Remembering Dick Enberg
The memories and moments flow in my brain, recalling a superb broadcaster, Dick Enberg, who died yesterday, at the ago of 82.
Driving home, I place on a compact disc of “moments past,” and on it from the great show Enberg hosted, “Sports Challenge,” was Dick reading, maybe writing, a tribute to Jackie Robinson.
If nothing else, I will transpose it, but hope to give you access to Mr. Enberg’s voice on that show.
He had an incredible career that included broadcasting UCLA basketball during their dynasty and actually gaining national exposure, that helped propel him, by calling one of but 2 losses in I believe 90 (or so) games in the 3 seasons that the team was led by Lew Alcindor, who later changed his name to Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
That game was played on January 20, 1968 and in it, Enberg working with I believe, the great player, Bob Pettit, called Houston’s (71-69) victory in a virtual home game, before 50 thousand plus fans, at The Houston Astrodome.
Elvin Hayes led the way with 39 points and Enberg, who would go on to work so many big events nationally, showed his broadcasting “chops” that night and for nearly 50 subsequent years.
Dick Enberg, pictured above, I believe resembled and reminded me of the great Jack Lemmon.
It is high, but also well deserved praise for Mr. Enberg.
