Twitter Reaction: Blue Jays broadcaster Jerry Howarth retires
Bringing fans across Canada the call of their games for nearly four decades, Jerry Howarth has become synonymous with the Toronto Blue Jays. Turning on the radio and listening to the Blue Jays meant you joined Jerry as he painted the picture of a summer day at the ballpark.
Unfortunately, Howarth has decided to retire due to health issues which have affected his voice in recent years. His absence will be missed by many surrounding the Blue Jays.
Congratulations on a wonderful career, Jerry!
We wish you the best in retirement. #ThankYouJerry pic.twitter.com/bHI6dpUKgH
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) February 13, 2018
"It's been a wonderful ride."
Legendary #BlueJays voice Jerry Howarth joined @SNJeffBlair in studio to formally announce his retirement after 36 seasons. pic.twitter.com/5TDdBo9B3R
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 13, 2018
I grew up with Tom Cheek and Jerry Howarth in the booth. It'll be weird listening to games with neither of them.
— Joshua (@JoshuaHowsam) February 13, 2018
Howarth, 71, announced his retirement Tuesday on Sportsnet 590 The Fan. His retirement marks an end of an era for one of the original radio calls of Blue Jays baseball. Tom Cheek and Jerry Howarth, the duo which brought to life the memories of so many baseball fans, have now both retired from broadcasting.
Jerry Howarth is a part of the @BlueJays and part of Toronto. On behalf of all Toronto residents and Blue Jays fans, I wish Jerry a long and happy retirement. He's a very special person and we will miss his voice on the air. pic.twitter.com/xXAa2QW3YY
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 13, 2018
One of the best! #JerryHowarth https://t.co/I7vQDwz7nC
— Jp Arencibia (@jparencibia9) February 13, 2018
Howarth, who since 1981 has lived in Toronto raised his family in the city. Howarth has been an honoured resident of the city, leading him to receive high praise for the city’s mayor John Tory.
Former Blue Jays Catcher J.P Arencibia tweeted out his respects for the former Blue Jays play-by-play announcer. Arencibia spent four seasons from 2010-2013 with the team.
To honour the fantastic career of Jerry Howarth, I have changed the spelling of my name for the day on Twitter. I will miss your voice when I listen to @BlueJays games. #ThankYouJerry
— Jerry Dee (@gerrydee) February 13, 2018
Congrats to the marvelous #JerryHowarth on a brilliant career of #BlueJays baseball and providing a soundtrack for all of us #ThankyouJerry
— Adnan Virk, ESPN (@adnanESPN) February 13, 2018
It takes a special person and talent to become synonymous with something. Jerry Howarth is Blue Jays baseball. He has earned 100 retirements. I just hope he gets the chance to enjoy a lazy summers day while someone else is working hard. He deserves that. #ThankYouJerry
— Jesse Fuchs (@jesse_fuchs) February 13, 2018
Congrats to Jerry Howarth on an incredible career. I grew up listening to him in the car and the backyard, and it's hard to imagine not being able to hear his voice on the radio anymore. His retirement is well earned, but he will be badly missed across Canada.
— Mark Bowman (@MarkBowman34) February 13, 2018
Listening to Jerry Howarth on the radio brought Blue Jays baseball to life each and every summer. For many, Howarth was a key part of what constitutes a Canadian summer. Whether it was long road trips, or just relaxing in the backyard on a hot summers day, Howarth was a part of those memories. What he brought to the broadcast booth will be truly missed.
Thank you, Jerry.