iStock/Thinkstock(CHICAGO) — ESPN reports Chicago White Sox broadcaster Ken “Hawk” Harrelson will work 20 games in 2018 and then retire, ending his long career in the booth.
A former MLB All-Star, Harrelson began broadcasting in 1975. He announced the Boston Red Sox, then joined the White Sox booth in 1982. He also served as the New York Yankees play-by-play announcer and the White Sox general manager for a brief period.
The 75-year-old former ballplayer will serve as a White Sox team ambassador after he finishes broadcasting. He will work Sunday home games in the 2018 season, then call it quits.
Harrelson is known for a number of catchphrases, including his famous home run call and a few other sayings.
When a White Sox player hits a home run, Harrelson will announce, “You can put it on the board… Yes!.” When a White Sox pitcher strikes a batter out, he says, “He gone!” He also often uses the phrase “Mercy!”
In a press release, White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf said, “There will never be another personality in the booth quite like Hawk Harrelson.”
The White Sox made another announcement: Jason Benetti will continue as the team’s primary play-by-play voice after he and the club agreed to a multiyear deal.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Harrelson praised the organization:
“The White Sox, this has been the greatest ride of my life, and it’s been a lot of fun with these fans,” Harrelson said. “I’ll never forget anything that has to do with this, nothing. I’ll remember it forever.”
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