Philly Sports Jabronis
PHILADELPHIA — Bill Campbell broadcast some of the most memorable moments in Philadelphia sports history. His run included eight seasons as a Phillies broadcaster from 1963-70.
Campbell, who died Monday at 91, worked alongside By Saam and Richie Ashburn, and he became synonymous with his trademark “Oh, baby!” line.
“He was a very nice man and a very professional broadcaster,” Phillies vice president of alumni relations Larry Shenk said. “I don’t think he’ll ever be replaced, because I don’t think anybody else will broadcast three major sports.”
Campbell also broadcast the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Warriors and 76ers. His role in professional football and basketball allowed him to call the Eagles’ first and only NFL championship in 1960 and Wilt Chamberlain’s historic 100-point game in Hershey, Pa., in ’62.
Campbell was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 as the Curt Gowdy Award winner.
During Spring Training in the 1960s in Clearwater, Fla., members of the Phillies’ front office and coaching staff, and members of the media regularly dined at Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber restaurant near the beach. The restaurant had a piano player, and Shenk recalled how Campbell often got up and sang along with the piano man.
“Bill liked to entertain,” Shenk said. “I never forgot that.”
Of course, Campbell came close to calling the 1964 World Series before the Phillies infamously blew a 6 1/2-game lead with 12 games to play to finish one game behind the Cardinals.
“He was very professional in how he approached everything,” Shenk said. “Win or lose.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Campbell’s wife, Jo, died on Jan. 20. After his wife’s death — they were married 67 years — his health declined.
“He missed her so much,” Campbell’s daughter, Christine, told the newspaper. “The joy is that he’s going back to her. She’s waiting for him.”
Mr. Campbell is survived by his only child, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
