Memories from the Microphone: A Century of Baseball Broadcasting

Curt Smith is "...the voice of authority on baseball broadcasting." --USA Today.

In this second in a series of Baseball Hall of Fame books, celebrate the larger-than-life role played by radio and TV announcers in enhancing the pleasure of our national pastime.

Commemorate the 100^th anniversary of baseball broadcasting. The first baseball game ever broadcast on radio was on August 5, 1921 by Harold Wampler Arlin, a part-time announcer on Pittsburgh's KDKA, America's first commercially licensed radio station. The Pirates defeated the Phillies 8-5.

An insider's view of baseball. Now read Memories from the Mike and experience baseball from author Curt Smith. He has spent much of his life covering baseball radio and TV, and previously authored baseball books including the classic Voices of The Game.

Relive baseball's storied past through the eyes of famed broadcasters. Organized chronologically, Memories from the Mike charts the history of baseball broadcasting. Enjoy celebrated stories and personalities that have shaped the game--from Mel Allen to Harry Caray, Vin Scully to Joe Morgan, Ernie Harwell to Red Barber.

Also discover:

• Images from the Hall of Fame's matchless archive of photos and artifacts
• A multi-layered narrative exploring cultural, technological, and economic trends that changed fans' experience of the game
• Anecdotes and quotes from Curt Smith's original research
• Interviews with broadcast greats
• Little-known stories, such as Ronald Reagan's early work calling games for WHO Des Moines in the 1930s
• Accounts of diversity in baseball broadcasting, including the well-known TV coverage of Joe Morgan and earlier Hispanic pioneers Buck Canel and Rafael (Felo) Ramirez
• A special section devoted to the Ford C. Frick Award, sportscasting's prestigious individual honor, and inductees since its inception in 1978

Also read the first in the series of Baseball Hall of Fame books Picturing America's Pastime.