Godspeed to the Mulligan Man plus short takes

 

Back in January, 2021 we had the privilege of interviewing Eric Tracy, the longtime host of Dodgers pre- and post-game talk on KABC and KFWB and talk show partner with then-KABC host Steve Edwards. At the time, Tracy was battling esophageal cancer, having just completed chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He'd also endured immunotherapy for head and neck cancer.

We're sorry to report Tracy's sojourn has ended. His KFWB colleague Ted Sobel posted Tracy's passing on Facebook:

Very sorry to learn tonight that my longtime colleague Eric Tracy has died of damn cancer. The only positive is that his suffering is over.

I've known Eric for several decades as a professional who was always so dedicated to his work---whatever that may have been at the time.

We worked together at KFWB for several years and I was his backup as the on-court announcer for our annual ATP tennis event at UCLA (along with Mike Walden), before taking over his microphone until the tournament's 85th and final season in 2012.

We ran across each other at different golf events and of course at Dodger Stadium so many times over the years.

And now the reality of losing three of my KFWB sports teammates in just a few months time seems not real. Eric, Bill Seward, and Bret Lewis are all gone... And I guess my job now is to keep whatever our station legacy alive for as long as possible. "Hello Anybody!" RIP Eric, you fought the fight and deserved so much better.

Edwards also offered a tribute on Facebook:

Eric Tracy has passed away. His decade long  battle against cancer has ended. While his health deteriorated, his spirit never diminished. Eric was my partner when we did SportsTalk on KABC for almost two years-A stint that he often referred to as the best time of his career.  That makes me smile in the midst of sadness.  I also think of how Eric  would famously begin radio appearances with a warm “ Hello Anybody”-his signature.

You had a great run Eric-as broadcaster, as “ The Mulligan Man” in the golf world and as a loving family man.  Rest In Peace my friend.

Tracy's survivors include his daughter JoyAnne and his son Timothy. He was 71 years old.

A few short takes:

I'm really trying: I tune into K-EARTH 101 (KRTH) regularly. I think the music mix is interesting, I'm a longtime fan of Lara Scott and Larry Morgan and the Gary Bryan morning show continues to shine in the AM. But last Saturday, the station started a commercial break at 10:14 a.m. (I always thought that violated the concept of "quarter hour maintenance"). There were then 12 consecutive spots before they returned to music. And I wonder why I'm spending more and more time listening to Sirius XM,

narcity.com

Her Highness: When the Queen of England passed earlier this month, different stations acknowledged her death in different ways. KNX and KPCC offered continuous coverage, utilizing both their local talent and their network resources. Meanwhile, Dan Bongino was conducting an interview on KABC, though there was a brief mention that "the Queen is dead" during a traffic break, Dennis Prager was complaining about left-wing criticism ("the left wing doesn't care about truth") on KRLA, I'm not sure I heard what Sean Hannity was offering on KEIB. Granted, with syndicated programming, it's difficult for the hosts to acknowledge breaking news. Still, I remember when almost every station on the dial had fully staffed newsrooms. Yeah, I'm being nostalgic.

No longer DISHing it out: The KLOS morning team of Heidi Hamilton and Frank Kramer have been doing double-duty as the local hosts of "DISH Nation," a tabloid show syndicated by FOX for the past decade. After a ten season run, Heidi and Frank have signed off the TV show, while continuing their AM drive duties on the local rocker.

Watching the Lohman & Barkley: Los Angeles radio has been blessed with a number of great radio teams, but every duo will pay homage to the legendary pairing of Al Lohman and Roger Barkley. Few people may remember they also did some TV work, including a fun syndicated effort from 1975-1976, seen locally on KTLA. Click here to view an episode.

A family update:  I was out of town last weekend as I watched my youngest's first marching band performance at Oregon State. They beat Montana State 68 - 28. Since the band plays after each touchdown, my son barely sat down during the game. Go Beavs! That's the last pic we took in his dorm room before we headed back to LA. Dad misses his (not so) little guy.

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