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Ken Coleman
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Kenneth Robert Coleman (April 22, 1925 – August 21, 2003) was an American radio and television sportscaster for more than four decades (1947[1]–1989).

Key Information

Early life

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Coleman was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1925, the son of William (a salesman) and his wife Frances. The family subsequently moved to Dorchester, Massachusetts, and then to nearby Quincy, where he was raised. Coleman graduated from North Quincy High School in 1943.[2] He was a pitcher on the North Quincy High School baseball team,[3] and subsequently played in the semi-pro Park League. But Coleman had dreams of being a sports broadcaster from the time he was a boy, when he enjoyed listening to the games on radio.[4]

After serving in the U.S. Army, where he was a sergeant during World War II,[5] Coleman took oratory courses for one year at Curry College, and then broke into broadcasting in Rutland, Vermont, in 1947, working for station WSYB. He called the play-by-play of the Rutland Royals of the Vermont Northern League, a summer collegiate baseball circuit akin to the Cape Cod League. Coleman also was a newscaster and a deejay on the station.[6] He was hired by station WJDA in Quincy, where he worked as a sports reporter until 1951; he then worked for a year at WNEB in Worcester.[7] During this time, Coleman was broadcasting Boston University football[8] during the Harry Agganis era.

Broadcasting career

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Cleveland Indians and Browns

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Coleman received critical praise for his college football play-by-play, which led to his big break: in 1952, he got the opportunity to broadcast for the NFL Cleveland Browns (1952–1965), calling play-by-play of every touchdown that Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown ever scored. He also began his MLB broadcasting career, calling Cleveland Indians games on television for ten seasons (1954–1963). In his first year with the Indians, Coleman called their record-setting 111-win season and their World Series loss to the New York Giants.

Coleman broadcast college football for various teams, including Ohio State and Harvard, as well as BU. He was the play-by-play announcer for the 1968 Harvard-Yale football game, a game forever remembered for the incredible Harvard comeback from a 16-point deficit to tie Yale at 29–29 in the game's last 42 seconds. Coleman also called NFL games for NBC in the early 1970s, and later in his career called Connecticut and Fairfield basketball games for Connecticut Public Television.

Boston Red Sox

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In 1966, Coleman was named the lead play-by-play announcer for the Boston Red Sox on both radio and television, succeeding Curt Gowdy, who resigned after 15 years of calling Red Sox games to become the top play-by-play voice for NBC's Major League Baseball Game of the Week.[9] Coleman joined a broadcast team that also included Ned Martin and color man Mel Parnell,[10] and signed a three-year contract that paid him $40,000 per year.[11] Coleman broadcast the 1967 World Series (which the Red Sox lost to the St. Louis Cardinals) for NBC television, working alongside Gowdy, and radio.

Coleman was the "Voice of the Red Sox" on both WHDH-AM 850 and the original WHDH-TV for six seasons, through 1971. When the FCC revoked WHDH's television license during the winter of 1971–1972, the Red Sox split their radio and TV announcing crews and signed a three-year contract with WBZ-TV. Coleman and color man Johnny Pesky worked exclusively on television through the 1974 season. In 1975, the Red Sox awarded their television rights to WSBK-TV and increased their telecast schedule from 65 to over 100 games,[12] and the new flagship station opted for a new broadcasting team, Dick Stockton and Ken Harrelson. Coleman then returned to Ohio. From 1975 to 1978, he was the play-by-play man for WLWT and the Cincinnati Reds' television network, calling regular-season games for the Big Red Machine's back-to-back 1975–1976 World Series champions.

After the Red Sox' legendary radio combination of Ned Martin and Jim Woods were fired for failing to follow the dictates of sponsors following the 1978 season, Coleman went back to Boston in 1979 and spent 11 years as the Red Sox' top radio voice. He broadcast the Red Sox' 1986 World Series loss to the New York Mets and two Red Sox ALCS (1986 and 1988). Coleman remained in the Red Sox booth until his retirement in 1989. He worked with #2 announcers Rico Petrocelli, Jon Miller and Joe Castiglione during this "second term" with the Red Sox.

It was Coleman who was on the call on the Red Sox Radio Network when Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner let a groundball hit by Mookie Wilson of the New York Mets go through his legs at the end of Game 6 of the 1986 World Series:

Knight at second. Three and two. The pitch... groundball to first base. Buckner...it goes by him! And here comes...the winning run! The Mets have won it...6 to 5 on a groundball to Buckner...that went through him...for what has to be an error! And Knight comes home. And the Mets are still alive! They are going wild in New York! As the New York Mets after the Red Sox in the top of the 10th inning, got two with two men out and nobody on...come back and get three and win it....win it...6 to 5 to force Game 7 tomorrow night. Game 7 tomorrow night! And we'll be back with a recap...in a moment.[13]

In 1972, Coleman returned briefly to the NFL, rotating play-by-play duties with Stockton for New England Patriots' preseason games on WBZ-TV with no color commentators.

Additionally, he wrote books on sportscasting, was one of the founding fathers of the Red Sox Booster Club and the BoSox Club, and was intimately involved with the Jimmy Fund, which raises money for cancer research.

Personal life and death

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Coleman followed the routine of taking a swim in the Atlantic Ocean as often as he could through the late fall and into the earliest days of spring, until his death.

He was the father of the late Cleveland sports and newscaster Casey Coleman, who died in 2006 from pancreatic cancer.

Coleman was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame on May 18, 2000, at the age of 75. He died three years later, aged 78, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, from complications of bacterial meningitis.[14]

References

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Ken Coleman

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Kenneth Robert Coleman (April 22, 1925 – August 21, 2003) was an American sportscaster renowned for his play-by-play broadcasting of and games over a career spanning more than four decades. Best known as the voice of the Red Sox from 1966 to 1974 and 1979 to 1989, Coleman also called games for the , Cleveland Indians, and , capturing pivotal moments like the Red Sox's 1967 "Impossible Dream" pennant win and the . His distinctive style and dedication to the sport earned him induction into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2000, along with multiple awards including eight Sportscaster of the Year honors. Born in , Coleman grew up idolizing and dreaming of a pitching career, but a accident that blinded him in his left eye at age 12 derailed those plans and steered him toward radio. After serving in and gaining early experience on Armed Forces Radio, he launched his professional broadcasting career in the late 1940s with local stations in and before breaking into major league sports. In 1952, Coleman secured his first big-league role as the radio voice of the , a position he held until 1965, during which he announced every professional touchdown by legendary . Coleman's baseball broadcasting began in 1954 with the Indians on television, continuing through 1963 alongside his NFL duties. He joined the Red Sox in 1966, partnering with Ned Martin on radio and television, and became a beloved figure in for his eloquent calls during the team's dramatic 1967 season that clinched the pennant against 100-1 odds. After a stint with the from 1975 to 1978, including coverage of their victory, Coleman returned to Boston in 1979, notably describing ' record 20-strikeout game in 1986 and the heartbreaking loss marked by Bill Buckner's error. He retired in 1989 following a heart attack, leaving a legacy that included co-founding the Red Sox Booster Club, chairing for six years, and authoring books on sportscasting. Coleman died in , from complications of bacterial .

Early life

Childhood and family background

Kenneth Robert Coleman was born on April 22, 1925, in , the youngest of three children and the son of William Coleman and his wife Frances. His father had served in the military before transitioning to work as a night watchman, while his mother was a housewife who managed the household. The family resided in Quincy, a working-class suburb of located just 15 minutes from , providing young Ken with easy access to the city's vibrant sports scene. During the , Coleman's childhood unfolded in this close-knit , where his father's demanding job and untimely death from a heart attack in 1943—while Ken was still in high —shaped the family's dynamics and instilled a sense of resilience. The emphasized hard work and community ties, reflecting the era's economic challenges in the region. These early years fostered Coleman's appreciation for local culture and sports, laying the groundwork for his lifelong passion. From a young age, Coleman exhibited a keen fascination with radio sports broadcasts, often tuning in to announcers like Fred Hoey, who called games for the and Red Sox. This interest deepened around age 12 following a tragic accident that cost him his left eye and dashed his dreams of becoming a player, prompting him instead to recreate and narrate imaginary games for himself. Following these formative experiences, Coleman transitioned to formal education in Quincy, preparing for the next chapter of his life.

Education and military service

Coleman graduated from North Quincy High School in , in 1943. Despite being initially classified as 4-F and deemed unfit for military service following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army later that year at the age of 18. During World War II, Coleman served as a sergeant in the China-Burma-India Theater, where he saw combat in the jungles of Burma. His military duties included broadcasting local sports events such as Indian rugby, cricket, and soccer over Armed Forces Radio, providing him with early hands-on experience in public address and narration that honed his speaking abilities under challenging conditions. He was discharged around 1946. Following his discharge, Coleman enrolled at in (then located in ), where he took a one-year course in oratory and to overcome his inherent and build in communication. These formal studies, combined with his wartime broadcasting exposure, laid the foundation for his future career in sports announcing by sharpening his vocal delivery and storytelling skills.

Broadcasting career

Early professional roles

Ken Coleman's broadcasting career began in when he was hired by WSYB radio in , , to serve as a , newscaster, and play-by-play announcer for the Rutland Royals, a semipro baseball team in the Northern League. This opportunity arose while he was still attending , where oratory training had helped build his foundational skills. In 1948, Coleman returned to his hometown of , and joined WJDA as program director and sports announcer, a role he held for three years through 1951. There, he honed his announcing abilities by covering local sports events, including a standout Day 1950 high school broadcast that drew praise from columnist Bill Cunningham for its vivid description and enthusiasm. His work at WJDA exemplified the versatile demands of small-station radio in the late 1940s, where announcers often juggled multiple responsibilities amid a post-World War II surge in broadcasting opportunities driven by returning veterans and expanding airwaves. By 1951, Coleman had transitioned to more prominent regional coverage, securing the play-by-play role for football games, bolstered by endorsements from coach Aldo “Buff” Donelli and other sports figures. This shift from local to college-level broadcasts marked his growth as a young announcer in a competitive radio landscape, where limited technology and high listener expectations challenged newcomers to deliver clear, engaging narratives without visual aids. Overcoming initial shyness from his service, Coleman developed a polished style through persistent practice, setting the stage for broader opportunities.

Cleveland Indians and Browns

In 1952, Ken Coleman joined the as the radio play-by-play announcer, a role he held through the 1965 season, covering regular seasons, playoffs, and multiple championship appearances. Hired initially in competition with , Coleman became the lead voice after Nelson's departure to , broadcasting seven league championships and seven network title games, including the Browns' 27-0 victory over the in the 1964 Championship. He also handled some television duties for the team, calling games featuring stars like quarterback and running back , for whom Coleman announced all 126 professional touchdowns from 1957 to 1965. Coleman expanded his responsibilities in 1954 by joining the Cleveland Indians as a television play-by-play announcer, a position he maintained until 1963, while continuing his Browns work on radio and TV. That year, he broadcast the Indians' dominant 111-43 season, which included a 26-game tying the major league record and clinched the pennant, leading to their matchup against the . Coleman called all four games of the Series, in which the Indians were swept 4-0, highlighted by ' famous over-the-shoulder catch in Game 1 and Dusty Rhodes' pinch-hit home runs. Throughout his Cleveland tenure, Coleman collaborated with partners such as Jim Britt on Indians telecasts from 1954 to 1957, sharing play-by-play duties in a collaborative style. Known for his pleasant and understated, no-nonsense delivery, he earned praise for a restrained approach in that focused on clear descriptions without over-dramatization, allowing viewers to absorb the action, and a football style that "made time stand still," as noted by fellow broadcaster . This smooth, descriptive announcing solidified his reputation as a rising star in major league during the Midwest's scene.

Boston Red Sox

Ken Coleman joined the Boston Red Sox broadcasting team in 1966 as the lead play-by-play announcer for both radio and television, succeeding and drawing on his prior experience with the Cleveland Indians. He partnered with Ned Martin on television and Mel Parnell on radio, rotating in three-inning shifts to cover games for stations like WHDH and WSBK. His first season coincided with a rebuilding year for the ninth-place Red Sox, but his smooth, engaging style quickly endeared him to fans. Coleman's tenure peaked during the 1967 "Impossible Dream" season, when the Red Sox surged from last place to win the pennant, captivating with dramatic late-season wins narrated by his vivid calls. He also handled national coverage of the for television and radio alongside Gowdy, describing the Red Sox's seven-game loss to the Cardinals, including Bob Gibson's complete-game victory in Game 7. Coleman narrated the official "Impossible Dream" highlight record released by WHDH, which preserved the season's magic and further solidified his role in Boston's lore. He continued broadcasting Red Sox games through 1974, covering consistent contention but no further postseason appearances during that stretch. After a brief period away, Coleman returned to the Red Sox in 1979 as the primary radio voice, serving until his retirement in 1989. He initially teamed with before partnering with starting in 1983, forming a duo that brought energy to WPLM broadcasts during the team's resurgent 1980s. This second stint included coverage of the 1986 win over the California Angels, the 1986 loss to the —famous for his somber call of the Game 6 ground ball through Bill Buckner's legs—and the 1988 ALCS defeat to the . Coleman's signature calls, such as his measured excitement during the pennant clincher and the poignant narration of 1986's collapse, captured the emotional highs and lows of Red Sox fandom, earning him a reputation as the team's heartfelt chronicler. Over two decades, he helped build the Red Sox's radio and television identity amid eras of intense contention, fostering deep connections with listeners through his authentic, non-sensational delivery. His enduring impact was recognized with induction into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2000.

Cincinnati Reds and national broadcasts

In 1975, following a change in Boston Red Sox television rights that led to his replacement, Ken Coleman returned to Ohio to serve as the primary television play-by-play announcer for the , a role he held through the 1978 season. During this period, he broadcast regular-season games for the Reds' powerhouse "Big Red Machine" teams, featuring stars like , , and , which captured the National League pennant and defeated the Boston Red Sox in the 1975 before repeating as champions against the New York Yankees in 1976. Although the 1975 Fall Classic was exclusively covered by national networks, preventing Coleman's involvement in the postseason telecast, he received a commemorative ring for the 1976 victory as part of the broadcast team. His calls highlighted the team's dominant offensive style and key moments, such as Morgan's MVP performances, contributing to the broadcasts' energy during Cincinnati's four-year playoff run from 1975 to 1978. Beyond team-specific duties, Coleman undertook several high-profile national assignments, including his role in NBC's coverage of the between the Cardinals and his former club, the Red Sox. As the Boston-based announcer for both television and radio, he joined lead play-by-play voice on TV, providing local color from during the dramatic seven-game series, which the Cardinals won on Bob Gibson's third complete-game victory. On radio, Coleman paired with for Cardinals games in and served as the Boston feed, capturing the excitement of Carl Yastrzemski's Triple Crown season and the Red Sox's improbable "Impossible Dream" pennant chase. This exposure elevated Coleman's national profile, showcasing his smooth delivery in one of baseball's most memorable postseasons. Coleman's national scope extended to other sports, particularly college football, where he handled play-by-play for notable games, including the legendary 1968 Harvard-Yale matchup. Broadcasting on WHDH radio from Harvard Stadium, he narrated the Crimson comeback from a 29-13 deficit in the final minutes to tie 29-29, a finish immortalized in headlines like Harvard's "They beat the hell out of Yale" and later preserved in audio recordings of his calls. He also covered games for teams such as Ohio State, Harvard, and Boston University throughout his career, often on network or regional outlets, blending his experience from professional football announcements. In professional football, Coleman contributed to NBC's national NFL telecasts, including several championship games during the league's pre-Super Bowl era. He called the 1965 NFL Championship between the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers alongside Ray Scott on CBS, describing the Packers' 23-12 victory in a muddy Lambeau Field contest that foreshadowed the Ice Bowl. Over his career, he broadcast a total of seven such title games on network television, emphasizing defensive battles and pivotal plays like Jim Brown's runs for the Browns. These assignments underscored his versatility across major events, bridging his regional expertise with broader audiences.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Ken Coleman married Theresa Veader, a native, on September 2, 1950, in a union that lasted 47 years until their in 1997. provided steadfast personal support throughout Coleman's extensive , which often required relocations between cities like and , helping maintain family stability amid professional demands. The couple had five children: sons Casey and William, and daughters Kerry, Susan, and Kathleen. Casey Coleman, inspired by his father's profession, pursued a career in sports broadcasting, serving as a play-by-play announcer for the and hosting radio shows in the region before his death in 2006. The family resided primarily in the area, including homes in Quincy—Coleman's birthplace—and later Plymouth, where he spent his final years and passed away in 2003. Following his divorce, Coleman maintained close ties with his children, several of whom remained in , such as Susan in Hingham and Kathleen in Plymouth, reflecting the enduring familial bonds that anchored his personal life despite career transitions. Coleman later married , who survived him.

Interests and community involvement

Coleman maintained a lifelong commitment to through , often diving into the Atlantic Ocean off as part of his daily routine, even extending into the late fall and early spring. In addition to his broadcasting career, Coleman pursued writing as a personal interest, co-authoring Diary of a Sportscaster in 1982 with Dan Valenti, a reflective on the experiences and challenges of sports announcing. Coleman's community involvement was marked by significant philanthropy, particularly as Chairman of from 1977 to 1984, where he raised funds for pediatric cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute by instituting annual radiothons and establishing Jimmy Fund councils across . He also co-founded the BoSox Club in 1967 upon arriving in from , serving as an early leader to foster fan engagement and support for the Red Sox, and contributed to the to promote local sports enthusiasm. In his later years, Coleman mentored aspiring broadcasters, sharing insights on expressive and career navigation drawn from his own experiences. His family occasionally joined him in Jimmy Fund events, reinforcing his dedication to charitable causes.

Death and legacy

Illness and death

After retiring from his broadcasting career with the Boston Red Sox at the end of the 1989 season, Coleman settled into a quieter life in , with his family. In 2003, Coleman was stricken with bacterial , a serious infection that led to his hospitalization at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth. He was treated for complications arising from the illness, but his condition deteriorated rapidly. Coleman passed away on August 21, 2003, at the age of 78. His son, William Coleman, confirmed the cause of death and noted that funeral arrangements were incomplete at the time. Coleman was buried at Massachusetts National Cemetery in .

Honors and tributes

Coleman was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame on May 18, 2000, recognizing his 20 seasons as a broadcaster for the team, including his play-by-play calls during pivotal moments like the 1967 American League pennant race. In 2010, he was posthumously enshrined in the Broadcasters Hall of Fame, honoring his decades of contributions to and television in the state, particularly his resonant narration of Red Sox games that captivated audiences. Colleagues paid lasting tributes to Coleman following his death, with longtime Red Sox broadcaster Joe Castiglione describing him as "a tremendous man" and crediting him for launching his own career by bringing him to Boston in 1983 as a broadcast partner. Castiglione later reflected on Coleman as his "great partner" during his own retirement broadcast in 2024. Fans and media alike remembered Coleman as the enduring "Voice of the Red Sox," whose smooth delivery narrated triumphs and heartbreaks alike, including the 1986 World Series. Memorials to Coleman's legacy include preserved audio clips of his broadcasts featured in baseball histories and documentaries, such as his narration on the 1968 "Impossible Dream" album chronicling the 1967 season. His influence extended through his family, as son Casey Coleman carried on the broadcasting tradition as a prominent sportscaster for nearly 30 years, covering and other local teams until his death in 2006.

References

  1. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ken-coleman/
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/23/sports/ken-coleman-78-red-sox-broadcaster.html
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Ken_Coleman
  4. https://www.massbroadcastershof.org/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-2010/ken-coleman/
  5. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-aug-22-me-coleman22-story.html
  6. http://www.americansportscastersonline.com/colemanmemorial.html
  7. https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/coleman-kenneth-robert-ken
  8. https://www.timesargus.com/news/former-voice-of-the-red-sox-is-dead-at-78/article_8f5c1963-27da-593d-91a0-a6f9b76f5c11.html
  9. https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Journalism_and_Mass_Communication/Book%253A_Mass_Communication_Media_and_Culture/07%253A_Radio/7.02%253A_Evolution_of_Radio_Broadcasting
  10. https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/sports/2003/08/22/former-red-sox-broadcaster-ken/50358134007/
  11. https://www.mlb.com/redsox/history/red-sox-hall-of-fame
  12. https://lelands.com/bids/1976-ken-coleman-cincinnati-reds-world-championship-ring
  13. https://www.mlb.com/reds/history/all-time-rosters/broadcasters
  14. https://archive.506sports.com/wiki/1967_MLB_Season
  15. https://atvaudio.com/ata_search.php?record_id=11919
  16. https://profootballresearchers.com/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/26-03-1032.pdf
  17. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/kenneth-coleman-obituary?id=27511495
  18. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southofboston-ledger/name/ellen-coleman-obituary?id=25131729
  19. https://obits.cleveland.com/us/obituaries/cleveland/name/kenneth-coleman-obituary?id=16780312
  20. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ken-coleman
  21. https://danafarberimpact.org/2023/09/chairmen-of-the-jimmy-fund-building-community-since-1948/
  22. https://sabr.org/journal/article/the-bosox-club/
  23. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/10/03/Coleman-ends-20-years-as-Sox-voice/5350623390400/
  24. https://www.sunjournal.com/2003/08/22/former-sox-broadcaster-ken-coleman-dead-78/
  25. https://www.courant.com/2003/08/22/coleman-a-part-of-sox-history/
  26. https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2024/09/30/joe-castiglione-final-broadcast-red-sox-radio-weei-baseball/
  27. https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/sports/2003/08/22/appreciation-coleman-s-voice-that/41186197007/
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