CLEVELAND, Ohio – Veteran broadcaster Cleveland Cavaliers and franchise legend Joe Tait died Wednesday afternoon at the age of 83, but his voice is still thriving.
This became clear in the hours after his death when fans, media members and other Cavaliers, past and present, shared their best memories and said goodbye.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers mourn the passing of one of our beloved founding members and the original, long – standing voice of the franchise – Joe Tait,” the team wrote in a statement. “From the founding of the team in 1970 to the next four decades, the Basketball Hall of Famer has educated, entertained and inspired generations of Cavs fans – a picture of the game painted with an unparalleled blend of passion, precision a humor.
A dedicated husband and father – generous with his talent and spirit – Joe has received every major sports broadcast award during his career in Northeast Ohio. And like some of the legendary Cavaliers he wrote, Joe joined them with his own banner hanging in the beams of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Joe Tait, a friend and mentor to many people, was not just a member of the Cavaliers family; he was like no other part of the Cavs story and his voice and unique, candid perspective resonate throughout the team’s history. He will be greatly missed. ”
Tait became known for some of his signature calls:
“It’s basketball time …”
‘Wham! With the right hand! ”
“3-ball … got it!”
“To the line to the track”
Craig Ehlo, who spent most of his career with the Cavs and was the subject of one of Tait’s most famous moments, reflected on Tait’s career on social media and shared his first tweet in about five months.
“Yes Virginia, there’s a Santa and he was the voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers … Joe Tait, ‘ Ehlo wrote. ‘The best radio broadcaster and most loyal to the Cavaliers. The man they call Eggs will have an omelette in your honor tonight. You did well Joe, enjoy your eternal rest. ‘
With microphone emojis, folded hands and a crown to cover his personal message, LeBron James said: “Rest In Paradise my friend !! Here you are greatly missed!”
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr mentioned Tait as a ‘Cleveland legend’ and ‘friendly, funny soul’ in his memory. Mark Price, one of the players with his jersey hanging next to Tait’s figurative microphone in the beams, said, “You are loved and will be missed! I will never forget his call when I made a 3. “Price intends it, shoot it, get it!” That way, only Joe could say it! ‘
For two seasons now, when he left in a dispute with then-owner Ted Stepien, Tait, who was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame media wing in 2010, has been voting as a radio – and occasionally a television. of the team since its inception. in 1970 to 2011.
He was there when the Cavs stumbled through the early seasons and when they reached the NBA Finals in 2007. He mentions The Miracle in Richfield in 1976 and The Shot by Michael Jordan in 1989. He interviewed every player from Austin Carr with James and every coach from Bill Fitch to Byron Scott.
Even though Tait died on Wednesday after a long battle with kidney disease and liver cancer, the memories live on.
“Joe was also known for his dry wit and his pragmatic outlook on life and probably would not have wanted a big sentimental broadcast,” the Cavs concluded. ‘So, to describe the legend itself – Let’s not say’ goodbye ‘. Let’s just say, ‘Have a GOOD evening, everyone!’ ‘
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