CLEVELAND, Ohio – Veteran Cleveland Cavaliers announcer and franchise legend Joe Tait died at the age of 83 on Wednesday afternoon, but his voice still skyrockets.
This became clear in the hours after his death, when fans, members of the media and other Cavaliers, past and present, shared their best memories and said goodbye.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers mourn the passing away of one of our beloved founding fathers and the franchise’s original and long-standing voice – Joe Tait,” the team wrote in a statement. “From the team’s inception in 1970 until the next four decades, the Basketball Hall of Famer informed, entertained and inspired generations of Cavs fans – painting a picture of the game with an unparalleled mix of passion, precision and humor.
“A dedicated husband and father – generous with his talent and spirit – Joe has received all the major sports broadcasting awards throughout his career in northeastern Ohio. And, like some of the most legendary Cavaliers he narrated, Joe joined them with his own flag hanging from the rafters of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Friend and mentor to many over the years, Joe Tait was not just a member of the Cavaliers family; he was part of the Cavs story like no one else and his unique and sincere voice and perspective reverberated throughout the team’s history. He will be sorely missed. “
Tait became known for some of his signature calls:
“It’s basketball time …”
“Wham! With your right hand! “
“Ball 3 … Got it!”
“To the line to the track”
Craig Ehlo, who spent most of his career with Cavs and was the subject of one of Tait’s most famous moments, reflected on Tait’s career on social media, sharing his first tweet in about five months.
“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and he was the voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers … Joe Tait,” Ehlo wrote. “The best radio station and the most loyal to the Cavaliers. The man they call Eggs is going to eat an Omelet tonight in your honor. You did a good job, Joe, enjoy your eternal rest. “
With microphone emojis, folded hands and a crown to crown your personal message, LeBron James said, “Rest in Paradise, my friend !! You will be sorely missed here! “
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr referred to Tait as a “Cleveland legend” and “kind and funny soul” in his memory. Mark Price, one of the players with his shirt hanging next to Tait’s figurative microphone on the rafters, said, “You are loved and you will be missed! I will never forget his call when I scored 3 … ‘Price aim, shoot, I get it!’ The way only Joe could say! “
For nearly two seasons, when he came out in a dispute with then-owner Ted Stepien, Tait, introduced to the media wing of Naismith Hall of Fame in 2010, he served as the voice of the team’s radio – and occasionally television – since the early 1970s. until 2011.
He was there while the Cavs stumbled in the early seasons and when they reached the NBA finals in 2007. He called The Miracle in Richfield in 1976 and The Shot by Michael Jordan in 1989. He interviewed all players, from Austin Carr to James and all coaches from Bill Fitch to Byron Scott.
Although Tait died on Wednesday after a long battle with kidney disease and liver cancer, the memories remain vivid.
“Joe was also famous for his dry wit and his pragmatic outlook on life and he probably wouldn’t want a big, sentimental farewell,” concluded the Cavs. “So, to paraphrase the legend, the very thing – let’s not say ‘goodbye’. Let’s just say, ‘Have a good night, guys!’ “
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