Red Barber

Date of Birth: February 17, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: October 22, 1992

Biography

Walter Lanier “Red” Barber was an iconic American sports announcer, best known for his work as a Major League Baseball (MLB) broadcaster. Born in Columbus, Mississippi, Barber began his broadcasting career in 1934 and quickly rose to prominence. He became the voice of the Cincinnati Reds in 1934, the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1939, and later the New York Yankees in 1954. His calm, conversational style and folksy expressions made him a beloved figure in American sports. Barber’s tenure in broadcasting spanned over three decades, during which he became known for his integrity, deep knowledge of the game, and ability to paint vivid pictures with words. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978 for his contributions to sports broadcasting. Barber passed away in 1992, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of sports media.

5 Interesting Facts about Red Barber

1. Red Barber was known for his distinctive Southern drawl and his ability to bring a sense of calm to his broadcasts.

2. He was the first broadcaster to call Jackie Robinson’s debut game, marking the breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

3. Barber authored several books, including “The Broadcasters” and “1947: When All Hell Broke Loose in Baseball.”

4. He was awarded the Ford C. Frick Award by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978.

5. Barber was a pioneer in using the term “rhubarb” to describe a heated argument on the field.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Red Barber

1. “Baseball is only a game, a game of inches and one half of one.”

2. “Running like a bunny with his tail on fire.”

3. “It’s time to turn the lights out. The party’s over.”

4. “This is Red Barber speaking. Let me say goodnight.”

5. “You can sum up the game of baseball in one word: ‘You never know.’”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Red Barber is not well-documented, but it is estimated to have been around $1 million at the time of his death, primarily from his broadcasting career and book sales.