Bay Area Legends
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Hall of Famers Russ Hodges and Lon Simmons were the great San Francisco Giants announcing team of my childhood. I loved listening to Russ and Lon!
Growing up in San Jose, I was a huge Giants fan. They were an exciting team to follow with future Cooperstown inductees like Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, Willie McCovey, and Juan Marichal. But it was Russ & Lon that made me love those Giants just as much as all those great ballplayers.
Russ became a legend in 1951 when he called Bobby Thomson’s pennant-winning homerun. You’ll hear all about it on track 4. In 1962, Russ & Lon were at the top of their games, and you can listen to plenty of great Giants highlights from that unforgettable year. Also included is a rare recording of Russ broadcasting a Heavywieght Championship fight-the famous 2nd meeting of Cassius Clay and Sonny Liston in 1965. Lon’s excellent work with the SF 49ers and Oakland Athletics is part of the production. And track number 9-“Laughter Break”-promises to make you howl out loud!
Recently I sent Lon Simmons an advance copy of this tribute, and you can imagine what a great thrill it was for me when he called and said, “You did a marvelous job on this CD!”
This is intended to bring back lots of memories. Of Russ & Lon, of those Giants teams, and (if you are old enough) memories of YOU at that time in your life. If this was before your time, I hope you find it a compelling piece of baseball broadcasting history featuring two of the all time greats: Russ Hodges and Lon Simmons, Bay Area Legends. Thanks for listening!
Pat Hughes
November 2012
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Track Listing
1. Open
2. Intro
3. Russ & Lon
4. Shot Heard ‘Round the World
5. 1962 San Francisco Giants
6. 1962 Game #162
7. 1962 NL Playoff, SF vs. LA
8. Clay-Liston II
9. Laughter Break
10. Lon’s Beginnings
11. Lon & the 49ers
12. Russ & the Early Days
13. Russ & the 1954 NY Giants
14. SF Giants Memories
15. Lon & the Oakland Athletics
16. 1989 World Series
17. Cooperstown/Legacy
18. Close
19. Credits