Guardians PA announcer Tayek, the voice of Progressive Field, passes away

CLEVELAND -- Bob Tayek, the longtime public address announcer at Progressive Field who spent nearly three decades as the voice of the ballpark, has died, the Guardians announced on Tuesday. He was 75.

Born in 1951, Tayek took over as Progressive Field’s public address announcer in 1999. The Ohio University graduate enjoyed an extended career in broadcast news before taking over behind the mic at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.

On April 4, the Guardians announced Tayek would be stepping away from the mic for at least the first half of the campaign due to recent health challenges, and was expected to return once back on his feet. The club has used a rotating mix of interim announcers this season.

The Guardians released a statement on Tuesday sharing the tragic news.

“It is with great sadness we share the news that our longtime public address announcer, Bob Tayek, has passed away today,” the club’s statement reads. “For nearly three decades, Bob was the voice of Progressive Field, welcoming generations of fans to Cleveland baseball with warmth, professionalism and a presence that became part of the ballpark experience.

“Please keep Bob’s family, friends and all who worked alongside him in your thoughts during this difficult time.”