National Campaign Underway to Get Late Chicago Cubs Broadcaster Named to the Hall of Fame

National Campaign Underway to Get Late Chicago Cubs Broadcaster Named to the Hall of Fame

Chicago Sports Great Subject of Push by Fans Across the Country

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Jack Quinlan had the ideal job -- calling baseball games. His smooth voice was the personification of Cubs baseball for listeners in the 1950s and early 1960s. Quinlan's broadcasts relayed the excitement, the passion, and the practice of America's game. That voice was silenced too soon. At age 38, Quinlan died in an auto accident during Cubs spring camp in Arizona.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051108/CGTU084 )

Now, a national campaign is underway to get Quinlan named to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The heat behind the movement is former Glenview resident Ron Barber. "Jack Quinlan was, arguably, the finest play-by-play baseball broadcaster ever," said Barber, who grew up listening to the Cubs.

Barber is an avid Cubs fan as well as a former broadcaster himself, having been both a TV anchorman as well as a CBS newsman. His efforts to bring Quinlan to the attention of the Baseball Hall of Fame include appearing on radio and TV shows. Barber has also written an audio book about his broadcast hero entitled JACK QUINLAN / FORGOTTEN GREATNESS.

Each year, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY recognizes a baseball broadcaster with the Ford C. Frick Award during the Induction Ceremony. The award, named after the late broadcaster and National League President, goes to the person who has made a major contribution to baseball. Past winners include Mel Allen, Jack Buck, and Harry Caray.

"I want to see Jack Quinlan's name on that list," Barber insists. "When you hear Quinlan, you know you're listening to the best. It's a tragedy he died so young, before more people could appreciate him."

The two-hour, two CD set about Quinlan features anecdotes, numerous interviews with some of the top names in sports and broadcasting, as well as many of the remaining clips of Quinlan's work. Proceeds from the sale of the audio book will be donated to two charities, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago and Humane Society's efforts to help the animals left orphaned by Hurricane Katrina.

Hyperlinks to listen to Quinlan audio are online at:

http://www.forgottengreatness.com/media/cut01.mp3http://www.forgottengreatness.com/media/cut02.mp3http://www.forgottengreatness.com/media/cut03.mp3

Contact: Katherine Bacon
Telephone: 704-839-8668
Email: baconpublicrelations@yahoo.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051108/CGTU084
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Ron Barber

CONTACT: Katherine Bacon for Ron Barber, +1-704-839-8668,
baconpublicrelations@yahoo.com

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