Harry Caray
The voice of Wrigley Field whose 'Holy Cow!' echoed through every ninth inning for sixteen years.
Harry Caray stands as the most iconic voice in Chicago Cubs history, a broadcasting legend whose enthusiastic call of 'Holy Cow!' became synonymous with the team's identity for over two decades at Wrigley Field. While he called games for other franchises including the St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics, his tenure with the Cubs from 1982 until his death in 1998 defined a generation of fandom, bridging the gap between the club's historic struggles and its enduring hope.
- Role:
- Lead Play-by-Play Announcer
- Affiliation:
- Chicago Cubs (WGN-TV)
- Tenure with Cubs:
- 1982–1998
- Signature Catchphrase:
- 'Holy Cow!'
- Postseason Tradition:
- Leading 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' during the 7th-inning stretch
Lore & Background
Perhaps his most enduring contribution to Cubs culture was institutionalizing the singing of 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' during the seventh-inning stretch. What began as a spontaneous moment in 1982 evolved into a sacred ritual that united fans, players, and the broadcaster himself in a shared expression of hope. Even after his passing in 1998, this tradition remains the heartbeat of Wrigley Field, with current announcers stepping up to lead the crowd, ensuring Harry's voice continues to guide the faithful through every game.
In Their Own Story
The late afternoon sun stretches long shadows across the ivy-choked brick wall as the seventh inning approaches. The crowd hums with that specific, nervous electricity unique to a tight contest in the late nineties. Suddenly, the familiar, gravelly voice cuts through the stadium speakers: 'Alright folks, it's time for that old song.' Harry Caray steps out from the broadcast booth, microphone in hand, his face illuminated by the floodlights. He raises an arm, and thousands of voices rise to meet him—a roar of 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' that drowns out the scoreboard, erases the losing streak, and transforms a mere baseball game into a shared act of defiance against despair. It is just Harry, the faithful, and the unshakeable belief that anything can happen.
Reader's Guide
To understand the soul of Wrigley Field, you must first know Harry Caray. He was never merely an announcer; he was a co-star in the drama, a bridge connecting generations of fans who endured decades of heartbreak without losing their faith. His presence turned the broadcast booth into the city's living room, making every viewer feel like they were sitting in the bleachers beside him. That seventh-inning ritual remains Wrigley's beating heart. When the stretch begins, the stadium sheds its skin as a venue of competition and becomes a community gathering. Fans stand shoulder to shoulder, singing along with the current voice carrying Harry's torch, reminded that while championships may be elusive, the joy of the game and the camaraderie of the fans are eternal. Visiting Wrigley without acknowledging Caray is like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower; his legacy is woven into the very fabric of the ballpark, from the photos on the concourses to the echoes that linger in the night air. He taught us that the love for the team and the shared experience are what truly matter.
Did You Know?
- Harry Caray was known for occasionally singing 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' with his wife, Ruth, during broadcasts before it became a stadium-wide tradition.
- He called World Series games for three different teams: the St. Louis Cardinals (1967), Oakland Athletics (1974), and Chicago White Sox (1959).
- Caray's signature 'Holy Cow!' was often used in moments of surprise, whether a home run or an unexpected play, becoming his trademark across all networks.
- He was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008 by the Veterans Committee.