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Breaking News 2005 Ford C. Frick Award Winner Announced
I've been listening to Tom Cheek on the radio as long as I can remember. He's an integral part of my childhood and teenage memories. When someone says "baseball", I think of Tom Cheek. I have to get that out of the way off the top before someone accuses me of being a homer -- when it comes to Tom Cheek, hell yes, I am a homer.

And that's why I'm sad to tell you that Jerry Coleman has won the 2005 Ford C. Frick award, an annual presentation by the Baseball Hall of Fame for major contributions to baseball broadcasting.

After a year of bad news for the Toronto Blue Jays and Tom Cheek personally, I was hoping that this award would be the start of an avalanche of good news for the team.

You can read the Baseball Hall of Fame's release here.

Posted by Named For Hank on Tuesday, February 22 2005 @ 02:01 PM EST.
2005 Ford C. Frick Award Winner Announced | 13 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Mike Green - Tuesday, February 22 2005 @ 02:32 PM EST (#103338) #
Nicely put, Aaron.

I am sure that the recognition Tom Cheek deserves from all of baseball will eventually come. In the meanwhile, the respect and admiration of his Canadian listeners will hopefully suffice.
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VBF - Tuesday, February 22 2005 @ 06:46 PM EST (#103352) #
It's unfortunate that Tom Cheek didn't win the award.

However, award or no award it doesn't change the fact that he is one of the best broadcasters of all time. An award is just an award, but the record and the support from an entire country will never be forgotten. Tom Cheek will have his time, baseball doesn't forget legends.
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Rob - Tuesday, February 22 2005 @ 07:03 PM EST (#103354) #
I'm not insulting Jerry Coleman, but when he filled in for Tom out in San Diego last year...well, there was no comparison. Oh well. Game 1 in 2005 will be just the same as it would have been if the Cheekster won. Bring on Opening Day!

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Brian B. - Tuesday, February 22 2005 @ 07:04 PM EST (#103355) #
Oh well, I voted for Tom Cheek.....a lot of times.
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Anders - Tuesday, February 22 2005 @ 07:10 PM EST (#103356) #
We can only hope that the day eventually comes when Cheek is honoured. I'm sure it will be soon, and there couldnt be anyone more deserving
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cedvicious - Tuesday, February 22 2005 @ 08:52 PM EST (#103358) #
I'm west coast biased, with my Vancouver roots, but I was hoping for Dave Niehaus myself. Like Cheek, an all-time great. Considering both have been with their respective teams from inception, expansion cousins no less (I'm pretty sure), it would be great if they could get in together. Kind of a shame one is chosen over another when they're pretty equal. (Though, if I had to choose, I'd go with Niehaus since I'm a diehard Mariner fan.)
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Named For Hank - Tuesday, February 22 2005 @ 08:55 PM EST (#103359) #
Brian, that was just to get him on the ballot. According to a Spencer Fordin article at bluejays.com, Cheek got over 7,000 online votes thanks to efforts like yours.
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Shrike - Wednesday, February 23 2005 @ 01:58 AM EST (#103367) #
Agreed. Niehaus or Cheek would have been admirable choices.
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C. Oliver - Wednesday, February 23 2005 @ 07:41 AM EST (#103369) #
Congratulations are still in store for Tom Cheek. His comeback from his illness along with his many years of outstanding broadcasting resulted in his appointment to the Blue Jays Level of Excellence last year. His work is recognized by those who hear him each day.

We know what we have--the best radio team in the big leagues with Cheek and Jerry Howarth!
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Hartley - Wednesday, February 23 2005 @ 07:50 PM EST (#103420) #
Tom Cheek is a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame. Here's hoping that 2006 the thirtieth anniversary of the Blue Jays Tom Cheek will be in Cooperstown

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Named For Hank - Wednesday, February 23 2005 @ 08:49 PM EST (#103425) #
Hey, now there's a positive thought, Hartley -- they're saving the honour to coincide with the Jays' birthday celebrations.

Okay, I feel a little better about it now.
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VBF - Wednesday, February 23 2005 @ 10:05 PM EST (#103430) #
Hey, and if everything goes as planned, we could be celebrating our 3rd World Series Win! ;)
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Hartley - Saturday, February 26 2005 @ 09:42 PM EST (#103791) #
Broadcasters by seniority

1. Denny Matthews KC Royals 1969 -
2. Dave Van Horne MTL Expos 1969-2000 & FLA Marlins 2001-
3. Dave Niehaus 1969-1976 Angels & Mariners 1977-
4. Mike Shannon STL Cardinals 1972-
5. Tom Cheek 1974- Expos & Toronto Blue Jays 74-76 77-
6. Lanny Frattare PIT Pirates 1976-
7. Skip Caray & Pete Van Wieran ATL Braves 1976-

If there are any broadcasters that have been omitted let me know
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2005 Ford C. Frick Award Winner Announced | 13 comments | Create New Account
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