Remembering a Legend of Sports Broadcasting

Re “The Lakers’ Legendary Voice,” Aug. 6: Chick Hearn was simply the best--as a person, as a sportscaster. He was one of us--the ordinary people who love sports. Whatever sports you enjoy, you could not help but admire and relate to this Laker broadcasting icon. Today, many people shed tears for this “one gentle of a man.” The whole of Los Angeles will miss him. In fact, the whole of sports will miss him.

Ted Galsim

Azusa

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Chick Hearn has been a constant in my life. As far back as I can remember, “Golden Throat” called the games for my beloved Lakers. His honesty and quick wit made him a marvel on the microphone. He could have me in stitches or infuriated about the way the Lakers were playing.

One childhood incident of mine describes Chick perfectly. A couple of buddies and I sneaked into the Sports Arena to catch the 1988-89 Lakers practicing before the game.

To our disappointment, there were no Lakers on the court, but Chick was on the floor setting up for the game. We rushed down to meet him and ask for an autograph. He politely acknowledged us and started signing his name. We noticed that he was wearing a championship ring. In awe, we asked which year it was from. He promptly took off the ring and handed it to us so we could examine it more closely. We were shocked and excited; we had a real NBA championship ring on our fingers. He truly loved and respected the fans. This simple gesture made me a lifelong admirer and in a small way made me feel like a part of the Lakers. People like Chick don’t come around too often.

Gus Fausto

Norwalk

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Even though the refrigerator door is closed and the lights are out, the eggs are cold, the butter’s hard and the Jell-O no longer jiggles, the memory of Chick Hearn will live on forever.

Richard Sakai

Culver City

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Every major sport has had its broadcasting icon: Chick Hearn was sports’ icon. The players played the game; Chick made the game.

Ernie Garcia

Redlands