RIP Joe.

It seems that the word "icon" is overused these days. So before labeling Joe Nuxhall as "an icon," I decided to look up the definition to see if it fit. The dictionary defines an icon as: a sign or representation that stands for its object by virtue of a resemblance or analogy to it.

 

Who can hear the name Nuxhall and not think about baseball...radio...and summertime? When you think of the Cincinnati Reds, what are the images that come to mind? If you've lived in this area very long, one of those images will always be of Joe.

 

Joe has given a voice to summer in this area since the late 60's. He and his partner Marty Brennaman were the background music to countless family picnics and warm evenings on the porch. In the winter, listening to Joe's "Hot Stove League" program always made the warm days of spring seem right around the corner.

 

And Marty and Joe were right there when some of the most exciting moments in Reds history played out. They shared that excitement with us, as one of us. They brought those moments to life for all the fans who couldn't be there to experience them first-hand.

 

I first met Joe, at a charity roast that was held in his honor, way back in 1980. His celebrity buddies tore him up pretty good that night; but no one there laughed harder than Joe. That's the way he was -- a fun guy that loved to laugh and had a firm grasp of his own imperfection.

 

Many years later, I had a few other opportunities to meet Joe at Spring Training. He graciously granted any request for an autograph with warmth and a few minutes of friendly banter. Even as his health began to fail, that never changed. After those hot games in Sarasota, it was not difficult to see that Joe was struggling; but it was just as plain to see that he was right where he wanted to be...in his idea of heaven.

 

We'll all miss Joe Nuxhall. Games won't be the same without being able to glance up to the booth above home plate and see Marty and Joe. Spring Training won't be the same without Joe there to share his thoughts. Summer won't be quite the same without listening to the ol' left-hander rounding third and heading for home.

 

If you're a long time Cincinnati Reds fan, a baseball fan, or a kid going to college with the help of a Nuxhall foundation scholarship, Joe Nuxhall most certainly is...an icon.

 

 

Very nice tribute BF. I saw this on tv when I got home from class today, and was at a loss for words for a few minutes. Like many in this thread, I am one of those kids who grew up as a third generation listener of Marty and Joe. Many great memories have occured in the summer with this two of them as background noise.

 

If any of you get a chance to read Joe's book, I highly reccommend it. I gave it to my dad for Christmas one year then read it when he was finished. The similarities between Nuxy and my grandfather are uncanny. I know Joe was sick and he is now in a better place, however this is a sad day as a fan of the Reds and as a fan of baseball

A little more on Nuxy

Has anyone mentioned that Nuxhall is the youngest person ever to play in a MLB game? In 1944, he pitched 2/3 of an inning for the Reds at age 15.

Has anyone mentioned that Nuxhall is the youngest person ever to play in a MLB game? In 1944, he pitched 2/3 of an inning for the Reds at age 15.

 

 

 

And that's something I think we will "never" see again.

I just walked past his statue in front of GABP. It was very touching. There are flowers, cards, pictures, balls, and a jersey. I wish I would've brought my camera with me to capture the image. RIP Ole Left Hander! :cry:

 

I'll be that was moving, maybe we can get a pic of this posted by someone.

It seems that the word "icon" is overused these days. So before labeling Joe Nuxhall as "an icon," I decided to look up the definition to see if it fit. The dictionary defines an icon as: a sign or representation that stands for its object by virtue of a resemblance or analogy to it.

 

Who can hear the name Nuxhall and not think about baseball...radio...and summertime? When you think of the Cincinnati Reds, what are the images that come to mind? If you've lived in this area very long, one of those images will always be of Joe.

 

Joe has given a voice to summer in this area since the late 60's. He and his partner Marty Brennaman were the background music to countless family picnics and warm evenings on the porch. In the winter, listening to Joe's "Hot Stove League" program always made the warm days of spring seem right around the corner.

 

And Marty and Joe were right there when some of the most exciting moments in Reds history played out. They shared that excitement with us, as one of us. They brought those moments to life for all the fans who couldn't be there to experience them first-hand.

 

I first met Joe, at a charity roast that was held in his honor, way back in 1980. His celebrity buddies tore him up pretty good that night; but no one there laughed harder than Joe. That's the way he was -- a fun guy that loved to laugh and had a firm grasp of his own imperfection.

 

Many years later, I had a few other opportunities to meet Joe at Spring Training. He graciously granted any request for an autograph with warmth and a few minutes of friendly banter. Even as his health began to fail, that never changed. After those hot games in Sarasota, it was not difficult to see that Joe was struggling; but it was just as plain to see that he was right where he wanted to be...in his idea of heaven.

 

We'll all miss Joe Nuxhall. Games won't be the same without being able to glance up to the booth above home plate and see Marty and Joe. Spring Training won't be the same without Joe there to share his thoughts. Summer won't be quite the same without listening to the ol' left-hander rounding third and heading for home.

 

If you're a long time Cincinnati Reds fan, a baseball fan, or a kid going to college with the help of a Nuxhall foundation scholarship, Joe Nuxhall most certainly is...an icon.

 

Very well said Birdsfan and Yes, the man was a true icon. May God bless and be with his family.

I'll be that was moving, maybe we can get a pic of this posted by someone.

 

I've got a few pics someone sent me here at work, but they're too big. Here's one from the local news station from this morning. Since then, there's been much more stuff placed by the statue. I'll be heading out here soon, and I'll check it out again.

 

I am very saddened by this news. It has been a great day today, now that I see this, it is a depressing day. He was a great man and announcer. I will miss him on 700 WLW.:cry::cry::cry:

 

RIP Joe.

Very sad day in baseball. Rest In Peace Joe.

If you listened to any of the callers from todays shows so many people had so many amazing stories about Joe its really amazing how many people's life he has touched.

 

If the last 15 seconds of that doesn't give you chills then your not a Reds fan.

It is a sad night at the "old ball orchard".

Some of my favorite childhood days were spent playing in the backyard while my dad was woking on different odd jobs with Marty and Joe playing in the background. Those memories as a child will always stick with me and those two will always have a place in my heart for the bond they brought to dad and me.

"The ol' left hander has rounded third and finally made it home",

RIP Joe, I'll miss you :cry: