Baseball: Hall of famer dies...

Hall of Fame broadcaster Chuck Thompson, whose deep voice and enthusiasm for the job entertained Baltimore sports fans for more than 50 years, died Sunday. He was 83. Thompson died at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson, hospital spokesman Michael Schwartzberg said. He declined to provide further details.

Thompson got his big break at Shibe Park in Philadelphia in 1946 when a previous Frick awardee, By Saam, was delayed in returning to the broadcast booth following a pre-game field ceremony. Thompson, who had been assisting the regular announcers, had no choice but to take over, and he was so impressive doing play by play that he was hired to do the Phillies' and Athletics' home games in 1947 and '48.