***
Nathan Roberts: I
was a fan of Chick's - thus the Lakers - from the day he began broadcasting
the games. I still remember when they began simulcasting on radio and tv...
and it made perfect sense to use him on both mediums. Who else but Chick
could call the Laker games. He was especially essential in big games.
Chick always rose to the occasion. I can certainly say Chick and the
incomparable Vin Scully are the biggest reasons I jumped into this
lifelong passion for broadcasting.
My fondest memory of him was a personal one. I was anchoring the news at
Channel 9, and we carried the games. One day Chick and I met on the
stairs... and he immediately introduced himself and ever so generously
offered - "You do a great job and I'm a big fan of yours." I was
glowing for days after that. I obviously never forgot it and cherish it as
much or more than any other accolade I have received in all these years of
being a broadcaster.
After moving from L.A. to Washington, I was listening on the satellite at my
station one night as Chick described the game between the brand new Orlando
franchise and the Magic Johnson led Lakers. About halfway through the
first quarter, Chick got so tangled up trying to describe the new team by
its nickname and still call the play by the great Laker point guard, he
announced "Ladies and gentlemen, this is too confusing. From now
on I will refer to them as the Orlando team and to Magic Johnson as
Magic." Classic Chick!
Thanks Chick for never ever confusing us and always keeping us entertained.
***
Geoff
Edwards: A great guy and a legend, meets death without lingering
illness. I was his pd when the Lakers were on KHJ, and Chick, I seem to
remember worked for us. Here I was, this brash, green, overly enthusiastic
30 year old, who must have really grated on his nerves. He treated me with
kindness and respect. It was only later that I realized how great he really
was, and as of this moment, is.
***
Loren Blumberg
(KSSE/KSSC/KSSD):
My only one-on-one with Chick was at a recent SCBA Radiofest where
Chick was signing pictures. He was most gracious as he signed his autograph
on a picture to my son Brian, daughter Lisa and of course myself. It was a
very proud moment for me to be shaking the hand of a living legend. Chick is
and always will be the first name that comes to my mind when I think of the
Lakers.
***
Jim Starkey (Whittier):
I wasn't really sure who to write to express my sadness at the Chick
Hearn's passing, but I thought this might be the appropriate place given
the "word's eye view" that Chick provided Laker fans for so many
years. I have been a lifelong Lakers fan, and it's funny, because I just
realized this, but I never said I was going to watch the Lakers game, I
always said at game time "I'm going to put Chick on and watch (or
listen) to the Lakers game." He was not just a broadcaster; he was a
friend, a member of the family, even though I never met him.
I don't tend to be a very religious person, but I just have the feeling that
perhaps the good Lord let us have him for a few months more after his heart
surgery to appreciate what he has given us over all these years.
Chick, you are welcome anytime to tell us what you really think when the
Lakers are losing in the third quarter and playing lousy ball. Rest in
peace, and thank you.
***
Dan Avey (KABC):
I had the pleasure of knowing Chick since I was hired to do the Kings games
in 1969, and we both worked for Jack Kent Cooke.
My only recollections are fond ones. Chick was a mentor, the broadcaster who
invented the terms "dribble-drive" and "slam-dunk"
(along with literally dozens of others) and a fairly decent (my description,
not his) gin rummy player.
Chick WAS the Lakers. Only Jerry west came close. To have the franchise lose
both men in a period of a few months is sad. The Lakers will continue. But
I am so sorry my children will no longer be able to grow up with Chick, and
won't be able to introduce their children to the unique, wonderful
experience that was Chick Hearn.
***
Ken Levine: For
the NBA the death of Chick Hearn was like losing its father. No one will
ever love it as much, ever teach it as much, ever shape its personality as
much as Chick Hearn. The passion he instilled, the standard of excellence he
preached by example, and the warmth and humility he displayed served as an
inspiration not only to the National Basketball Association in its formative
years but to every organization or individual he ever came in contact with. How
blessed that those people numbered in the millions. How fortunate
for me that I was one of them.
For my whole life I have
loved Chick Hearn. For 42 years with the Lakers (covering everyone from
Ray Felix to Robert Horry and all those other guys in between) but beyond
that. In the 50's Chick was the sports anchor on (then) KRCA Channel 4. His
enthusiasm sparked a young boy's interest in sports even though that young
boy had no idea what sports was. In the early 60's Chick was the radio
voice of the USC Trojans. Would you believe he was an even better
football announcer than basketball announcer? And who in Los Angeles
can forget Bowling For Dollars, the local show that Chick hosted with
such grace and sly humor that it became a local sensation? Talk about
making something out of nothing!
Like I said, it's as if
we all lost a father. That one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-replace, larger-than-life
colorful figure - compassionate, gentle, honery, strict, fair, admired above
all others. And as the years go by, what stays with you are not
the stories he told, but the way he told the stories. Thank you, Chick
Hearn. You were a great father.
***
Chuck Morrell:
Before Chick became the voice of the LA Lakers; he was the football radio
voice of the USC Trojans.
When USC came to play Washington State in Pullman in 1956, Chick was getting
ready to do the game. He found out that my twin Gary was not going to play
and that Gary was studying radio at school. Chick invited him to come on the
USC network with him and do the color. Gary got to be on the radio and had a
great experience with Chick. It helped Gary to become a radio guy for
Seattle Totems hockey, KFWB, KNX, and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey.
***
Tim Gallegos: My heart
is heavy knowing that one of my heroes has left us.
I'd first like to say that although I had never met Chick, he has touched my
life as no other person with such celebrity. Chick was the epitome of honor,
respect and dignity. I know he loved Margie very much, and I take comfort in
knowing that he was never alone in his final moments.
Margie, thank you for helping this man in becoming the man he was, If not
for you, maybe we wouldn't have had Chick as the man he was.
Thank you, gentle man, for helping me be the loving family man I am today.
If not for you, Chick, I would not know how to be a true gentleman.
***
Ken Edelberg
(KBIG/KOST): I used to work for the Laker Zone on KLAC. Although I only
worked there a couple of seasons, I enjoyed working with them and Chick
Hearn. My heart goes out to Mr. Hearn and his wife and family. I
am honored that I had the opportunity to work with him, taking calls before
every home game. His voice will be missed and hard to replace.
***
Jared
Kliger: I have vivid
lifelong memories of exactly where I was and exactly what Chick said during
so many Laker moments from when I was a six years old and the Lakers lost
one of many championships to the Celtics, to when they finally WON
their first championship after a 33 game winning streak, to all the
championships that followed, to Magic Johnson's very sad retirement.
I remember seeing Chick (along with Vin Scully and others) speak at a
memorial service for Jim Murray at Dodger Stadium. Chick said
"There are trees in heaven, aren't there?" I sure hope
so, Chick. I wish Murray were alive today. What a column he
would write.
Another lifelong memory will be how I learned the news of his passing: by
reading your one sentence update at LARadio.com...and
reading it again...and again. One sentence I'll never forget.
Thanks for your wonderful coverage of this story.
***
"Ever since I can
remember, whenever anyone learned that my father was Bob Kelley,
voice of the LA Rams, they'd have a fond memory or remark about how my dad's
broadcasts put something special into their lives. I'd just smile and
say, hey thanks - not really understanding what they were saying...I
finally get it.
Through Chick Hearn,
I've become one of those people. He is absolutely the best. He defines
radios impact on our lives. The pride, joy and professionalism of his work
translates over the airwaves so powerfully you
find yourself rooting for Chick! He's so great. Chick Hearn has taken a game
and turned it into personal relationship with millions of people. What a
gift. We all pray for his recovery and return to the booth." - Pat
"Paraquat" Kelley (8.4, 9:05 a.m.)
***
"This
incident was unexpected. I just saw chick at the MGM in Las Vegas last
weekend playing slots and he was having a good time." - Tom Luu, Los
Angeles (8.4, 12:20 a.m.)
***
”I've
listened to you since the Jerry West days. At that time basketball wasn’t
big like it is today. I've listened to many announcers, and let me tell you:
1. There Never Was
2. There Is No One Today
3. And There Never Will Be A Basketball Announcer Like You
Get
Well Chick” – Ronald Appel, Los Angeles (8.3, 8:40 p.m.)
***
CHICK!!!
Dude! You are
REQUIRED to get better and then be careful and STAY BETTER!
All of us in the
business have learned much from you - your ability to see what's going on
right in front of you, manage to not get so caught up in it that you
forget that we're all listening and
bring it home to the listeners in such a perfect way it's nearly as good as
being there (nearly!). We all attain to finding that talent you seem
to simply possess naturally.
Our thoughts are with
you and your family right now." - Sluggo/KROQ (8.3,
6:20 p.m.)
***
“The only way
to watch a Laker game on network tv is to turn the sound down and turn the
radio on to Chick. My dad taught me that in the 60s and it is still
true today.
Best
thoughts to Chick and his family. Chick, you'll always be the best.” -
Richard Wayman, Van Nuys (8.3, 5:10 p.m.)
***
"Chick Hearn
is the best basketball play-by-play man that ever graced a microphone, and
is, by all accounts, a true gentleman off the air.
After two major setbacks to his health last year, Chick is again fighting
for his life. Let us all pray that he can stage his own '3-peat,' and
emulate the team that he loves so much. - Dave Hubbert, South El Monte (8.3,
4:30 p.m.)
***
"I
know not everyone tells you, but thank you so much for these updates. They
are very much appreciated on all late breaking stories. I only have pictures
of three LARPs hanging in my office. One is Chick. So, I am very
interested. Thanks again..." -
Jeff Gehringer (8.3, 4:25 p.m.)
***
"As a devoted
Lakers fan and admirer of Chick Hearn, I would like to express my
thanks to you on keeping us updated on Chick's condition. It is much
appreciated." - David Bolkin, Porter Ranch (8.3, noon)
