Tom Cheek Inducted Into Hall of Fame

The radio broadcasters who bring the game to life are intertwined with the love many of us develop for baseball. Which is why I am thrilled that the latest member of the Blue Jays family to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame is beloved radio broadcaster Tom Cheek. Cheek was awarded the Ford C. Frick award on Saturday.

Cheek brought baseball to Blue Jays fans from the first game in 1977 through two World Series wins and beyond. Throughout his career, Mr. Cheek compiled a streak of calling 4.306 consecutive regular season games and 91 Postseason games. For millions of Blue Jays fans, myself included, he was the voice of summer.

Leading up to the induction this weekend, there have been many tributes to Cheek, including articles, videos and even songs. One tribute song was created by my good friend and rapper Matt Brotzel, known to many as RationaL. “He is the reason I am a baseball fan,” RationaL told me. “It’s an honor to be able to recognize his incredible talent in this tribute.”

No matter what happens the rest of the day, the hilite will be Tom Cheek being named the Ford C. Frick award dinner. Well-deserved.

— Dan Shulman (@DShulman_ESPN) December 5, 2012

Congratulations to the Cheek family for this great honor.