Rip Jim Piersall

[Mark]

I became acquainted with Jimmy while listening to him and Harry Carey do White Sox games in the late 70's and early 80's. Those were probably the most entertaining sports broadcasts that I have ever heard. Where else does the color man rib the play-by-play man about being drunk on the air and where else does the play-by-play man jokingly reply by asking the color man if he has been taking his medications? It was must listen/ must watch. Seriously, he and Harry made a great contribution to the game.

[refz]

I admire jimmys defensive outfield play, and speed. Playing shallow to rob base hits etc.

[ncinin]

This is an example of why Carey/Piersall calling games was entertaining. Look at this example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBxv_Ehb1xw

Watch 9:00 - 10:20 mark where they criticize a White Sox player and 17:30 - 18:40 minute mark where Harry tries to pronouce diverticulitis and Piersall makes fun of Jim Fregosi's drinking.

[tedzan]

Jimmy Piersall was the guest signer at one of the last Willow Grove Shows in 1992. There was a huge crowd lined up to meet him and get his autograph.
Jimmy was very friendly with everyone, except the guy who was in line in front of me. This guy was a dealer who had a box of 25 baseballs for Jimmy to
sign.
These balls were arranged in the box in a 5 x 5 grid separator. The guy hands Jimmy the first ball and tells Jimmy that he was in a hurry. It was apparent
that Jimmy was not too happy about this guy. Jimmy signs his ball and hands it back to the guy. The guy tells Jimmy to place the ball in the box. So what
does Jimmy do....after every ball he signs, Jimmy tosses each ball into the box, attempting to get it in its slot in the box. The signed balls are bouncing all
over the place, and this dealer guy is going nuts. Meanwhile, Jimmy is laughing.


Jimmy's rookie card......




I watched Jimmy play a lot of games in Yankee Stadium when I was a kid. He was a fantastic outfielder; and, had some really great moments hitting.


GOD Bless you, Jimmy......and, condolences to your family and friends.


TED Z
.

[brian1961]

Jim Piersall knew the game of baseball. He was also gifted with the ability to call a spade a spade. Once in the broadcast booth, he exercised that gift, and knew how to take that spade and clunk you over the head over the airwaves when he thought you deserved it.

Playing this card was rarely thought humorous by players, team management, and all the way up to the owners. Who, even more rarely are willing to own up to their mistakes. So, they managed to fire Mr. Piersall. I guess that was their idea of good management.

We need more Jim Piersalls---in all walks of life.

I salute your memory, Mr. Piersall. May GOD rest your soul in peace.

--- Brian Powell