Sports
Voice Of Cavs Fred McLeod Dies Unexpectedly
The longtime play-by-play announcer died Monday evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers announced.
CLEVELAND — Fred McLeod, one of the voices of Cleveland Cavaliers basketball, passed away Monday evening. He was 67.
During his tenure with the franchise, McLeod called nearly 1,000 NBA games. He joined the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2006 season.
"He was a true, heart-felt ambassador for the team, fans and entire greater Cleveland community," the Cavaliers said in a statement on Tuesday morning.
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Born in Strongsville, McLeod was set to embark on his 14th consecutive season as the play-by-play announcer for the Fox Sports Ohio broadcast of Cleveland Cavaliers basketball games. He was set to serve in the same capacity heading into this season.
McLeod, and co-anchor Austin Carr, are the voices many fans will identify with the golden years of Cleveland Cavaliers basketball. Both men called nearly every season LeBron James spent with the franchise, including the championship season of 2016.
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Here are four of McLeod's most iconic Cleveland Cavaliers calls.
Prior to joining the Cavaliers, McLeod was an announcer for the Detroit Pistons. He also spent part of 1979 calling Cleveland Indians baseball games. His extensive career in broadcasting also included stings with the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers.
For his work, McLeod garnered multiple regional Emmy awards. He also received the National Academy of Arts and Sciences' Silver Circle Award in recognition of his career in television.
McLeod is survived by his wife Beth, his mother Marilyn, his sister Lynn and his three children, Sean, Jenna and Molly.
Man WHAT!!!!??? OMG this is extremely sad. @CavsFredMcLeod May you rest in Paradise my friend! @BethHMcLeod my prayers sent up above to you and your family!! #RIPFred https://t.co/XWMHUqWJxf
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 10, 2019
Our hearts go out to the family of Fred McLeod, @BethHMcLeod and the @cavs organization. Fred was a great man and his love for Cleveland was infectious. He will be missed.
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 10, 2019
Fran and I are sad to learn of the sudden death of @CavsFredMcLeod. The outpouring of tributes from Ohio sports media show how respected Fred was as a broadcaster and colleague. Fran and I extend our condolences to his wife, mother, children, and to all of his family.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) September 10, 2019
Shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Fred McLeod. He was a student of the game. He loved the CAVS but even more so the fans...Fred worked his ass off for the city of Cleveland and the NBA. Praying and sending my best to his wife Beth and kids.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) September 10, 2019
The Indians are saddened to hear of the passing of Fred McLeod, who was part of the broadcast team for the Tribe in 1979 on WJW 8. Our thoughts are with the entire @cavs organization, @FOXSportsOH and the McLeod family. pic.twitter.com/8cbJLai600
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) September 10, 2019
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