Dave Niehaus was born on February 19, 1935, in Princeton, Indiana. He grew up in a small town, where his love for baseball first began to take shape. As a young boy, he spent countless hours playing catch with his friends and listening to games on the radio.
After graduating from high school, Niehaus attended Indiana University, where he studied communications. It was during his time at college that he first discovered his passion for sports broadcasting. He began calling games for the university's radio station, honing his skills and preparing for a career in the field.
After graduating from Indiana University in 1957, Niehaus began his professional career as a sportscaster. He worked for several radio stations in Indiana before moving to California to pursue new opportunities. In 1969, he landed a job as the play-by-play announcer for the California Angels, where he quickly made a name for himself as a talented and engaging broadcaster.
During his time with the Angels, Niehaus had the opportunity to work alongside broadcasting legend Dick Enberg, who mentored him and helped him refine his craft. The two formed a dynamic partnership, with Niehaus providing the play-by-play commentary and Enberg offering expert analysis and insights.
In 1977, Niehaus joined the Seattle Mariners as their play-by-play announcer, a role that would cement his place in baseball history. Over the next four decades, he became the beloved voice of the Mariners, captivating fans with his enthusiastic calls and colorful commentary. His signature catchphrases, such as "My, oh my!" and "It will fly away!" became synonymous with Mariners baseball.
Throughout his career, Niehaus had the privilege of calling many historic moments, including the Mariners' first playoff appearance in 1995 and the team's thrilling run to the American League Championship Series. His passionate and poetic style endeared him to fans across the country, earning him the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award in 2008, the highest honor a baseball broadcaster can receive.
Dave Niehaus will always be remembered as one of the greatest voices in baseball history. His impact on the game and his contributions to the sport will be felt for generations to come. He passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a lasting imprint on the hearts of Mariners fans everywhere.
His dedication to his craft, his passion for the game, and his innate ability to bring the excitement of baseball to life through his words set him apart as a true broadcasting legend. Dave Niehaus will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Mariners fans, who will always consider him a beloved member of their baseball family.