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Joe Tait
Joe Tait
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Joseph Tait (May 15, 1937 – March 10, 2021) was an American sports broadcaster who was the play-by-play announcer on radio for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and both TV and radio for the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball. With the exception of two seasons in the early 1980s and illness during his final season, he was the Cavaliers' radio announcer from the team's inception in 1970 through the 2010–11 season. He won the Basketball Hall of Fame 2010 Curt Gowdy Media Award.[1]

Key Information

Early life and education

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Tait was born in Evanston, Illinois, and was raised in Amboy, Illinois.[2] Growing up, he played basketball, football and soccer, and also enjoyed writing.[2] He attended Monmouth College in western Illinois, where he began his radio career. He worked various jobs, including play-by-play on a local radio station in Monmouth (WRAM), sports reports, and operations manager.[3] He graduated in 1959. After college, Tait spent three years in the United States Army Security Agency.[3]

After the Army, Tait bounced around, spending time in Decatur, Illinois. From 1966 to 1968 he was the official voice of the Ohio Bobcats, served as sports director for WOUB, and taught sportscasting at the Athens institution. He next served as the network voice of Indiana University football, and was the pre-game host for the Indiana Pacers in 1969, in addition to being the station manager and morning host at WBOW (1230 AM) in Terre Haute, Indiana.[4]

Career

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In 1970, Tait began his longtime association with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were in their first year of existence. The games were broadcast on WERE for the first two years. After then-owner Nick Mileti, who also owned the Cleveland Indians, bought Cleveland's most powerful radio station, WWWE (now WTAM) in 1972, he moved both teams' radio broadcasts to WWWE. Tait was the radio announcer for the Indians from 1973 through 1979 along with Herb Score, and their TV announcer with a variety of partners from 1980 through 1987.[5] However, prior to the 1980-1981 season, new controversial Cavs' team owner Ted Stepien had a disagreement with WWWE. Consequently, the station gave the broadcasting rights back to Stepien, and Tait was released from his job as a result.[3] Yet, many Cleveland fans mistakenly believe that Tait was fired by Stepien, organizing a "Joe Tait Night" during the final home game of the season. The game had the highest attendance of any game in the prior four seasons, and during the game, fans led chants of "Let's go, Joe. Ted must go."[2]

In the interim, Tait was the radio announcer for the New Jersey Nets for the 1981–1982 season.[6] The following year, he switched to television, calling play-by-play Chicago Bulls games on SportsVision, the team's cable-TV station.[6] He also broadcast the CBS Radio College Game-of-the-Week.[7] When new owners Gordon and George Gund III bought the team, Tait returned to the Cavaliers for the 1983-1984 season, and remained until his retirement in 2011.[6] In 1987, he was named vice president of broadcast services, a job that he held until his retirement.[2][8]

On March 26, 2008, Tait announced his 3000th game for the Cavaliers, against the New Orleans Hornets, where he sat at half court. The radio broadcast location at The Q, at section C126,[9] was renamed "The Joe Tait Perch" in honor of this achievement.[10] In November 2008, Tait signed a two-year contract extension, ensuring that he would be the team's radio voice until at least the 2010–11 season. However, he had a lifetime agreement with the team to serve in some capacity.[10]

In May 2010, the Basketball Hall of Fame announced that Tait would receive the 2010 Curt Gowdy Media Award, which was presented on August 12–13, 2010.[1] On May 17, 2010, WTAM announced that he would retire from broadcasting at the end of the 2011 season. During the 2010 preseason, Tait was hospitalized with pneumonia, and further testing showed he needed heart surgery. This would cause Tait to miss most of the 2010–2011 season. Mike Snyder and Jim Chones were announced as the interim radio team during Tait's recovery. On March 25, 2011, it was announced that Tait would return to call the remaining home games of the season.[11]

On April 8, 2011, in a game against the Chicago Bulls, the Cavaliers honored Tait by having Joe Tait Appreciation Night and by raising a "commemorative banner" with Tait's name, his years as a Cavaliers broadcaster and a microphone next to the other Cavalier retired numbers.[12][13][14][15] Tait's final game was the April 13, 2011, contest between the Cavaliers and Washington Wizards. The Cavaliers sent Tait out as a winner, defeating Washington 100–93.[16]

For fifteen seasons (during the basketball off-season), Tait was also a play-by-play voice for the Cleveland Indians (on the radio from 1973 to 1979, then switching to television from 1980 to 1987).[17] In 1992, he was inducted into the Radio/Television Broadcasters Hall of Fame of Ohio.[18] From 1997 to 2004, Tait also served as the radio play-by-play voice of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Cleveland Rockers.[7] In 2004, Tait was selected as a founding member of the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame.[19] Beginning in 2008, Tait did play by play for the Mount Union College Purple Raiders, a Division III college football team, on regional cable-TV sports network SportsTime Ohio.[20] He was on the school's board of trustees. He also called high school basketball games for WEOL-AM 930.[21]

In 2011 Tait co-authored his memoir, Joe Tait: It's Been a Real Ball with sports writer Terry Pluto. The book covers his early years in broadcasting, his time with covering the Cleveland Indians and his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.[22] In July 2019, WEOL-AM 930 launched a weekly podcast with Joe Tait entitled Over the Timeline that served as an overview of his career, and also included audio from Tait's extensive reel-to-reel tape collection.[23]

Signature calls

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  • "It's basketball time at the Cleveland Arena/Coliseum/Gund/Q!" – opening for Cavaliers home games[24]
  • "Wham with a right/left hand!" – for a Cavaliers slam dunk.[24]
  • "To the line, to the lane..." – when a Cavaliers player drives the lane for a basket[24]
  • "3-ball...Got it!" – a three-point shot[16]
  • "Sights it, shoots it, got it." – for free throw attempts[25]
  • "This is Joe Tait. Have a good night everybody!" – what he said to end a broadcast[24]
  • "It's a beautiful day/night for baseball!" – what he started every baseball game with[26]

Personal life

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Tait married his first wife in 1963. They were married 18 years and had three children, Christina, Karen and Joe. In 1983, he married his second wife, Jean.[3] He and Jean resided in Lafayette Township, Medina County, Ohio.[7]

Death

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Tait died in his home under hospice care March 10, 2021, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 83.[27]

Awards and honors

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  • Eight-time NSSA Ohio Sportscaster of the Year (1974, 1976, 1978, 1991, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2003)[28]
  • Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame Inductee (class of 1997)[29]
  • Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame Inductee (class of 1992)[18]
  • Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame Inductee (class of 2004)[19]
  • 2010 Basketball Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy Media Award
  • 2012 OAC Bill Nichols Media Award[30]
  • Cleveland Press Club Journalism Hall of Fame Inductee (class of 2003)[31]
  • Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (class of 2005)[32]
  • "Voice of the Cavaliers" banner honoring his Cavs career included with the Cavaliers' retired numbers at Rocket Arena[33]
  • Radio announcers booth at Rocket Arena renamed "The Joe Tait Perch"[10]
  • Broadcast booth at University of Mount Union renamed the "Joe Tait Broadcast Booth"[34]
  • Cavaliers Wall of Honor (class of 2019)[35]

References

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Bibliography

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Joe Tait (May 15, 1937 – March 10, 2021) was an American sports broadcaster renowned for his role as the radio play-by-play announcer for the of the (NBA), a position he held for 39 seasons from 1970 to 2011, except for 1981 and 1982. Born in , Tait graduated from in 1959 and began his career while serving as a manager for the school's football and teams, later working at radio stations in the Midwest and teaching at after his U.S. Army service. In Cleveland, he expanded his portfolio to include play-by-play duties for the Cleveland Indians baseball team from 1973 to 1980 on radio and 1980 to 1987 on television, where he called three no-hitters, including Len Barker's perfect game on his birthday in 1981; he also broadcast for the football team, the Cleveland Barons hockey team, the of the WNBA, and the Cleveland Crusaders of the . Tait's signature style featured vivid, concise descriptions, such as his exclamation "Wham, with the right hand!" for slam dunks, and his opening line "It's time in !" which endeared him to fans during memorable moments like the Cavaliers' "Miracle at Richfield" playoff run in 1976 and their appearance. He broadcast over 3,000 Cavaliers games, providing consistent commentary through the team's ups and downs, including a dismal 15-67 season, before retiring fully. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2010, induction into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, the Press Club Hall of Fame in 2003, and the Hall of Fame in 2009; in recognition, the Cavaliers named a broadcast perch after him at Quicken Loans Arena in 2008 and retired a banner in his honor in 2011. Tait, who was married twice and had three children, passed away at age 83 after battling and cancer.

Early years

Childhood and family background

Joe Tait was born on May 15, 1937, in , to parents J.R. Tait and Laura Tait. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Amboy, a small rural town in northern Illinois, where Tait spent his formative years in a modest Midwestern setting. Growing up on a in Amboy, Tait experienced the unpretentious rhythms of rural life, which instilled in him a grounded, straightforward personality that would later define his broadcasting style. Tait's childhood was marked by an active involvement in local sports, as he played , football, and soccer during his in Amboy, though he quickly realized he was not very good at any of them. These experiences on the field fostered an early appreciation for athletic competition and teamwork. Additionally, Tait developed a budding interest in radio during this period, dreaming of one day working in as he tuned into games and programs from the family home. This farm-based upbringing, combined with his exposure to sports through school and community activities, laid the groundwork for his lifelong passions. Following high school, Tait pursued higher education at Monmouth College in Illinois.

Education and initial interests

Joe Tait, born and raised in Illinois, chose to attend Monmouth College in the western part of his home state, drawn by its proximity and opportunities in sports and media. During his time there from 1955 to 1959, Tait majored in English, aligning with his interests in writing, and earned a bachelor's degree in 1959. His early passion for sports, stemming from playing basketball, football, and soccer in his youth, deepened at college, where he immersed himself in athletic activities beyond the classroom. As a student, Tait took on the role of manager for the Monmouth Fighting Scots' football and basketball teams, handling responsibilities such as game preparation, equipment management, and supporting team operations during practices and matches. These duties provided him with intimate access to the games, fostering his enthusiasm for sports narration; he often assisted as the sports information director in 1956 and 1957, compiling statistics and results for the college's athletic department. This hands-on involvement built his foundational knowledge of game dynamics and team strategies, skills that would prove essential in his broadcasting career. Tait's initial foray into occurred during his college years, where he began announcing school games informally to hone his skills. One of his first efforts involved recording play-by-play commentary for games using a tape recorder while seated on the stage, with the tapes later played in the student union for fellow students to hear. He also wrote unpaid stories for local newspapers. By his later undergraduate years, Tait had secured on-air opportunities at the local WRAM radio station, announcing sporting events and delivering sports reports, which marked his professional debut in before graduation. These experiences helped develop his distinctive announcing style, emphasizing clear, engaging descriptions of fast-paced action, and solidified his shift from aspiring writer to dedicated sports broadcaster.

Professional career

Early broadcasting roles

Following his graduation from in 1959 and a three-year stint in the U.S. Army, Joe Tait embarked on his professional broadcasting career in the early , beginning with radio stations in the Midwest. His first job was as a morning DJ at WDZ in , where he adopted the on-air persona "Jolly Joe Tait," though the role lasted less than a year before he was let go after pursuing other opportunities. He soon moved to WJRL in , serving in two separate one-year stints as the "Morning Mayor of Rockford," handling morning music shifts while also covering sports broadcasts in the evenings, which allowed him to blend his growing expertise in play-by-play announcing with daily radio demands. These early positions exposed Tait to the fast-paced nature of live radio, where he learned to improvise under tight schedules and engage audiences through vivid descriptions without visual aids. In 1964, Tait briefly worked at WILO in Frankfort, Indiana, for six months, focusing on local sports coverage including high school and community events, before being fired on Christmas Eve amid station changes. He then spent a year at WIOK in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, announcing Illinois State University football and basketball games as well as summer collegiate baseball for the Bloomington Bobcats, a team in the Central Illinois Collegiate League; this period marked one of his first sustained engagements with college athletics, building his reputation for detailed, energetic play-by-play that captured the excitement of regional sports. Later in the decade, Tait joined WBOW in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he served as a broadcaster and interim station manager, calling high school and college games while also hosting pre- and postgame shows for the Indiana Pacers of the American Basketball Association; here, he reconnected with Bill Fitch, a college acquaintance who would later influence his NBA career. From 1966 to 1968, Tait worked as sports director at WOUB in Athens, Ohio, serving as the play-by-play voice for the Ohio University Bobcats across multiple sports including football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, and hockey—a notable innovation was his use of microphones on goalies to enhance hockey broadcasts. During this time, he also taught broadcasting classes at Ohio University, mentoring up to 29 students in play-by-play techniques using tape recorders for practice and feedback, which refined his own skills in live commentary and audience engagement. Highlights included calling Ohio's memorable 30-15 football upset over the Kansas Jayhawks in 1967, despite the team's challenging 0-10 record the prior season, demonstrating his ability to maintain enthusiasm during tough stretches. These roles collectively honed Tait's adaptability to live radio's demands, from adapting to varied sports formats to fostering listener connections in smaller markets, setting the foundation for his professional ascent. His college experience managing Monmouth's teams had provided an initial precursor to this hands-on expertise.

Cleveland Cavaliers tenure

Joe Tait was hired as the radio play-by-play announcer for the ahead of their inaugural NBA season in 1970, becoming the original voice of the expansion franchise. His initial tenure spanned from 1970 to 1981, during which he broadcast the team's early years marked by consistent struggles, including losing records in their first five seasons. Tait covered pivotal moments such as the Cavaliers' first playoff appearance in 1976, highlighted by their memorable semifinal series against the Washington Bullets, known as the "Miracle at Richfield" for the dramatic Game 7 victory that advanced the team. Tait's association with the Cavaliers faced a major disruption during the 1980-1981 season when he was fired amid conflicts with team owner , who had taken control in 1980 and was notorious for controversial decisions. The dismissal sparked significant fan backlash, culminating in "Joe Tait Night" organized by supporters during the final home game against the , where protests underscored Tait's popularity and the discontent with Stepien's leadership. Tait then called games for the Nets during the 1981-1982 season and for the on television during the 1982-1983 season. Tait was rehired by the Cavaliers for the 1983-1984 season after Stepien sold the team to , whose ownership marked a new era and explicitly brought Tait back as a symbol of stability and fan connection. He continued in the role through the team's evolving fortunes, broadcasting multiple playoff runs in the 1980s and 1990s, including the 1988-1989 season's franchise-record 57 wins, and culminating in the Cavaliers' first appearance in 2007 against the . Tait retired after the 2010-2011 season, having called over 3,000 games for the franchise across his 39 seasons.

Broadcasting style and signature calls

Joe Tait's broadcasting style was characterized by an energetic yet restrained play-by-play delivery that emphasized descriptive narration of player movements, game flow, and strategic elements, allowing listeners to visualize the action without excessive hype. As a solo for the , he combined play-by-play with insightful color commentary, often educating fans on nuances like defensive schemes or historical context while maintaining a professional, honest tone that critiqued poor performances equally for both teams. His approach was particularly vivid in radio broadcasts, where he described details such as uniform colors and court layouts to aid blind listeners, turning audio into a comprehensive sensory experience. Tait prepared meticulously for each game, spending about two hours reviewing notes and using a consistent scorebook to ensure accuracy across thousands of broadcasts. A hallmark of Tait's style was his integration of humor and brutal honesty, which added personality without overshadowing the game; for instance, he once quipped self-deprecatingly about his own bobblehead doll during a broadcast, blending levity with candid assessments of the team's play. This fan-engaging method made even lopsided contests compelling, as Tait could narrate a 66-0 blowout as dynamically as a close finish by focusing on individual efforts and momentum shifts. Over his 39-year tenure with the Cavaliers, his style evolved minimally, adapting to roster changes and arena transitions—from the to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse—while preserving core elements like rhythmic phrasing and impartiality, which endeared him to generations of listeners. Tait's signature calls became iconic phrases that captured the excitement of key moments, often delivered with his booming voice for emphasis. He opened every Cavaliers broadcast with the welcoming "It's basketball time at the [arena name]," setting an inviting tone for fans. For thunderous dunks, he exclaimed "Wham with the right hand!"—a phrase originating from Williams' slam during a game—or "Wham with the left hand!" depending on the play, evoking the sound and impact without over-dramatizing. Drives to the basket prompted "To the line, to the lane," highlighting fluid movement, while successful three-pointers earned a crisp "3-ball... got it!" Memorable examples of Tait's calls shone in high-stakes Cavaliers moments, such as during the 1976 "Miracle of Richfield" playoff series against the Washington Bullets, where he narrated three last-second game-winning shots with escalating intensity to capture the improbable comebacks. In a 1991 game, he immortalized Craig Ehlo's buzzer-beating three-pointer with "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and he comes from Lubbock, Texas!"—a humorous nod to the holiday timing and Ehlo's Texas roots that celebrated the upset victory over the Utah Jazz. Tait closed broadcasts with a warm "Have a good night, everybody," fostering a sense of community that reinforced his role as the team's enduring voice.

Personal life and later years

Family and relationships

Joe Tait married his first wife, , in 1963, and the couple had three children: daughters Christina and Karen, and son Joe Jr.. The marriage lasted until 1980, during which Edith provided key support for Tait's career transition, including helping him relocate for his role with the in 1970 by packing his belongings after a pivotal broadcast opportunity. In 1983, Tait married his second wife, Jean, whom he met while she worked as a server at Whitey's Booze N' Burgers in ; the couple remained together for nearly four decades and resided in Medina County. Following her diagnosis with in 2006, which progressed significantly by 2010, Tait became Jean's primary caretaker. Jean and Tait shared interests in , often attending events together, as evidenced by Tait celebrating his 72nd birthday in 2009 with a victory by their horse Maui Sunset. Tait's children played supportive roles in his life amid his demanding broadcasting schedule, which often meant limited family time during road trips and game nights. His son Joe Jr., known as Joey, occasionally joined him at Cavaliers games, where he sketched tanks and military equipment during timeouts, earning compliments from NBA official on his artistic talent. Daughter Karen gifted Tait his beloved Penelope around 2016, a 5-year-old lap cat that became a cherished companion and marked his shift from preferring dogs to embracing feline affection. Family routines reflected Tait's passions, such as watching train videos, which Karen later came to appreciate as comforting, and occasional outings like drives to spot passing trains during trips with loved ones.

Health challenges and death

Tait retired from broadcasting at the end of the 2010–11 season after 39 years with the , primarily due to ongoing health problems that had led to multiple hospitalizations in the preceding months. In his later years, Tait faced a prolonged battle with and , the latter having been diagnosed with a tumor present for at least four years by early 2021. His condition worsened around 2020, compounded by a serious blood clot in his leg, leading to his entry into care in early 2021. While in , Tait remained reflective and engaged, participating in interviews where he openly discussed his impending death, his love for , and personal anecdotes, demonstrating his characteristic resilience and humor. His family provided steadfast support throughout his illness, surrounding him in his final days. Tait died on March 10, 2021, at the age of 83 in his home in Lafayette Township, Medina County, Ohio, from complications related to and cancer. He was cremated, with memorial arrangements handled privately by his family.

Legacy and recognition

Awards and honors

Joe Tait received numerous accolades throughout his broadcasting career, recognizing his distinctive voice and contributions to sports media, particularly in . In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Media Award by the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to basketball broadcasting. This honor, presented during the Hall's enshrinement festivities, celebrated Tait's role as the radio voice of the for nearly four decades. Tait was an eight-time recipient of the Ohio Sportscaster of the Year award, underscoring his consistent excellence in regional sports announcing. He was inducted into the Cleveland Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1992, acknowledging his pioneering work in local media. In 1996, he received the C.S. Williams Founders Award from the same organization for longstanding service in broadcasting. Further regional honors included his 2001 induction into the Sports Legends Hall of Fame and his 2003 entry into the Cleveland Press Club Hall of Fame, both highlighting his impact on Cleveland's landscape. Tait was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 for his vivid play-by-play descriptions that enhanced the fan experience over 3,000 Cavaliers games. In 2005, he joined the Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a local icon. In recognition of his Cavaliers tenure, the team honored Tait with a lifetime achievement award from the Sports Commission in 2008 and renamed their broadcast booth the Joe Tait Perch at Quicken Loans Arena (now Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse). Upon his retirement in 2011, the Cavaliers raised a commemorative banner in his honor in the arena's rafters, akin to tributes for retired player jerseys.

Influence on sports broadcasting

Joe Tait's influence extended significantly through his mentorship of younger broadcasters, shaping their approaches to play-by-play announcing. He took Fred McLeod under his wing when McLeod joined the broadcast team in 1979, offering guidance and support that emphasized preparation and focus on the game itself. Tait also mentored and influenced figures like Don , , and , who adopted elements of his rhythmic and descriptive style in their own NBA radio work. Tait contributed to elevating NBA radio standards by prioritizing and vivid over , setting a benchmark for solo broadcasts that captured the game's nuances without relying on hype. His solo calls on WWWE-AM, a powerful 50,000-watt station reaching 38 states, featured rhythmic play-by-play descriptions that made repetitive actions feel fresh and engaging, such as detailing a player's movement with precise, immediate imagery while weaving in subtle contextual details like arena atmosphere. This approach influenced the emphasis on accuracy and narrative depth in professional radio, earning praise for maintaining calm excitement and complete control during high-stakes moments. In , Tait became a whose deep connection with fans underscored his role in fostering unwavering loyalty to the Cavaliers. During his 1980-1981 firing by owner amid disputes over team management, supporters organized "Joe Tait Day" at the season's final home game, drawing the largest crowd in two years to protest his departure and affirm his integral place in the city's sports identity. This event highlighted how Tait's broadcasts had woven him into the fabric of Cleveland fandom, turning radio into a communal that sustained support through the franchise's lean years. Post-retirement tributes and posthumous honors further cemented Tait's legacy, including the 2011 FOX Sports documentary "Have A Good Night, Everybody," which premiered on his final broadcast night and explored his career's impact through interviews and archival calls. Following his 2021 , the Cavaliers and NBA paid homage via dedicated video montages and a permanent banner in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, while anniversary reflections of his signature calls continued to celebrate his enduring voice in history.

References

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