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11 Facts About Frank Messer

1.

Wallace Frank Messer was an American sportscaster who was best known for his 18 seasons announcing New York Yankees baseball games, and as the recognizable emcee voice of various Yankee Stadium festivities during a three decade span.

2.

An Asheville, North Carolina native, Messer was a member of the Marines during World War II in the South Pacific.

3.

Frank Messer got his major-league break when he joined the Baltimore Orioles and worked alongside their noted longtime voice, Chuck Thompson.

4.

Frank Messer called Baltimore Colts football during the 1960s including the 1964 NFL Championship Game with John Steadman.

5.

Frank Messer took Garagiola's place for 1968, working with ex-Yankees Jerry Coleman and Phil Rizzuto.

6.

Frank Messer was acclaimed by critics and fans both for his straight-shooting play calling on radio and TV, and by the club for his effectiveness promoting team events.

7.

Frank Messer had a mellow play-by-play style, similar to Curt Gowdy.

8.

Frank Messer handled the post-game clubhouse celebration after the Chris Chambliss home run that won the 1976 ALCS.

9.

Frank Messer is out, and having to be forcibly restrained from hitting plate umpire Tim McClelland.

10.

Frank Messer continued to emcee Old-Timer's Day ceremonies for the Yankees from 1988 through 1997.

11.

Frank Messer died at his Deerfield Beach, Florida home on November 13,2001, aged 76, from complications of heart problems and lupus.