Paul Carey, born on March 15, 1928, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, was a distinguished American sportscaster whose career spanned six decades, earning him a place in the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. He passed away on April 12, 2016, at the age of 88. Carey's early life was deeply rooted in Michigan, where he grew up the son of a university professor and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School. He went on to study at Central Michigan University and Michigan State University, where he graduated with a B.A. in speech, Radio, and Dramatics.

Carey's broadcasting career began with the establishment of WCEN in Mt. Pleasant, where he was on the original announcing staff when the station went live in 1949. His career was momentarily paused when he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War, serving as a squad leader staff sergeant. Upon his return, he resumed his broadcasting career, moving through various roles and stations until joining WJR in Detroit in 1956. At WJR, he had a long and fruitful tenure, becoming a beloved figure in sports broadcasting.

Perhaps most notable in Carey's career was his 19-season stint as the play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers, where he worked alongside the legendary Ernie Harwell. His voice became synonymous with Tigers baseball, and he was deeply respected for his knowledge and his calm, authoritative delivery of the play-by-play. Beyond baseball, Carey covered Detroit Lions football and Detroit Pistons basketball, further cementing his status as a versatile and talented sportscaster.

Carey's contributions to sports broadcasting were immense. He was not only a fixture on the airwaves but also took on engineering duties for many of the broadcasts he was involved with. His dedication to his craft and his ability to engage and inform sports fans left a lasting legacy. In 2012, Carey was honored with the Detroit Sports Broadcaster's Association's Harwell Lifetime Contribution Award, a fitting tribute to his significant impact on sports broadcasting.

Paul Carey's death marked the end of an era for sports broadcasting in Michigan. His career, characterized by professionalism, integrity, and a deep love for sports, made him a beloved figure among fans and a respected peer among colleagues. His voice and legacy continue to resonate with those who had the pleasure of experiencing his broadcasts, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports journalism.

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