Cyclones announcer Fusselle passes away

NEW YORK -- Warner Fusselle, the Brooklyn Cyclones' play-by-play announcer since the team's inception in 2001, passed away Sunday evening from an apparent heart attack. He was 68.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of Warner's passing," Cyclones general manager Steve Cohen said in a statement. "There is no one who knew more -- or cared more -- about baseball in Brooklyn than Warner. His distinctive voice, knowledge and endless passion for the game enriched Brooklyn Cyclones baseball for our players, staff, and fans from Day 1, and his presence will be sorely missed."

A native of Gainesville, Ga., Fusselle served in Korea during the Vietnam War. He was also the voice of the television show "This Week In Baseball," and he called St. John's baseball and Seton Hall basketball games during his career in New York. A Minor League baseball advocate, Fusselle also called games for the Richmond Braves, Virginia Squires and Spartanburg Phillies.

Fusselle was one week away from what would have been his 12th Opening Day as the radio play-by-play voice of the Cyclones, and his 35th Opening Day in baseball. The Cyclones have been one of the Mets' short-season Class A affiliates since their inception in 2001.

He is survived by his sister, Alicia Fusselle, and two nephews, Max Hyde and Warner Hyde. Funeral services have yet to be announced.