(via)
Dave Niehaus, the voice of the Seattle Mariners since the team's inception in 1977, passed away Wednesday at his home in Bellevue, Wash. Niehaus, 75, suffered a heart attack, according to his family.
"This is truly devastating news," said Seattle Mariners chairman Howard Lincoln.
Chuck Armstrong, Seattle Mariners president and COO, added, "Speaking for ourselves, our ownership and the entire Mariners family, our thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn, their children, Andy, Matt and Greta, and the grandchildren.
"Dave has truly been the heart and soul of this franchise since its inception in 1977. Since calling Diego Segui's first-pitch strike on Opening Night in the Kingdome some 34 years ago, Dave's voice has been the constant with the franchise. He truly was the fans connection to every game; to wins and losses; to great plays and heartbreaking defeats; to Hall of Famers and journeymen. With the exception of his love for his wife, Marilyn, his children and grandchildren, there was nothing Dave liked more than the game of baseball and to be at the ballpark. He was the voice of spring and summer in the Northwest.
"He was the fans' choice to throw out the first pitch in Safeco Field history, and no one has had a greater impact on our team's connection to fans throughout the Northwest. One of the best days we've ever spent was in Cooperstown in 2008, as Dave took his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame."
The Niehaus family has requested privacy at this very difficult time.
0 recs | 25 comments
There are some lovely quote
in Larry Stone’s piece
msb - November 10, 2010
I just saw the site banner (if that's what it's called?) changed.
Very classy Jeff.
SeaKoala - November 10, 2010
Griffey is on 710 right now
Damn classy move from the Kid. Even better for 710 not to bring any Griffey leaving stuff up doing the interview too…. so far.
egreenlaw9 - November 10, 2010
End of the call, and it wasn't mentioned.
Well handled.
Joe Metro - November 10, 2010
710 is really doing an excellent job
Corco - November 10, 2010
Glad it was Shannon who did the interview
egreenlaw9 - November 10, 2010
That picture says it all
d0nkey - November 10, 2010
I've never been that good at emphathizing with death.
Maybe it’s because I do not know these people personally. But this is terrible. The world is now a worse place than it was yesterday, with one of the few remaining great people leaving it forever. His life was great but his death is tragic – not for us but for him. He deserved something better than what the team brought him these last many years, and he deserves better than any honor he will get next year.
This is one of those days I wish I still had the ability to cry. This is just awful. Everything about this is awful.
CapSea - November 10, 2010
"This is one of those days I wish I still had the ability to cry"
Absolutely. Well said.
BigR - November 10, 2010
I'll second or third that sentiment.
JY - November 10, 2010
Well said, indeed.
Floyd Gondoli - November 10, 2010
It will never happen but it would be nice to a movement to rename the stadium something along the lines of Niehaus Grounds at Safeco Field.
Robert - November 10, 2010
LL is a force.
We could start a petition, and from the diehards would grow a network to the casual fan and eventually the non-fan signing their names from sheer goodness. Let’s do it.
THolt - November 10, 2010
Two best comments from ST so far
“Fly, fly away Dave.”
“Washington should lower the flag to half mast in honor of Dave Niehaus. You can contact the Governor’s Office at 360-902-4111.”
Sirbunt - November 10, 2010
A's fan here who wants to send his condolences
My best friend is a huge Mariners fan and though Niehaus was the greatest. He would always tell me stories about him and his favorite Niehaus calls…
I have mlb.tv and whenever we played you guys I would usually tune in to your broadcasts. He was an interesting guy to listen to, you had one of the great ones.
RIP
stranahanahan - November 10, 2010
Appreciated.
thebyron - November 10, 2010
RIP Dave Niehaus
Many car trips, many nights laying in bed listening, many warm hazy afternoons… I spent listening. You were always the best, you were always my favorite,and you were a part of my childhood. You are irreplaceable, and I hope you will duly honored for everything you mean to Mariners fans everywhere.
TWownsU - November 10, 2010
Despite changes in players, managers, and ownership, Dave was the common thread in Mariners baseball
I really can’t believe he’s gone. I’ll always remember listening to him on the radio in my bedroom during the late innings of a game, long after my parents had sent me off to bed. His words transported me directly to the ballpark more than any other announcer I’ve ever heard. I think I’ll head to Subway to get something with salami.
Van Buren Boy - November 10, 2010
No good. They don't have rye!
thebyron - November 10, 2010
If Dave didn't call it,
then it didn’t really happen to the Mariners. The next five years are going to be something weird… and the good times of the near future are going to have a bittersweet tinge. My God, we’ll miss you Dave.
fiftyone - November 10, 2010 via mobile
I think every store in the northwest will run out of
Salami, Mustard, and Rye bread tonight. Sad day.
spencer peaty - November 10, 2010
'Grand Salami' is a classic call.
RIP Dave
e-gus - November 10, 2010
Thanks for this one, Corco
http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2010/4/10/1414801/the-bottom-of-the-ninth#34392933
http://www.davidjcorcoran.com/gutz.wma
Decatur - November 10, 2010
This is awful news.
RIP Dave… It’s not gonna be the same without you.
grips - November 10, 2010
I don't know what to say.
Dave always kind of spoke for me.
SeattExPat - November 10, 2010
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