After 36 years as the voice of the Toronto Blue Jays, Jerry Howarth is retiring.
Sportsnet announced the veteran radio broadcaster's retirement in a release this morning, saying health issues affecting his voice in recent years prompted Howarth to make the decision effective immediately.
In the release, Howarth says: "I had every intention of continuing my career into the 2018 season but my health and stamina and continuing voice issues dictated otherwise.Who knew that I would spend more than half my life in Toronto with my wife, Mary, and our two sons, Ben and Joe, doing what I love to do most, reaching out to friends and fans alike across our great country to talk baseball? I am blessed and I am grateful. I thank everyone who has made this journey of mine so rewarding in every way.”
Sportsnet says Howarth broadcast upwards of 7,500 ballgames over his four decades in the industry, "calling every major milestone for the Blue Jays including six division titles and two World Series Championships."
The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame honoured Howarth with the Jack Graney Award for lifetime contributions to baseball in Canada in 2012.