CHICAGO CUBS BROADCASTER CARAY LEARNS TO APPRECIATE CHRISTMAS.Byline: Bob Verdi Chicago Tribune Chicago Tribune Daily newspaper published in Chicago. The Tribune is one of the leading U.S. newspapers and long has been the dominant voice of the Midwest. Founded in 1847, it was bought in 1855 by six partners, including Joseph Medill (1823–99), who made the paper Harry Caray For the actor with a similar name, see Harry Carey. ''For the Japanese method of suicide known formally as seppuku, see Hara-kiri. Harry Caray (b. Harry Christopher Carabina, March 1, 1914, St. Louis, Missouri; d. can't wait for baseball to start again, but there's another season he has learned to love in his golden years Noun 1. golden years - the time of life after retirement from active work time of life - a period of time during which a person is normally in a particular life state . Christmas. Soon, he and wife Dutchie Dutchie may refer to:
It wasn't always that way. ``I used to want to be alone on Christmas,'' Harry said. ``I was an orphan growing up in St. Louis, so I dreaded the holidays. The other kids had presents. I didn't even have parents. I didn't know who they were. ``So it was a very depressing time for me, and was even after I became a broadcaster and had all the money I'd ever need for presents. I'd just crawl into a hole around Christmas. But no more. It's better this way.'' Harry paused. He's not the melancholy type. ``Dutchie scolds me now for not going to church as often as I should,'' he said, smiling. ``She's right. But I tell her, that's where I spent a lot of my childhood. Where do you think I slept at night when I couldn't find any other place?'' When spring arrives, Harry will begin his 53rd year calling baseball games, as only he can. He's the last of his breed, so we must appreciate this treasure of a man, even if plans for 1997 are for him to work just home games for the Cubs. ``If WGN-TV asks me do go on the road a little, I would,'' he said. ``But I guess that depends on whether the Cubs are in the pennant and, geez geez interj. Used to express mild surprise, delight, dissatisfaction, or annoyance. [Shortening and alteration of Jesus1.] , we need some players. I see Shawon Dunston ``That's nice, but we still need another bat. At a luncheon not long ago, I was asked some questions and I said I'd give up the Tribune Tower to see Barry Bonds playing for us in Wrigley Field. I don't know Don't know (DK, DKed) "Don't know the trade." A Street expression used whenever one party lacks knowledge of a trade or receives conflicting instructions from the other party. whether your bosses and mine appreciated that, but, what the heck, that's me.'' It is indeed, and while all those rocket scientists in baseball devise marketing strategies to resuscitate re·sus·ci·tate v. To restore consciousness, vigor, or life to. the sport, Harry sells the game to every generation by being honest and having fun. The word is passion. ``I'm for real,'' he said. ``I can't wait to get to the ballpark, even after all these years, and if that's what people appreciate about me, well, I appreciate them. I don't think you need a college degree to realize that the fan is still what it's all about. ``If he or she goes to a game, pays five bucks for a shriveled-up hot dog or a half a cup of beer, the least baseball can do in return is say thanks. Look at Michael Jordan. He makes $30 million, but nobody criticizes him for being overpaid o·ver·pay v. o·ver·paid , o·ver·pay·ing, o·ver·pays v.tr. 1. To pay (a party) too much. 2. To pay an amount in excess of (a sum due). v.intr. To pay too much. . ``That's because he's not only the greatest basketball player ever but because he relates to people. Same with Tiger Woods. You see him around kids at that Skins Game? Is it that difficult for these ballplayers to smile and sign an autograph?'' |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion