fill his shoes quite like he did. Thanks for the memories Skip.
By Scooter
August 11, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Skip is last of a special breed. Today’s announcers are like Almanacs. They memorize and regurgitate it (the Kang), same way the talking heads do on TV. None of them have stories because they are so detached from the athlete, which is a product of the times too. So long indeed.
By Sibel
August 11, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
I meant to say something sooner, but just couldn’t get it together. I called my mother when I found out Skip had passed we both had a cry. since the 70’s we have watched the Braves and Skip. For me I fell away from the Braves for a time, but came back in the early 90’s and from last to first World Series to now I have been following the Braves. And now without Skip it will not be the same game. He had a way of making a bad game better and I will never forget the call at the Winning game of the 95 World series BRAVES WIN BRAVES WIN BRAVES WIN and crying and calling my mother and we were both crying and listening to Skip at the same time, I was a wonderful thing to share with my mother. She is now 93 and still as loyal a Braves fan. I want to send my best to Skip’s family and of course all the Braves past and present, because Skip Caray has meant so much to the Braves and Braves fan. We will miss Skip so much there will never be another like him. Sikp we miss you
By DawgFan
August 11, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
I agree that we need to honor our broadcasting crew, especially Skip. Someday real soon when I visit Turner Field I fully expect to look up over the 755 club and see a circle with a golden mike in it instead of a number and Skip’s name below it.
By BRAVES Fan, SKIP Fan
August 11, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Will the BRAVES honor SKIP on their uniforms for the rest of this season, if not all of next season?
They should.
By Fred
August 11, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Another funny story I remember with Pete & Skip was when they commented on the fact that (and this was back in the late 70’s) when they drove to the ballpark they’s eee thousands and thousands of orange barrels and never anybody actually WORKING. They wondered out loud if the barrels were replacements for actual workers and the next night at the stadium all of a sudden there were two orange barrels in the broadcast box, yellow blinking lights and all with signs in each saying “Skip” and “Pete”. To be honest though, I don’t know which was funnier, their pointing out the barrels or the DOT’s response.
That was the great thing about them as a team, always expect the unexpected and be prepared to laugh!
By Mark Bradley
August 11, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
I’m sure the Braves will have a patch honoring Skip Caray on their uniforms, and I’m all but certain there’ll be some permanent reminder inside the stadium.
By Dave
August 11, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Remember the fishing net he and the others brought to the ballpark to catch foul balls from the broadcast booth?
Classic.
By steve
August 11, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Algonquin J. Calhoun -
You may not have been a Skip fan, but now is not the time to express it. For many of us, Skip is as identifiable with the Braves as any player we have had the privilege of watching over the years. You may not have liked his style, but I feel like I have lost a childhood friend.
In my book, Skip was the best.
By Chris Jackson
August 11, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
I know one thing, the tears will be flowing today and tomorrow from a fan and co-worker God Bless you Skip I miss you so much!!!
By Orlando
August 11, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Frankly, many people enjoyed his radio broadcast, but he wasn’t that good. For most of the time he was rude, crusty, negative, sarcastic, and very boring. I respect the fact that he was the Braves voice for so many years, but he is no Vince Scully. I use to turn the volume off when he broadcasting the tv games. Still he meant a lot to his fans and may Skip rest in peace.
By Orlando
August 11, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Frankly, many people enjoyed his radio broadcast, but he wasn’t that good. For most of the time he was rude, crusty, negative, sarcastic, and very boring. I respect the fact that he was the Braves voice for so many years, but he is no Vince Scully. I use to turn the volume off when he broadcasting the tv games. Still he meant a lot to his fans and may Skip rest in peace.
By steve
August 11, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Orlando,
Show some class. As I said to an earlier post-er, you may not have been a Skip fan, but now is not the appropriate time to express it. He obviously meant a lot to many people, myself included. For many of us, we have lost someone who has been a part of our lives through radio and television airwaves for most of our lives.
By the way, it is not Vince Scully. He goes by Vin Scully. And yes, Skip was no Vin but Vin is no Skip either. They are both very different and wonderful in their own ways.
By USAFCCF
August 11, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
To those of us outside the Atlanta area Skip and Pete are the Braves, they are our link with the team. God Bless Skip and his family, Pete and the rest of the broadcast crew these next few days are gonna be hard. You folks with negative posts, why don’t y’all pack up and move and leave the rest of us alone…..
By Scooter
August 11, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
I still won’t touch downed power lines
By johnny
August 11, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
I believe it was when the braves won the division in ‘92 and Leibrandt was pitching. It was nowhere near as exciting as when they won it in ‘91 and Olson leapt into Smoltz’s arms. That was classic. However, in ‘92, Olson was injured, but when they clinched the division with several games left, when everyone went on the field to celebrate, I can still hear Skip saying “Someone’s carrying Olson out there to join in the celebration (it was Ned Yost). Oh, what a beutiful gesture!” You could hear the love of the game and the players and the humanity in his voice and I’ll never forget that.
By Remembering1991
August 11, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Sad day for Atlanta Braves fans. I, unfortunately, am not among the many that loved Skip, but certainly respected him and his tenure. Can’t hardly listen to Pete after he arrogantly snubbed my family at a restaurant when I quietly mentioned I recognized him. Both men seemed rather pompous, but that’s probably due to the fact that they were such icons.
By Orlando
August 11, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
To Steve,
fyi, Vin = Vince = Vincent. I have been a Dodger fan for over 30 years and have been a fan of Mr. Scully all that time. I know what I am talking about.
By John
August 11, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
MESSAGE TO TBS:
Carry the Tuesday morning “tribute and celebration” and the Tuesday game. Let us displaced fans be part of the memorial. We may not live in Atlanta anymore, but Skip was always part of being a fan
By Scott
August 11, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I will miss Skip a great deal. He made my summers more enjoyable as I listened to the Braves broadcasts. I looked forward to his inimitable style (a mixture of wit and sarcasem).
He made the games come alive. With Don, Pete and Joe (and before Joe, there was Darrell Chaney and others), there was an electricity in the airwaves.
Skip Carey meant a lot to me. Though I never met him, I felt as if I had.
By Herb in Charleston
August 11, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
I’ve listened to the Braves since 1977 and losing Skip is a real loss. He made the calls, good or bad, and explained why every game. His wit and humor, player nicknames, and obvious love of the game made every game special to me. He so loved the Braves, and his partners in the booth. The old days, with half of the game on the radio and half on TV were especially entertaining. As Don would say, Skip is halfway home; We’ll dance in the streets the day he makes it to Cooperstown!
By steve
August 11, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Orlando,
You do not know what you are talking about. Vin is short for Vincent. He has never gone by Vince.
By Mark Bradley
August 11, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
I believe Skip’s dad was the first — or, at least, the first I knew of — announcer to bring the fishing net for foul balls.
By brent a.
August 11, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
I remember the night of “Squirm.”
Even sent in a review.
By steve
August 11, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Listening to Skip always felt like sitting in the bleachers with a buddy enjoying the game. He knew when to call it straight and when to tell a joke. He knew when to say nothing and let you feel the moment.
Skip was far and away my favorite announcer.
By Beth in P'Cola
August 11, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Just can’t believe he’s gone. Although I never lived in Atlanta, I’ve been a fan for many years, and always preferred listening to the games. He was my connection to the Braves. Seems to me I remember the start of naming the fan’s hometown when they caught a fly ball … wasn’t that Skip’s sense of humor (and a bit of his refreshing sarcasm) when told by the “brass” to add more interest or more “hometown color” to his announcing? For instance, “why don’t you give a little information about the fans who catch a fly ball”. I just vaguely remember him saying something about it years ago. I really loved listening to Skip all these years … he’s a part of the soundtrack of my life. Rest in Peace, Skip. We love you.
By blackprix
August 11, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Great broadcasters never die. They just move on to the booth in the sky.
By Mark Bradley
August 11, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
OK, Brent A., I’m anxious to know: What was your “Squirm” verdict?
By scott in montana
August 11, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Sad day indeed. My father and I began as Braves fans in the late seventies when cable came to our area. We watched over the years and much to my wife’s amazement seldom missed a game. Still remember in a particularly horrid game in the eigthies, the Braves had a new but brief mascot. Skip, as the game drug on, suddenly pointed out the new mascot. Then wryly said “he’s as funny as capital punishment.” Skip and the rest at least kept things entertaining even if the game was lost.
By Q. A. Hood
August 11, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
I grew up listening to baseball on the radio, and by the time I joined the military that tradition continued. Occasionally a Braves game might slip through the Arms Forces Radio Network and I would instantly feel like I was at home. When TBS started televising the games nationally, I would be razed about being a Braves fan, but I knew many more were watching and listening.
From watching Mr. Carey come in with the Hawks, to listening when I could on radio or television, my all time favorite moment is when Sid Bream scored the winning run against Barry Bonds and the Pirates. Ironically, I never heard the call by Mr. Carey until years later. I was living in Seattle and the game was televised, but without the Atlanta announcers. To hear Skip Carey making that call reminds me of that night, screaming at the television, praying for a miracle, and celebrating like the Braves had won the World Series.
Thank you Skip, Pete, and Ernie
By Doug in Tucson
August 11, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
I have Loved the Braves since 1959 as a 11 year old Boy and Skip was a Brave.He was as much a face of the team as any player who ever played for the organization. This is a loss for Baseball, but more so anyone who ever came in contact in anyway with Skip Carey.
By George
August 11, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
This comment is for Steve, who chastised Orlando and one other person for not climbing onto the Skip Carey bandwagon. I realize that Skip was an important part of the Braves for a long time, not quite as important as Ernie, but still he was in the booth for most of the dull times in the 70s and 80s and the exciting ones since 1991.
The reality, Steve, is that many of us who know baseball were turned off by Skip who thought he was funnier than he actually was and, even worse, “talked down” to those of who wanted to listen to the games and not have to put up with Skip’s silly and non-sensical remarks.
Skip Carey thought he was the performer and that is why we tuned in. Frankly, he was a lousy performer and his talking about everything other than baseball was an insult to those of us who grew up listening to baseball on radio.
I’m sure I’m not the only person who would turn on the radio when Skip was doing television, and vice versa. I would always prefer listening to Pete or Joe Simpson any time. And, of course, all of us are sorry that Ernie has retired.
Again, Steve, we understand how much of a friend and close working colleague Skip was to Pete and I’m sure it will be difficult for him in the days ahead. Certainly Pete will miss Skip as a friend, but those of us who know baseball will not be sorry that there are others, including Pete, who will be there to talk about baseball and not Skip’s goofy escapades in past years as the perennial team closer of the bar.
By Hillbilly Deluxe
August 11, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
I enjoyed Harry Caray and Skip Caray.
To Mark B. If memory serves Ernie Johnson was the first announcer in Atlanta to use the net. Don’t know about elsewhere
For the record, Vin Scully bores me to tears with his endless stories that have nothing to do with the game. When I hear him it sounds like he has a pre-prepared list of facts that he has to somehow work into the game. Give me Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reese over that anyday.
Of the announcers that I’ve heard, give me Dizzy, PeeWee, Skip, Harry, Ernie, Pete, Mel Allen, Jack Buck, Bob Costas, Steve Stone, and Tony Kubek. I know a couple of those were color men but they still added to my enjoyment of the game.
By Doyle Lonegan
August 11, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
What a load of sentimental drivel. Carey was a drunken jerk with a nasal voice. Strictly local small-market creep with an ossified liver. goodbye and good ribbons to the alky.
By Kelley
August 11, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Hard to believe that some people can’t even keep their negative comments to themselves, even when someone has passed away. If you didn’t like Skip, fine, everyone has a right to their own opinion, but couldn’t you just NOT post your negative opinion during this time?
And to the person who said Pete and Skip seemed “pompous”, I never had the chance to meet Skip in person, wish I had.
I do know that my uncle worked for the Braves after he retired, ran the press elevator. I always find him at family reunions now to talk to him about the Braves. He said that Skip was as nice a fellow as you could ever meet. After he stopped working for the Braves, I was listening to Skip one day and he said on the air that he had run into one of his old friends, and said my uncle’s name on the air and talked about how great it was to see him. So based on that story, I have always concluded that he was a nice person, not many “pompous” people take the time to be kind to people who run the elevator for them, now do they?
By Kevin
August 11, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Great story u did we all Miss skip n his wise crackin storys n ideas he was are greatest here as a broadcaster n should be in Hall of fame in cooperstown now….with his dad now what u feel of it bradley okay on that….Sign from all Lehnerd n friends alike! We Miss u skip forever u are a light in heaven with u dad now better from u ills u had…
By Maconboy
August 11, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Using one of Ship’s “punch-line-only” lines addressed to all the BOZO’S with negative comments: “where the sun don’t shine!!!!!!!!”
By steve
August 11, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
George -
How arrogant of you. To say that “those of us who know baseball ” won’t miss Skip. I know baseball pretty well and I certainly will. I am no casual fan of the game. I grew up with listening to Skip, Ernie and Pete and then using my a.m. radio to listen to the Reds and Cardinal broadcasts when I could get them. I love the game of baseball. And there is no announcer that I enjoyed hearing more than Skip.
I have no qualms with anyone who preferred other announcers . In fact, my own father was not a big Skip Carey fan. But my father would never take the occasion of Skip Carey’s death to tell everyone what a lousy announcer he thought Skip was.
For most of us here, sharing the memories that we have of Skip is a way of dealing with our very real grief. Very few of us actually knew him, but we felt as if we did. If you want to debate his skills as an announcer this is neither the best time nor place for it.
By Greg
August 11, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
In a day and age where free agency destroys the fabric of each and every team, loyalty, honesty, and humor are the only things that keep/kept “us fans” sane. If you think about it, the only thing we knew going in to each & every season was that we were going to be entertained by our broadcasters. We all developed a bond & closeness to our beloved voices that we could attach ourselves to and trust. To Skip, Pete, Ernie, Don, & Joe, thank you for keeping us entertained and captivating us each & every night. To Skip, your infectious humor, dry wit, and passion for the fans & our team will be forever missed.
By Realty Time
August 11, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
To George:
George I am certain that you are more knowledgeable about baseball than am I, since I have only been watching it for fifty something years. However, can you not let us ignorant peons continue in our belief that we have truly enjoyed someone for the past thirty something years without raining on our parade. I am sure your tombstone will say “He was knowledgeable about baseball, but didn’t know a d**n thing about announcers.”
By The Snark
August 11, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Hey KELLY:
Great idea. And in further honor of Skip, no fan will be allowed to do the “Wave”!
Another Skip-ism that will be missed is his call on the intentional walk:
“And as day follows the night … ball four.”
By John H.
August 11, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Nothing will ever be the same without Skip, but thank goodness we still have Pete. Hopefully we will now have a greater appreciation for what we have…before it’s gone.
By lBeacjdawg
August 11, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
It occurs to me that Skip was one of the Atlantans in high visibility that a lot of us vicariously lived through with their high jinks stories. Ted Turner, Grizzard, Hudspeth, Skip, & Torre (when a Brave did plenty of Playboy Club happy hours BEFORE the game)…Anyway a few of them called it “living” until their bodies eventually failed them. And we loved all of their stories.
I met Skip a few times and he was always very generous with his time for me. None of all of the above mentioned names were exactly saints, but at the time of some of their deaths is no time to hold a forum on whether they were they weren’t the best at their trade. 33 years in one place is a pretty good testament to what many people thought.
Ernie, Skip, Pete, John Sterling and others toiled during the tough times. But to have nights like the one where just over Nocahoma’s tent in left field there was a sign that said, “Ward, I’m worried about the Braves !” How can you beat that? The winning days have been great, but those were pretty good days too, Thanks, in a large part to Skip.
By renpuff
August 11, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
In a twist on the words of the immortal southern humorist, Lewis Grizzard—-Skip Caray is dead and I dont feel so good myself.
By Fred
August 11, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
I think it’s time for everybody to put things in perspective.
From John H. saying “nothing will ever be the same without Skip” to anybody that would bash Skip for whatever reason - you all need to get a grip.
First, most everything will be the same without Skip. He had already been taken away from us for 80% of the games when TBS decided he wasn’t their cup of tea any longer, so to lay on the gloom and doom about the sun might no longer shine in a world without Skip is simply ridiculous.
Next, for all the bashers, you may indeed have a very valid point in whatever you are saying, but unless you would like every person around that thinks you are a piece of cow dung to show up at your funeral and heckle your loved ones - TAKE A HIKE.
I’d like to think I’m in the middle. Will I miss Skip’s call of the game? Yes, to a certain degree. Unfortunately his health condition has rendered him nowhere near the booming voice of 1991 and his mistakes were more numerous (just like Harry)- BUT WHO CARES? He was the Braves just as much as Chipper, Smoltzie, etc. and we (Braves fans) loved him for that. I actually started missing him when he no longer did the Hawks games. Now THOSE were his best days. Radio basketball was never better and every game came complete with “Coctail Hour”. If you never heard him call a Hawks game, then you really missed out.
So everybody needs to take a deep breath and quit worrying about the difference between Vin, Vince and Vincent and mourn in your own way. Having lost my father this year, my thoughts are certainly more with the Carey family than anyone else, but at the same time realize, there are far more important people in my life than any announcer, player, politician or actor ever will be to get uptight like 95% of those of you that have blogged this column have.
Peace to everybody and gear some of your emotions that you want to post publically to someone you probably never met towards your own loved ones - you and your family will be better for it.
By Greg
August 11, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
His “please send in your reviews of Squirm” raised TBS ratings for the movie that night by 50% over the usual timeslot, much to the chagrin of some execs who didn’t like Skip’s barbs about the bad movies…he was quite proud of that.
By bravesfan54
August 11, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
This is hard. I’ve been a Braves fan since their second year in Milwaukee. As a ten-year old I knew (like my Milwaukee telephone number: FLagstone 78229 that Henry Aaron would break the Babe’s record. When I moved to St. Louis in 1959, I got more Cardinals than I wanted, and, of course, more Harry Carey than I wanted.
In the the ‘80’s I spent five years of Saturday and Sundays watching the Braves and listening to Skip, as my father slipped from a stroke-to death, the whole three year ride. Listening to games in a mobile home in Ocala with a dying old man whose only interest was a Braves game. I was a fan of the Braves, and the son of a man dying, and a team in worse shape than the both of us. Did I say this is hard for me…a lover of the game, its people, its traditions, and the living and the dying. Very hard. Rest in peace, my Skip, rest in peace…and here’s a cocktail to you. The bases are loaded, and I will be, too!
By Kelly
August 11, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
I know baseball pretty darned well myself, and Skip Caray was and always will be my favorite announcer.
Skip brought me a lot of laughs. He made a lot of us smile when things weren’t going so great for the team or for us as fans in our own lives. That takes a very special and blessed person. My life was made that much better by Skip, and I’ll miss him dearly. If there’s “meet and greets” in Heaven, I’m finding him and thanking him for all of the joy he brought me and my family over the years.
By Mustang Matt
August 11, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
see ya skip in the future. we miss your voice already im 30 and i have been listening all my life. tell god to help our braves out. please
By Lawdog
August 11, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
I never had the honor of shaking Skip's hand, but he was very much a part of my life. I'm a few months away from turning 60, and it just seems like he was part of my family. I haven't really cried since my father died in '87, That is until I received word of Skip's loss. Yes, I'm completely on board with a statue or some sort of similar rememberance at Turner Field for Skip, Pete and Ernie. How about with a streaming audio clip of some of their famous calls on game days. That would just about pay for itself with fans coming to the ballpark to see it as well as the game It would certainly be a well earned honor for all three. Good luck Tuesday night, Pete. I'll be traveling down from Virginia for the game, radio clipped to my ear. God bless the Caray family and Thanks, Skip.By Mark Bradley
August 11, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Pete Van Wieren mentioned that in our conversation: Some fan will come up and say, “I’ve been listening to you all my life,” and Pete will think, “Gee, this person looks about 40.” And then he’ll think, “Thirty-three years — that’s about right.”
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
August 11, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Ernie, Skip, Pete, John Sterling and others toiled during the tough times. Toiled? These clods sat in the booth and blabbed and blabbed and every now and then they talked about the ball game. They were good guys and some of it was funny but toiled? Toil means to work extremely hard and these guys couldn’t have had an easier gig. As for the statue idea, let’s put in a lawn-jockey with a digital loop. People could put in a quarter and hear interesting things such as Skip dismissive comments to listeners who called his show or you could hear Don Sutton talk about Chipper Jone.
By Amos N. Andy
August 12, 2008 6:09 AM | Link to this
Algonquin. I’s havin some trouble wid yer comments. Maybe you lak a axehandle cross yo nose!
By steve
August 12, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Algonquin, I think you are outnumbered. Give it up.
By Pat -Braves fan since 1966
August 12, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
I will miss Skip dearly. Not only for what he did with the Braves, but for everything he did in Atlanta. Life is so short, and it can be very difficult, but Skip made it pleasurable so often, we all took it for granted. I have so many memories, it would fill up my hard drive. It will not be the same without him, but I have always believed that we have been the most fortunate baseball fans in the world to be graced by Skip, Pete, Ernie, Don, Joe, and Chip. My pryers are with the Carey family, our Braves family, and all the other fans that will miss a very special man. I am for a statue honoring Skikp, Pete and Ernie as soon as possible to show the world how fortunate we are and that we are smart enough to realize it and act on it. God bless the Braves nation.
By Pat Julian
August 12, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
One night when I heard the Braves vs. Giants game on my XM satellite radio, John Miller, announced that Skip Caray had passed away, and I could’nt believe the news about his death. Well, he certainly had a great life, and we all should look back on his great career, especially Skip Caray witnessing the Braves 14 consecutive division titles, the Braves trips to the World Series in 1991, losing to the Minnesota Twins, 1992, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays, but in 1995, the Braves won their only World Series here in Atlanta, so far, over the Cleveland Indians, the next year, in 1996, the Braves would be in the World Series against the New York Yankees, their first World Series against the Yankees since 1957, while the Braves were in Milwaukee, whom the Braves won the World Series against, and then the same teams again in 1999, which was the first time that Turner Field host its first World Series, then Skip Caray would see Turner Field’s first All Star Game in 2000, and then he would witness Major League Baseball’s transition, when the interleague play took place, and I like the interleague play, and since I’m from Detroit, I was at the first and the final game of that series, which was Skip Caray’s only visit to Comerica Park in Detroit, which Chipper Jones hit the longest home run in Comerica Park, and those were the times when I get a chance to watch Skip Caray on TBS, but when Turner South came along, he and Pete Van Wiern were the TV announcers at the time, and that was the last time that Braves fans would ever hear Skip Caray, but by demands of some Braves fans, Skip Caray and Pete Van Wiern returned to TBS, but then TBS would meet its end after awhile, but when XM satellite radio came along, Braves fans, like myself, whom I’m a die hard Atlanta sports town, besides being a die hard Detroit sports town fan of my favorite sports like baseball, football, and hockey, now that Atlanta has the Thrashers, which I like to call, a rebirth hockey team, since the Flames were once here, before the move to Calgary. All I can say about Skip Caray, that he’s in a much better place, and from what he died from, he’s no longer suffering, and it’s ok for fans to be sad, because he’s left a big impact on Braves fans like myself, and we all should remember all the great times in his announcing career, and we should pray for his family’s healing process, and reflect all the positive things in his life, like the opening of Skip & Pete’s barbacue at Turner Field, and I can say good luck to Pete Van Wiern, Chip Caray, and the rest of the Braves play-by-play crew, and here’s to all of us Braves fans, and to Skip Caray.
By John Maedel
August 12, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
I am employed by a minor league affilate of the Cincinnati Reds, but grew up a Braves fan. I was puzzled by the response to Joe Nuxall’s death last season.
Now I understand…
Skip will be sorely missed.
By steve
August 13, 2008 5:04 AM | Link to this
I’ve never understood the deification of Vin Scully. To me his style is rather mannered and somewhat boring. The best example: Compare Scully’s television call of Kirk Gibson’s game winning home run in the ‘88 WS, “She is gone”, with Jack Buck’s “I don’t believe what I just saw!” radio call, and decide which most accurately conveys the excitement and sheer impossibility of that incredible moment in baseball history! (And I’m not even a Dodger fan.)
By Gator Chomp
August 13, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
O MY GOD!!!! None of you knew Skip, so please give me a break with all these tears BS!!! What a load of crap. Skip is dead…..get over it. Its about time if you ask me
By Barb
August 13, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Skip’s humor was one of the best rewards of watching Braves games over the years. He almost always made me chuckle with one of his trademark wisecracks. One that I remember fondly was regarding a current or upcoming Braves trip to the Washington DC area—he would say that when he in Washington “I can visit my money!”
I could also tell how much he cared about his co-anchors Ernie, Pete, Don and Joe by the gentle ribbing in an intimate and knowing tone he gave them during the games. And it was great fun listening to his repartee with Chip during their shared broadcasting duties. His love for and pride in his family was obvious.
We have lost a legend, a good man and a great friend to many.
And by the way, I want Joe and Jon to know that I think they are doing a great job this year. They are a winning combination!!!!
By Billy
August 13, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
I’ve enjoyed reading everything and watching the tributes to Skip. Just curious if Ted Turner was heard from. Haven’t read anything about him. I would be surpised if he didn’t acknowledge Skip’s death in some manner.
By Mark Bradley
August 14, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
To John Maedel: I grew up 60 miles from Cincinnati, and I understand the sorrow over Joe Nuxhall’s passing completely. “This is the old lefthander rounding third and heading for home — goodnight, everybody.”