Red Sox
“This honor caps the many blessings I’ve had, and the catchphrase fits so well: ‘Can you believe it!’”
Joe Castiglione was honored at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York Saturday.
The longtime radio voice of the Red Sox received the 2024 Ford C. Frick Award, which “is presented annually to a broadcaster for ‘major contributions to baseball,’” according to the Hall of Fame’s website. Castiglione was given the prestigious honor ahead of the Hall of Fame inductions of Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton, Joe Mauer, and Jim Leyland on Sunday.
The Red Sox Hall of Fame play-by-play man kicked off his speech by congratulating the entire 2024 class. He noted Beltré’s All-Star season with the Red Sox in 2010.
Castiglione, who has been the lead voice of the Red Sox since 1992, went on to thank everybody from WEEI interns, all of the Red Sox’ managers dating back to his first year in the booth in 1983, and his past radio partners such as Jerry Trupiano, Dave O’Brien, and Tim Neverett. He recalled some of his fondest memories over the last three decades, such as Red Sox’ comeback against the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS.
Castiglione also humorously recalled when Neverett helped him up from the floor of the radio booth in Houston when former Boston outfielder Andrew Benintendi’s game-saving catch against the Astros in Game 4 of the 2018 ALCS caused him to fall out of his chair.
The Hamden, Connecticut native expressed gratitude for being named this year’s award winner, joining a list of exemplary baseball voices such as the voice of the Red Sox in the 1950s and 1960s, Curt Gowdy (who received the honor in 1984).
“I never thought this award would be possible with so many worthy candidates. I’m honored to have been selected by previous winners,” Castiglione said. “I think broadcasting baseball has always been my true vocation guided from above.”
His speech wouldn’t have been complete without referencing his iconic saying.
“This honor caps the many blessings I’ve had, and the catchphrase fits so well: ‘Can you believe it!’” Castiglione said to wrap up his acceptance address. “Thank you so much.”
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