When word got out Thursday night that legendary sportscaster Dick Enberg — whose voice has been associated with football, baseball, tennis and more over his decades-long career — had died, everyone from celebrities to former colleagues to sports fans took to social media to share their stories and condolences.
Tom Brokaw called the Hall of Famer was a “nice guy to the very end,” and Syracuse men’s basketball coach said, “If Dick Enberg was doing the game, you knew it was an important game.”
dick enberg – oh my, what a loss.
we arrived in LA about the same time, 2 midwesterners, wide eyed and excited about opportunities.
he stayed the nice guy to the very end.
RIP, my friend.— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) December 22, 2017
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the LEGEND, the Hall-Of-Fame broadcaster, the Professor, and my former colleague Dick Enberg. SO honored to have worked on the same broadcast & always loved his stories/jokes. One of the most knowledgeable men and will certainly be missed pic.twitter.com/nbIkz86QBu
— Michelle Margaux (@mmargaux8) December 22, 2017
We mourn the passing of broadcast legend Dick Enberg. He left an indelible imprint on sports, enriching the experience for fans everywhere. His contributions to college sports included a passion for academics. Our sympathies are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/uEB2gChL4f
— NCAA (@NCAA) December 22, 2017
So saddened to hear of the passing of the great Dick Enberg. A consummate professional, he made me feel so welcome as a newcomer to San Diego, on and off the field. He had a charm no one could match, unparalleled experience, a true legend in every sense. #hubbahubba #ohmy pic.twitter.com/MvBM9D9ftO
— Julie Alexandria, Co-Founder (@JulieAlexandria) December 22, 2017
If Dick Enberg was doing the game, you knew it was an important game. You also knew the TV audience was going to get a Hall of Fame effort from him. On behalf of Syracuse basketball we send condolences to the Enberg family. pic.twitter.com/418A0gGWtI
— Jim Boeheim (@therealboeheim) December 22, 2017
I first met Dick Enberg when I was in college, and had the honor and privilege of knowing him ever since. I grew up listening to Dick in Los Angeles, and had the great honor of working with him. He was the best of the best in every way. RIP Dick Enberg. pic.twitter.com/LuTI1uV6TJ
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/Mudcat55/status/944092196222803968
One of the all time greats in our industry. Smooth, classic, elegant while still able to ride the crest of a big moment.
Fantastic sportscaster who will be missed. #DickEnberg dead at 82.— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) December 22, 2017
RIP Dick Enberg. One of the nicest men you could ever hope to meet. A total pro and legend of sports calling. I always felt honoured to sit next to him in the ESPN booth & his advice was genuine & priceless. Big hugs to all of his family & friends 😔 #OhMy
— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) December 22, 2017
Our thoughts are with the @Padres and the family and loved ones of Dick Enberg. May he rest in peace.
One of the broadcasting world’s greats, his “Oh my!” inspired his one-time partner Dave Niehaus’ “My oh my.”
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 22, 2017
Met Dick Enberg in his Angels’ booth as a 12 y-o dreamer & wannabe. I’ve learned from & admired his unmatched class & grace ever since… was immensely proud to call him an ESPN tennis colleague. Such sad news this morning. I’ll miss him deeply, especially while at Wimbledon
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) December 22, 2017
Today CMU mourns one of its own — legendary alum, Dick Enberg. Read about his commitment to Central and its students: https://t.co/d40aY3rZPH pic.twitter.com/WqFIDpEM7i
— Central Michigan U. (@CMUniversity) December 22, 2017
Just received Dick Enberg’s Christmas card yesterday. Above all else he loved family…sports & broadcasting was a very close second. I’ll remember him for his kindness, class, enthusiasm & timeless talent. He was truly one of a kind and … Oh My….he will be missed.
— Hannah Storm (@HannahStormESPN) December 22, 2017
Sad…famous,& Beloved announcer Dick Enberg dies🙏🏻
— Cher (@cher) December 22, 2017
Dick Enberg was a sensitive man and humanized those he covered and by doing so took the viewer to places most PXP men never concerned themselves with in a telecast. He was just being himself, a warm human being that brought out only the best in those around him.No one was better!
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) December 22, 2017
“If you have baseball in your soul, it doesn’t go away. It’s there forever.”
MLB Network remembers the life and career of Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Enberg. pic.twitter.com/dtr4O2TN0e
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 22, 2017
Met Dick Enberg in Cole Field House when I was a kid. He was so kind. So warm. I never forgot it. To have called him a colleague and been able to let him know how much his kindness meant to a kid is a treasured memory. A true legend and gentleman.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) December 22, 2017
Heavy heart this morning. We’ve lost 1 of the greats in our industry. A man I was so very privileged to work with… dine with every NFL season Friday night… and happily take that toss “down to B-Squared on the field.”
Farewell, Dick Enberg.
Oh my… you will be missed.
— Bonnie Bernstein (@BonnieBernstein) December 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/AndyGlockner/status/944231154223267840
Dick Enberg was the voice of this signature moment in #USOpen and golf history. Oh my, we will always appreciate the great memories. pic.twitter.com/PgYz8Noj4A
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) December 22, 2017
You may want to save this one by the great Dodgers photographer @JonSooHooPics #DickEnberg https://t.co/N3vQ771a1T pic.twitter.com/TNcTrarxtn
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) December 22, 2017
Dick Enberg, as good as it gets.
He cared about the game and the viewers. He elevated his partners. A perfect fit calling any sport .. and even better guy when you got to meet him. I will cherish our chats in Queens, Northern Michigan and at Wimbledon.
Prayers to his family.— MikeTirico (@miketirico) December 22, 2017
We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dick Enberg. Dick launched the Breeders’ Cup on NBC in 1984. He personified class and grace, he will be missed dearly. pic.twitter.com/ARa2WyEcpF
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) December 22, 2017
Twitter pays beautiful tribute to legendary broadcaster Dick Enberg pic.twitter.com/jv0b010edD
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) December 22, 2017
His enthusiasm seemed genuine, and he never wasted it on hype. Mistakes were very rare. Always the right perspective — here's what's happening, here's what's important about it. Dick Enberg did it all in sports broadcasting, and he did it all right.
— Mike Schopp (@Schopptalk) December 22, 2017
Rest In Peace, Dick Enberg – one of the most famous voices of baseball but more importantly, an amazing man that I am honored to have known. Our condolences to his family, friends & fans. pic.twitter.com/2elVEXfAZN
— Cameron Maybin (@CameronMaybin) December 22, 2017
Oh My.
R I P Dick Enberg
Pure Class in every way
— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) December 22, 2017
Will miss sound and words of Dick Enberg, the truest gentleman & my Hall Of Fame partner when I first got to tv; laughed with & learned from the best…A gifted storyteller who will forever narrate so many our favorite memories! #OhMy
— Phil Simms (@PhilSimmsQB) December 22, 2017
The legendary Dick Enberg called all three Cowboys Super Bowl wins in the 1990s for NBC pic.twitter.com/TG3AY2gji9
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 22, 2017
One of my proudest moments was passing the Ford Frick Award torch to one of my heroes Dick Enberg, a kind caring man as well as a brilliant announcer. Wish I had known him longer. pic.twitter.com/y7GeFTFkaT
— Eric Nadel (@nadeler) December 22, 2017
Dick Enberg called Super Bowl XX on NBC.
At one point during the rout, he said, "If it was a prizefight, they'd have to stop it."#Bears 46, #Patriots 10
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) December 22, 2017
RIP Dick Enberg, the host of the first @BreedersCup on @NBCSports in 1984. Dick added class and grace to every broadcast he did. I never got to meet him but wish I did.
— Larry Collmus (@larrycollmus) December 22, 2017
RIP Dick Enberg one ☝️nicest guys I have ever come across and such a joy to work with
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) December 22, 2017
Incredibly sorry to hear of the passing of legendary broadcaster, Dick Enberg. Among the best to ever call a game. I grew up listening to him. May he RIP.
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) December 22, 2017
Had the privilege and good fortune to work with the legendary Dick Enberg early in my career & he was so kind and patient with me as I fumbled through the broadcast. He was a true gentleman, wonderful teammate and the ultimate professional! You will be missed my friend! #Oh My
— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) December 22, 2017
Very sad morning waking up to learn of the passing of broadcasting legend Dick Enberg. Hailing from San Diego, he was a friend to both my wife’s and my families and such a kind man. Prayers to his family. Rest In Peace Dick Enberg.
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) December 22, 2017
My favorite Dick Enberg OH MY: https://t.co/7QMV7yn7t1
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) December 22, 2017
Had an opportunity to interview Dick Enberg on CenterStage and then in San Diego a couple of years ago and he was a total gentleman. Kind and considerate, he had a treasure trove of stories culled from a wondrous career. Sad to hear of his passing. Our business loses a legend.
— Michael Kay (@RealMichaelKay) December 22, 2017
(SOURCES: NY Daily News and ESPN)