Hall of Famer, World Series champion and beloved broadcaster Tim McCarver has died, reportdly of heart failure at age 81. We will update this article as more information comes available.
From the St. Louis Cardinals:
On Twitter: We are saddened to learn of the passing of Cardinals Hall of Fame catcher Tim McCarver. A two-time World Series champion, McCarver caught 12 seasons in St. Louis over his 21-year career. Our condolences go out to the McCarver family and his many baseball friends and colleagues.
Press Release: The St. Louis Cardinals organization and the entire baseball community were saddened this afternoon to learn of the passing of Hall of Fame broadcaster and former Cardinals catcher James Timothy “Tim” McCarver at the age of 81. McCarver, who is survived by his daughters Kathy and Kelly, and grandchildren Leigh and Beau, was a member of three Cardinals World Series teams in 1964, 1967 and 1968, and was associated for over 60 years with Major League Baseball.
“We were saddened to learn today of the passing of Tim McCarver,” said Cardinals’ Principal Owner & Chief Executive Officer Bill DeWitt, Jr. “Tim was a very popular player with the Cardinals and a key member of our World Series Championship teams in 1964 and 1967. He remained a fixture in the game following his playing career, earning Hall of Fame recognition as a national broadcaster, and in later years as a Cardinals television analyst and a member of the Cardinals Hall of Fame. On behalf of the entire Cardinals organization, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the McCarver family.”
McCarver worked 28 consecutive MLB postseasons on network television dating back to 1984, providing analysis for a record 23 World Series and 20 All-Star Games. His work earned him three-straight Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Sports Event Analyst” (2000-02) and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2012 Ford C. Frick Award.
McCarver teamed with Joe Buck a record 17 seasons as MLB on FOX’s lead national baseball broadcast team. No baseball broadcasting tandem called more World Series (15) and All-Star Games (14). The Memphis, Tenn. native began his broadcasting career in 1980 and has the distinction of being the only MLB analyst to have worked for all four major broadcast networks.
McCarver caught 12 seasons (1959-61, 1963-69 and 1973-74) with the Cardinals, debuting as a 17-year-old in 1959. He played in two All-Star Games (1966, 1967), three League Championship Series (1976-78) and three World Series (1964, 1967, 1968), winning championships in 1964 and 1967. He also played for Philadelphia, Montreal and Boston over a 21-year career that included a second place finish behind Hall of Fame teammate Orlando Cepeda for the 1967 National League MVP award.
In Cardinals World Series play, McCarver ranks second in hits (23), third in RBI (11) and walks (10), first in triples (3), fifth in batting average (.311), and is the only catcher in franchise history to have caught two title-winning World Series Game 7’s.
He and his close friend, the late Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson, rank 2nd among Cardinals battery-mates in games started together with 197.
McCarver most recently served as a Cardinals television analyst for Bally Sports Midwest for six seasons from 2014-19.
Commissioner’s statement:
Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement today regarding the passing of All-Star catcher and decorated baseball broadcaster Tim McCarver, who was 81:
“Tim McCarver was an All-Star, a World Series Champion, a respected teammate, and one of the most influential voices our game has known. As a player, Tim was a key part of great Cardinals and Phillies teams in his 21-year career. In the booth, his analysis and attention to detail brought fans closer to our game and how it is played and managed. Tim’s approach enhanced the fan experience on our biggest stages and on the broadcasts of the Mets, the Yankees and the Cardinals.
“All of us at Major League Baseball are grateful for Tim’s impact on sports broadcasting and his distinguished career in our National Pastime. I extend my deepest condolences to Tim’s family, friends and the generations of fans who learned about our great game from him.”
From the Baseball Hall of Fame:
“Tim McCarver’s immense impact on baseball spanned generations, from a 21-year career on the field to the broadcast booth, where his insights and passion for the game made him one of its most beloved voices – and the 2012 Ford C. Frick Award winner for broadcasting excellence,” said Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “Tim enjoyed celebrating the game, and he was a consistent presence in Cooperstown during our annual Induction Weekend events. On behalf of the Hall of Fame members and all of us in Cooperstown, we share our heartfelt condolences with his family and friends, and with all of the fans who he entertained and informed for more six decades.”
Additional Comments:
Dan McLaughlin: “I am deeply saddened after hearing about the passing of Tim McCarver. He was a HOF Cardinal, broadcaster, and person. Most importantly, he was my friend. I am going to miss him so much. Heaven just got the best storyteller and analyst. I love you partner.”
Photo Credits: St. Louis Cardinals, MLB, Baseball HOF
