Dave Niehaus, a revered voice in the world of baseball broadcasting, is best known for his long tenure as the play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Mariners. Born on February 19, 1935, in Princeton, Indiana, Niehaus developed an early interest in sports, which eventually led him to pursue a career in broadcasting. He attended Indiana University, where he honed his skills and graduated with a degree in radio and television.

Niehaus began his broadcasting career in the Armed Forces Network, where he covered baseball games while serving in the United States Army. This experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors in sports broadcasting. After his military service, he worked for a radio station in Los Angeles, where he had the opportunity to cover the Los Angeles Rams and the California Angels. His work with the Angels, in particular, helped him gain recognition in the industry.

In 1977, Niehaus became the inaugural broadcaster for the Seattle Mariners, a Major League Baseball expansion team. This marked the beginning of a long and storied relationship with the Mariners, as he became the voice of the team for over three decades. His distinctive style and enthusiastic commentary quickly endeared him to fans, making him a beloved figure in Seattle sports.

Niehaus was known for his vivid descriptions and memorable catchphrases, such as "My, oh my!" and "It will fly away!" These expressions became synonymous with Mariners baseball and added a unique flair to his broadcasts. His ability to bring the game to life for listeners, even during the team's challenging early years, was a testament to his skill as a broadcaster.

Throughout his career with the Mariners, Niehaus called many memorable moments, including the team's first playoff appearance in 1995. His call of Edgar Martinez's game-winning double in the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees remains one of the most iconic moments in Mariners history. Niehaus's emotional and passionate delivery captured the excitement of the moment and is still cherished by fans today.

In recognition of his excellence in broadcasting, Niehaus received numerous accolades. In 2008, he was awarded the Ford C. Frick Award by the National Baseball Hall of Fame, an honor given to broadcasters for major contributions to baseball. This prestigious award solidified his place among the greats in the field of sports broadcasting.

Despite the Mariners' struggles on the field, Niehaus's unwavering enthusiasm and love for the game never wavered. He continued to call games with the same energy and dedication until his passing on November 10, 2010. His death was a significant loss for the Mariners community and the world of baseball broadcasting.

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