Tim McCarver, a two-time World Series champion who spent parts of nine seasons with the Phillies, passed away on Thursday at the age of 81.
A two-time All-Star in Saint Louis, McCarver was traded to Philadelphia following the 1969 season. The club then dealt him to Montreal in 1972 and resigned him later as a free agent in July 1975.
Over 628 games with the Phillies, McCarver hit .272 with 26 homers and 168 RBIs while posting a 109 OPS+.
The Memphis native had a bond with Hall of Fame hurler Steve Carlton and worked as his personal catcher when the Phillies became World Series contenders in 1976. The duo worked together until 1979, though McCarver played in a few contests late in 1980, making him one of less than 30 players in baseball history to appear in a Major League contest across four decades.
McCarver became a broadcaster following his playing career and spent time calling the Phillies, Mets, Yankees, and Giants. He also called games for several national networks, including NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox.
In all, McCarver called 23 World Series and 20 All-Star Games during his career, won the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting in 2012, and inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2016.
"Tim joined the Phillies at the height of his career and returned for his final six seasons as a veteran leader, helping the club to three straight NLCS appearances and, ultimately, their first-ever World Series title," Phillies owner John Middleton said in a statement.
"Following his playing career, fans throughout the world, including here in Philadelphia, listened to him describe their favorite team’s most iconic moments with professionalism and class. For Tim’s leadership, friendship, and voice, the Phillies are forever grateful.”
