Today, I am sad to say a great member of the Baseball world has passed away. Herb Score passed away last night at the age of 75. Although I was too young to see Herbie play professionally, I've heard many stories of the horrible McDougald incident in 1956, one of the saddest incidents in baseball history. As a long running radio broadcaster for the Indians though, I have many fond memories that will last a lifetime.
A brief Biography
Score came up as a rookie in 1955 with the Cleveland Indians. He quickly became one of the top power pitchers in the American League, no small feat on a team that still included Bob Feller, Bob Lemon and other top pitchers, going 16-10 with a 2.85 ERA in his first year.
On May 7, 1957 against the New York Yankees, Score was struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Gil McDougald breaking numerous bones in his face and leaving him quite bloodied. McDougald reportedly vowed to retire if Score was blinded as a result, but Score actually eventually recovered his 20/20 vision, though he missed the rest of the season. Score returned late in the 1958 season, but fearful of being hit by another batted ball, his pitching motion was altered, and he was never quite the same pitcher.
After retiring, Score served as an announcer on the Indians television broadcast from 1964-1967, and joined the radio broadcast, serving from 1968-1997. Score was revered by fans for his announcing style, including a low voice and a low-key style, as well as a habit of occasionally mispronouncing the names of players on opposing teams.
Score's final Major League Baseball game as play-by-play announcer was Game 7 of the 1997 World Series. He outlasted all other Indians play-by-play announcers to date.
On October 8, 1998, while driving to Florida after being inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame the night before, Score was severely injured in a traffic accident. Score pulled into the path of a westbound tractor-trailer truck in New Philadelphia, Ohio; and his car was struck in the passenger side. He suffered trauma to his brain, chest and lungs. The orbital bone around one of his eyes was broken as were three ribs and his sternum. He spent over a month in the intensive care unit, and was released from MetroHealth Hospital in mid-December.
Score passed away last night at his Rocky River, Oh home. After his auto accident a few years back his body never recovered and continued to break down.
He was a great family man and all around nice guy. He gave us so many great memories as a player and as a commentator. I just wish he could have called a World Series Championship victory.
RIP Herbie. You will be missed dearly.
A brief Biography
Score came up as a rookie in 1955 with the Cleveland Indians. He quickly became one of the top power pitchers in the American League, no small feat on a team that still included Bob Feller, Bob Lemon and other top pitchers, going 16-10 with a 2.85 ERA in his first year.
On May 7, 1957 against the New York Yankees, Score was struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Gil McDougald breaking numerous bones in his face and leaving him quite bloodied. McDougald reportedly vowed to retire if Score was blinded as a result, but Score actually eventually recovered his 20/20 vision, though he missed the rest of the season. Score returned late in the 1958 season, but fearful of being hit by another batted ball, his pitching motion was altered, and he was never quite the same pitcher.
After retiring, Score served as an announcer on the Indians television broadcast from 1964-1967, and joined the radio broadcast, serving from 1968-1997. Score was revered by fans for his announcing style, including a low voice and a low-key style, as well as a habit of occasionally mispronouncing the names of players on opposing teams.
Score's final Major League Baseball game as play-by-play announcer was Game 7 of the 1997 World Series. He outlasted all other Indians play-by-play announcers to date.
On October 8, 1998, while driving to Florida after being inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame the night before, Score was severely injured in a traffic accident. Score pulled into the path of a westbound tractor-trailer truck in New Philadelphia, Ohio; and his car was struck in the passenger side. He suffered trauma to his brain, chest and lungs. The orbital bone around one of his eyes was broken as were three ribs and his sternum. He spent over a month in the intensive care unit, and was released from MetroHealth Hospital in mid-December.
Score passed away last night at his Rocky River, Oh home. After his auto accident a few years back his body never recovered and continued to break down.
He was a great family man and all around nice guy. He gave us so many great memories as a player and as a commentator. I just wish he could have called a World Series Championship victory.
RIP Herbie. You will be missed dearly.
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