Sad News: Passing of Phil Georgeff

[Thomas Kearney]

While some of us are happy with the results of the election, one of us is sad, as an announcing void has been left on the racing world. Hawthorne and Arlington International announcer Phil Georgeff died Sunday at age 85. The cause of death was not announced. As a track announcer, I am saddened by the passing of this legend. I remember hearing stories about Chicago's Very Own WGN9 News Telecast with Jack Brickhouse at the WGN Sports desk handing it off to Phil for the feature race stretch call from my dad, a Chicago native. Tom Durkin was influenced by Phil and during my first race call, I was so nervous I didn't realize I quoted Phil (here they come spinning out of the turn) until NBC announcer Larry Collmus and Travis Stone pointed it out after I asked if I said any bad words or called the wrong horse. I have posted statements on Twitter regarding Phil's passing and am sending the obituary link and his stretch call of the 1973 Arlington Invitaional. My thoughts are with his wife, Roberta, and his family during this difficult time.

My statements: https://twitter.com/Tek2012Tek/status/79...2558168064 https://twitter.com/TVG/status/796452243926970368 https://twitter.com/Tek2012Tek/status/79...9702350849

Chicago Sun Times Obituary: http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/phil-ge...ead-at-85/

1973 Arlington Invitaional: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdU6AMk3QNI