Tim McCarver, a major-league catcher for 21 seasons and a Hall of Fame broadcaster who called Mets games for 16 years, has passed away at the age of 81.
McCarver was known nationally as the analyst for a record 24 World Series and 22 All-Star Games and received the Ford C. Frick Award in 2012.
He joined the Mets broadcast team in 1983 after a playing career that lasted over two decades with four different clubs. McCarver provided television play-by-play and analysis, paired with many including fellow Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, and was there for the rise and success of the organization over the rest of the 1980s.
The Mets released the following statement on McCarver’s passing. “We are saddened to learn of the passing today of Tim McCarver, who for 16 years in the television booth gave Mets fans an insightful, humorous and knowledgeable behind the scenes look into the game of baseball.
Tim drew on his 21-year career as a catcher to give viewers a unique opinion on what went on between the lines. We send our condolences to his daughters, Kathy and Kelley, and the rest of the McCarver family.”
In 1985, McCarver called the first of many World Series for ABC. He would later do the same for CBS and FOX where he established himself as one of the most influential voices in the sport.
His network presence allowed McCarver to be on-hand and on the mic for several Mets postseason moments: the 1986 National League Championship Series against Houston, the 1988 NLCS loss to Los Angeles, Benny Agbayani‘s game-winning homer in the 2000 National League Division Series, later that year’s NLCS triumph against the Cardinals and the World Series defeat to the Yankees, and the 2006 NLCS loss against St. Louis.
The last of McCarver’s 21 All-Star Games was held at Citi Field in 2013. He stepped away from the FOX booth at the conclusion of that season.
Before McCarver spoke on his many World Series, he played in two — as a member of the 1964 and 1967 St. Louis Cardinals. The durable catcher was twice an All-Star selection, remarkably had a league-leading 13 triples in 1966, and was NL MVP runner-up in ’67. He also played for the Phillies, Expos, and Red Sox before retiring in 1980 as one of a handful to be major leaguer in four different decades.
Thoughts from Joe D
This one really hurts… Before Gary Cohen came along, Tim McCarver was my favorite Mets announcer. He not only entertained us with his myriad of colorful tales from his time as a player, but he taught me everything about the rules and strategies of the game. His pleasant southern charm came through in his voice and his knowledge of the game was unbound. I grew up with Tim and in many ways, he steered me into a lifelong appreciation of the game and of course the Mets. I’m going to miss him. Rest in peace, Tim.
