Hall of Fame broadcaster and All-Star catcher Tim McCarver dies at 81

All-Star Catcher and ex-St. Louis Cardinals player Tim McCarver died today. The Hall of Famer and now-turned broadcaster was 81 years old. McCarver was able to achieve the ultimate MLB glory at St. Louis when he won two World Series titles. He gained popularity for his particular commentary and became one of the most celebrated voices in baseball.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced his death earlier this Thursday morning. The cause has yet to be specified. But he was with friends and family, per the statement, at the moment of his passing.

What did the MLB and other players say about Tim McCarver’s death?

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred had kind words for the Catcher, " Tim McCarver was an All-Star, a World Series Champion, a respected teammate, and one of the most influential voices our game has known.”

“All of us at Major League Baseball are grateful for Tim’s impact on sports broadcasting and his distinguished career in our National Pastime. I extend my deepest condolences to Tim’s family, friends and the generations of fans who learned about our great game from him.” Concluded the MLB commissioner.

How was Tim McCarver’s life before stardom?

On occasion, Tim spoke about his early childhood, where he lived through segregation, and how this shaped him. Then, when he joined St. Louis, he would tell the stories of being ripped apart by fellow black teammates Gibson and outfielder Curt Flood whenever he would use racial comments that were not appropriate. He called this a second education, perhaps life’s most important.

McCarver wrote in his 1987 memoir, “It was probably Gibby more than any other Black man who helped me to overcome whatever latent prejudices I may have had.”