Chip Caray Cubs

Harry Caray’s 16 years as the TV voice of the Chicago Cubs made him incredibly associated with that franchise for many, so much so that it’s even led to Will Ferrell impersonations (including one this week) and inaccurate photo identifications. While Caray passed away in 1998, his grandson Chip is at the Cubs’ first World Series appearance in 71 years.

Chip Caray, who also served as the Cubs’ TV play-by-play announcer from 1998-2005 and has been the Braves’ announcer since then, has returned to Chicago TV for this series to do pre-game and post-game coverage for local Fox affiliate WFLD alongside Lou Canellis and former Cubs’ player Bob Dernier. He told Robert Channick of The Chicago Tribune that this will be emotional for him given his grandfather’s involvement with the franchise, but that the Cubs’ return to the World Series matters for many others as well:

“From a personal standpoint, it will be emotional,” said Caray, 51. “I grew up there as a broadcaster, tried to do the impossible, which was replace my grandfather.”

…While he understands his grandfather’s place in Cubs lore, Caray believes the attention is somewhat misplaced as the team looks to end its centurylong championship drought.

“This isn’t about the broadcaster, it’s about the players, Joe Maddon and his staff,” Caray said. “And there were a lot of other people who worked in that booth: Steve Stone, Jack Brickhouse, Lou Boudreau — the list goes on and on. I’ve been thinking about all of those guys too, and all of the joy that they would have derived from sitting behind the microphone.”

Chip Caray has taken plenty of criticism here over the years, especially during his time as TBS’ lead national voice (#fisted), but it is neat to see him involved with broadcasts in Chicago. Harry Caray’s broadcasts meant a lot for many Cubs’ fans, and it’s unfortunate that he didn’t get to see a World Series appearance during his career. He did famously say “Sure as God made green apples, someday the Chicago Cubs are going to be in the World Series” following the last game of the 1991 season:

Well, they’re there now, and having a Caray involved with the local coverage is a nice touch.

[Photo by Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune]

About Andrew Bucholtz

Andrew Bucholtz has been covering sports media for Awful Announcing since 2012. He is also a staff writer for The Comeback. His previous work includes time at Yahoo! Sports Canada and Black Press.