Here is the Texas Rangers' announcement on the death of former Rangers broadcaster Merle Harmon:

The Texas Rangers today issued the following statement on the passing of former broadcaster Merle Harmon, who died this afternoon at the age of 82:

"Major League Baseball and the Texas Rangers have lost a legendary play-by-play announcer and a great friend. Merle Harmon called games with distinction and class in his nearly 40 years with the Kansas City A's, Milwaukee Braves, Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Texas Rangers. The Rangers had the privilege of having Mr. Harmon in their television booth for his final eight years as a broadcaster. He was one of the true gentlemen of his profession. We express our deepest sympathies to Mr. Harmon's family and friends."

Mr. Harmon worked Rangers games on KXAS-TV (1982-83), 5 Star Cable (1982), and Home Sports Entertainment (1983-89). He was behind the mike when Nolan Ryan recorded his 5000th career strikeout on August 22, 1989 against Oakland's Rickey Henderson at Arlington Stadium. Following his retirement, he became a fulltime resident of Arlington, Texas.

The Rangers will observe a moment of silence for Mr. Harmon prior to tonight's game with the Baltimore Orioles. The club will also erect a plaque outside the home television booth at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in his memory later this season.

2 Comments

Karl Krayer said:

I knew Merle Harmon through the National Speakers Association. We worked on some projects together. He was a fine gentleman with deep humility.

Karl J. Krayer, Ph.D.

April 16, 2009 8:58 AM

Dave Cohen said:

Merle was my "color man" in the movie
"Glory Road" in which I played the TV play-by-play announcer for the NCAA Championship game.
What a thrill for a kid from New York who grew up listening to Merle Harmon begin each radio broadcast of my team with the words"
"Your dial is Jet Set! From the Big Shea..."

Each day I'd greet Merle on set with the Jet Set line. He had so many wonderful stories during our time filming in Baton Rouge. Periodically he'd email me or call --- hearing his voice was magical. A legend as an announcer. A gem of a human being.

Dave Cohen
Atlanta

April 16, 2009 10:34 AM

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