Dave Niehaus Press Release

by Jeff Sullivan on Nov 10, 2010 6:35 PM PST in Seattle Mariners Bad News

Dave Niehaus, the voice of the Seattle Mariners since the team's inception in 1977, passed away Wednesday at his home in Bellevue, Wash. Niehaus, 75, suffered a heart attack, according to his family.

"This is truly devastating news," said Seattle Mariners chairman Howard Lincoln.

Chuck Armstrong, Seattle Mariners president and COO, added, "Speaking for ourselves, our ownership and the entire Mariners family, our thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn, their children, Andy, Matt and Greta, and the grandchildren.

"Dave has truly been the heart and soul of this franchise since its inception in 1977. Since calling Diego Segui's first-pitch strike on Opening Night in the Kingdome some 34 years ago, Dave's voice has been the constant with the franchise. He truly was the fans connection to every game; to wins and losses; to great plays and heartbreaking defeats; to Hall of Famers and journeymen. With the exception of his love for his wife, Marilyn, his children and grandchildren, there was nothing Dave liked more than the game of baseball and to be at the ballpark. He was the voice of spring and summer in the Northwest.

"He was the fans' choice to throw out the first pitch in Safeco Field history, and no one has had a greater impact on our team's connection to fans throughout the Northwest. One of the best days we've ever spent was in Cooperstown in 2008, as Dave took his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame."

The Niehaus family has requested privacy at this very difficult time.

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Comments

There are some lovely quote

in Larry Stone’s piece

by msb on Nov 10, 2010 6:38 PM PST reply actions

I just saw the site banner (if that's what it's called?) changed.

Very classy Jeff.

Milton Bradley is my hero. R.I.P. Dave Niehaus

by SeaKoala on Nov 10, 2010 6:42 PM PST reply actions 19 recs

Griffey is on 710 right now

Damn classy move from the Kid. Even better for 710 not to bring any Griffey leaving stuff up doing the interview too…. so far.

by egreenlaw9 on Nov 10, 2010 6:50 PM PST reply actions

End of the call, and it wasn't mentioned.

Well handled.

by Joe Metro on Nov 10, 2010 6:53 PM PST up reply actions

710 is really doing an excellent job

Determined, Jonesing Commentor

by Corco on Nov 10, 2010 6:54 PM PST up reply actions

Glad it was Shannon who did the interview

by egreenlaw9 on Nov 10, 2010 6:54 PM PST reply actions

That picture says it all

by d0nkey on Nov 10, 2010 7:04 PM PST reply actions

I've never been that good at emphathizing with death.

Maybe it’s because I do not know these people personally. But this is terrible. The world is now a worse place than it was yesterday, with one of the few remaining great people leaving it forever. His life was great but his death is tragic – not for us but for him. He deserved something better than what the team brought him these last many years, and he deserves better than any honor he will get next year.

This is one of those days I wish I still had the ability to cry. This is just awful. Everything about this is awful.

...and now I'm here

by CapSea on Nov 10, 2010 7:09 PM PST reply actions 7 recs

"This is one of those days I wish I still had the ability to cry"

Absolutely. Well said.

by BigR on Nov 10, 2010 7:22 PM PST up reply actions

I'll second or third that sentiment.

"Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett Mariners Minors

by JY on Nov 10, 2010 8:08 PM PST up reply actions

Well said, indeed.

"Make me a bicycle, clown"

by Floyd Gondoli on Nov 10, 2010 8:34 PM PST up reply actions

It will never happen but it would be nice to a movement to rename the stadium something along the lines of Niehaus Grounds at Safeco Field.

by Robert on Nov 10, 2010 7:11 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

LL is a force.

We could start a petition, and from the diehards would grow a network to the casual fan and eventually the non-fan signing their names from sheer goodness. Let’s do it.

by THolt on Nov 10, 2010 11:54 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Two best comments from ST so far

“Fly, fly away Dave.”

“Washington should lower the flag to half mast in honor of Dave Niehaus. You can contact the Governor’s Office at 360-902-4111.”

by Sirbunt on Nov 10, 2010 7:12 PM PST reply actions

A's fan here who wants to send his condolences

My best friend is a huge Mariners fan and though Niehaus was the greatest. He would always tell me stories about him and his favorite Niehaus calls…
I have mlb.tv and whenever we played you guys I would usually tune in to your broadcasts. He was an interesting guy to listen to, you had one of the great ones.
RIP

AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.

by stranahanahan on Nov 10, 2010 7:22 PM PST reply actions

Appreciated.

by thebyron on Nov 10, 2010 7:39 PM PST up reply actions

RIP Dave Niehaus

Many car trips, many nights laying in bed listening, many warm hazy afternoons… I spent listening. You were always the best, you were always my favorite,and you were a part of my childhood. You are irreplaceable, and I hope you will duly honored for everything you mean to Mariners fans everywhere.

by TWownsU on Nov 10, 2010 7:25 PM PST reply actions

Despite changes in players, managers, and ownership, Dave was the common thread in Mariners baseball

I really can’t believe he’s gone. I’ll always remember listening to him on the radio in my bedroom during the late innings of a game, long after my parents had sent me off to bed. His words transported me directly to the ballpark more than any other announcer I’ve ever heard. I think I’ll head to Subway to get something with salami.

by Van Buren Boy on Nov 10, 2010 7:36 PM PST reply actions

No good. They don't have rye!

by thebyron on Nov 10, 2010 7:40 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

If Dave didn't call it,

then it didn’t really happen to the Mariners. The next five years are going to be something weird… and the good times of the near future are going to have a bittersweet tinge. My God, we’ll miss you Dave.

Just picture Randichiro.

by fiftyone on Nov 10, 2010 7:44 PM PST via mobile up reply actions