It is with great sadness that I report that veteran Atlanta Braves broadcaster Harry Christopher Caray Jr.--you know him, of course, as Skip Caray--died yesterday. Caray, son of the legendary Chicago Cubs announcer Harray Caray, became the voice of the Braves over 33 seasons.
Caray had been struggling with congestive heart failure, diabetes, reduced kidney and liver functions and an irregular heartbeat. Health issues sidelined him for several weeks at the end of last season, and had relegated him to calling home games only this season. He appeared to have been doing better recently, and his voice, which sounded shaky often this season, was sounding better as well. Fans tuning in to the Braves' most recent homestand no doubt noticed Mark Lemke sitting in for an ailing Caray, although there were no outward signs that Caray wouldn't be back at the mic soon.
Our condolences go out to his family, including sons and fellow broadcasters Chip and Josh Caray. He will be missed.