Chicago's Best Four Sports Announcers-- Part 4: "Hawk"Harrelson

Hawk is currently in his last season in the booth after starting with the Sox in 1982 and staying on for good in 1990.  He'll be remembered for his catchphrases, personality and over-the-top homerism.

It works, especially for a team that can't come out of the shadow of the Cubs.

Hawk's rants are legendary, whether it is about an umpire like Brian Gorman or a villainous foe like former Brewers manager Phil Garner.

He's opinionated, old-school and a joy to listen to.  And, he's synonymous with the White Sox, a true measure of a broadcaster's reach.

And, with me being a Sox fan, I like him.

--Cooter

White Sox Announcers Over the Years-- Part 3: Bob Elson

Three people, each with his own distinct personalities, have defined the history of White Sox announcers:  Bob Elson, Harry Caray and the "Hawk" Harrelson.

Beginning in 1929, Bob Elson became the team's signature play-by-play radio man and had a 40-year run that stretched from the careers of Babe Ruth to Mickey Mantle.  Known as "The Commander" for his World War II service in the Navy, Elson had a dignified, if not laid-back, style of calling a game.

His voice was the sound of many summer nights in Chicago during those years.

But, after the 1970 season his style of play calling was going out of style and something was done to liven up the calls.

A guy by the name of Harry Caray was brought in.

Yep, That Harry, Holy Cow.  --DaCoot

White Sox Announcers Over the Years-- Part 2: Ken "Hawk" Harrelson

Ken Harrelson returned to the White Sox booth in 1990, this time as the lead play-by-play voice with Tom Paciorek doing the color.  

The Hawk proved quite unconventional in his play calling.  He is credited with giving Hall of Famer Frank Thomas his "Big Hurt" nickname.  He also created his own lingo with such words as "duck snort" meaning a bloop hit and "grab some bench" when a Sox pitcher strikes out an opposing player.

Few announcers are more passionate about their team than Harrelson.

Due to age and distance, Ken Harrelson cut back his announcing in 2016 and Jason Bennett was brought in to help.

--CootSnort

White Sox Announcers Over the Years-- Part 1: Ken Harrelson

From the March 23, 2018, Chicago Tribune  "33 seasons: You can put it on the board" by Ed Sherman.

"Bob Elson was a study in coolness and restraint.  Harry Caray was a crowd-pleasing provocateur.  Ken Harrelson mixes passion with playfulness."

Ken "Hawk" Harrelson will be returning for his 33rd year and is scheduled to call 20 Sox games this year before becoming a White Sox ambassador.  This will include Sunday afternoon home games, the Sox home opener on April 5 and the September 21-23 Cubs-White Sox series at Comiskey Park.

Harrelson started with the Sox in 1981, when Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn purchased the team and put Don Drysdale (play-by-play) and the "Hawk" (analyst) in the broadcast booth for their  SportsVision cable network.  Harrelson then went to the Yankees for a short time and returned to the Sox in 1990 wher he was lead play-by-play and paired with Tom Paciorek.

--CootSnort