Cincinnati Reds fans lost a dear friend this past Thursday. Former Reds pitcher and radio announcer Joe Nuxhall passed away at the age of 79.
Like all Cincy natives and Reds fans of my generation, I grew up listening to Joe and his partner Marty Brennaman broadcasting Reds games over the AM airwaves. Listening to Marty and Joe was as much a part of summer as basebals cards and ice cream. Regardless of how poorly the Reds were playing in any given season, we tuned in just to hear Marty and Joe, because without their voices coming from the staticky transistor radio it just wasn’t summer.
I had the privilege of meeting Nuxhall many years ago. He was amazingly gracious and down to earth.
The Cincinnati Enquirer has an excellent section devoted specially to Nuxhall and his rich history as a Cincinnati Reds player and broadcaster, along with wonderful memories shared from his friends, family, fans and co-workers.
Nuxie used to close every broadcast by saying “This is the old left-hander, rounding third and heading for home.”
He finally made it home.
Any word on what Nuxhall’s favorite Cincy chilli was? I’m always curious to find out how people fall within the Skyline/Goldstar/Empress/Camp Washington/Dixie debate.