“I had every intention of continuing my career into the 2018 season but my health and stamina and continuing voice issues dictated otherwise,” said Howarth. “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.”
“Jerry is an absolute legend in this industry,” said Scott Moore, president, Sportsnet and NHL properties. “He’s been a dedicated and consummate professional covering the Blue Jays for more than three decades. His longevity is exceptional and it speaks to not only his talent as a broadcaster, but also his incredible passion for baseball. He is beloved by Blue Jays fans across the country and has left an indelible impression on us all.”
Howarth is a native of York, Pennsylvania but was raised in San Francisco, California. He started with the Tacoma Twins of the Pacific Coast League in 1974. The Blue Jays then summoned him for duty in 1981 and he hasn’t looked back since.
“He’s been there for every home run, strike out, and flip of the bat that has mattered most to Blue Jays fans,” said Dave Cadeau, national format director, sports, Rogers Radio. “He’s as knowledgeable a baseball mind as you can find, and an even better storyteller. It’s been a privilege to work with Jerry over the years.”
Altogether Howarth worked nearly 7,500 games, calling every significant Blue Jays moment including two World Series championships. He was honored by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012 for his contributions to baseball in Canada, and received the Sports Media Canada award for achievement in broadcasting in 2003 with former partner Tom Cheek, and again individually in 2016.
SportsNet did a fabulous job orchestrating a live chat with Howarth to give fans a chance to connect with him on the day of his announced departure. You can see it by clicking here. You can also hear Howarth’s visit to Jeff Blair’s show which confirmed his exit by clicking here.
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
