Harry Christopher Caray Jr., better known as Skip, was one of the most well-known voices in Atlanta for over 30 years. Best known for his career as a radio and TV play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Braves, Caray described several of the most significant moments in baseball history via his beloved position.

On August 3, 2008, the sportscaster died at age 68. His death was a big blow to the Braves community.

Broadcasting runs in Skip Caray’s family

Broadcasting is in the Caray family’s blood. Skip Caray was the son of Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray who famously called play-by-play for five MLB teams. Skip is the father of Braves broadcaster Chip Caray, who’s currently covering the St. Louis Cardinals for Bally Sports Midwest. Chip previously served as the Braves’ play-by-play voice for 17 years.

Skip’s second son, Josh Caray, currently serves as the play-by-play voice and Director of Broadcasting for the minor league baseball team, Rocket City Trash Pandas. He also broadcasts women’s sports for the University of Alabama.

Before Skip started a family, he studied TV and radio at the University of Missouri, receiving a degree in journalism. He began calling Saint Louis University and St. Louis Hawks basketball games. When the Hawks moved to Atlanta in 1968, Skip moved with the team to cover their games. He also called Atlanta Flames hockey games and did morning sportscasts on WSB-AM.

Skip continued to call basketball and baseball games, becoming a notable person in the growing Atlanta area.

Skip Caray joined the Atlanta Braves organization in 1976

In 1976, the Braves added Skip Caray to the broadcast team for the Braves, reports the Society for American Baseball Research. Skip remained with the Braves until he died in 2008. While broadcasting, he was widely known for his sarcastic sense of humor. Skip brought excitement to the game and entertained fans, even if the Braves weren’t winning.

In 2004, the Missouri native was inducted into the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame alongside his fellow broadcaster Pete Van Wieren. Skip has been recognized with six Georgia Sportscaster of the Year awards from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

In December 2008, the Braves organization announced that Skip had signed a three-year contract to continue broadcasting games on their radio network. During the final broadcast of Braves TBS Baseball, Skip had a special message for his fans:

“To all you people who have watched the Braves for these 30 years … thank you. We appreciate you more than you will ever know. … Thank you, folks, and God bless you. And we’re going to miss you every bit as much as you miss us,” he said.

Remembering the late Skip Caray’s broadcast career

During his time with the Braves, Skip accomplished other broadcasts, too. In 2000, NBC hired him to do play-by-play with Joe Morgan on the AL Division Series, filling in for Bob Costas.

Skip also called play-by-play for the first two seasons of TNT network’s Sunday Night NFL coverage during 1990 and 1991. He was well respected throughout the broadcast world, and he helped out with TBS’s coverage of the NBA and college football.

On August 3, 2008, Skip died. His wife thought he was taking a nap until he appeared unresponsive. Skip had experienced failing health for about a year prior, but he continued to work throughout the 2008 season. He called a game three days before his death.

The Braves wore a memorial patch on their uniforms that read “Skip” to honor his legacy.