Hawk Harrelson Named To Baseball Hall Of Fame

CHICAGO — Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, the longtime Chicago White Sox play-by-play broadcaster, is the 2020 Ford C. Frick Award winner, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum announced Wednesday. This means the legendary broadcaster will be a member of the Hall of Fame after an induction ceremony planned for July 25, 2020, in Cooperstown, New York.

"I am truly humbled to receive the greatest honor for any broadcaster in baseball," Harrelson, who retired from broadcasting following the 2018 Major League Baseball season, said.

Harrelson was selected by a 15-member Frick committee, comprised of the 11 living award recipients and four broadcast historians/columnists, according to the White Sox. The committee based its selection on commitment to excellence, quality of broadcasting abilities, reverence within the game, popularity with fans and recognition by peers.

Known for his one-of-a-kind catch phrases, Harrelson was the voice of White Sox television for 33 seasons. He's a two-time Illinois Sportscaster of the Year and five-time Emmy Award winner.

"Hawk is so deserving of this tremendous honor," White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said. "His passion for baseball is unmatched, and he has entertained generations of White Sox fans with his stories, experiences and insight."

He's known as one of the most passionate announcers in baseball history, often called a "homer" by fans everywhere for his dedication to the White Sox.

"He cared passionately about the White Sox and like our fans, took every win and loss to heart," Reinsdorf said. "With his nicknames and catchphrases, Hawk changed the way people talk about baseball and even how they describe day-to-day life. Hawk deservedly joins an impressive list of great Chicago baseball announcers who have been honored by the Hall of Fame with the Frick Award."

His most famous catch phrases include "He gone!", "Grab some bench!" and "You can put it on the board, yes!" His most famous nicknames given to players include "The Big Hurt" (Frank Thomas), "Black Jack" (Jack McDowell), "El Caballo" (Carlos Lee) and "The Cuban Missile" (Alexei Ramírez).

"Hawk changed the language of the game," White Sox television analyst Steve Stone said. "He touched many lives and to the White Sox and baseball he was an original unique voice of the game."