A few days ago, the National Baseball Hall of Fame announced it would bestow the Ford C. Frick Award to Boston Red Sox radio broadcaster Joe Castiglione.
Castiglione has been the radio voice of the Red Sox since 1983. His tenure has included calling four World Series titles in 2004, 2007, 2013 and in 2018.
I began listening to the Red Sox on the radio shortly after moving to Boston in 2000. Usually I would listen to the games on a Sunday afternoon while walking from Boston to Cambridge via Mass Ave or Memorial Drive. Sometimes I would be content to listen to the game walking around Jamaica Plain.
The common denominator was Castiglione with his low-key demeanor and leisurely delivery. While Castiglione roots for the Red Sox he does so quietly and isn't a homer. Nor does he overwhelm you with statistics. He knows how to let the game breathe while knowing how to pace the drama with pauses.
Now 76, Castiglione began working a reduced schedule this past season calling 81 games - half of the team's schedule.
He is part of that dying breed of baseball broadcasters who focuses his attention on the game rather than the bread and circuses surrounding it. Even with a reduced schedule, I hope Castiglione will be part of the Red Sox radio broadcast team for many more years to come.
Joe Castiglione has earned his place in Cooperstown. He will accept the Ford C. Frick Award at the Hall of Fame ceremonies between July 19-22, 2024.
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