There he goes! Veteran Jays broadcaster retires
TORONTO — Longtime Toronto Blue Jays radio broadcaster Jerry Howarth will not return to the booth in 2018.
Howarth announced his retirement Tuesday after 36 years of calling Blue Jays games. The 71-year-old said he made the decision due to health issues that have affected his voice in recent years.
“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.”
There was no immediate word on who Howarth’s successor will be.
Howarth, a native of York, Pennsylvania, who was raised in San Francisco, began his broadcast career in 1974 with the Tacoma Twins of the Pacific Coast League.
He joined the Blue Jays in 1981 and has called Toronto home ever since, eventually becoming a Canadian citizen.
Meanwhile, left-hander Craig Breslow has agreed to a minorleague contract with the Jays and will attend major league spring training.
The 37-year-old reliever pitched for Minnesota and Cleveland last year, going 1-1 with a 5.09 ERA in 37 games.
He is 23-30 with a 3.45 ERA in 12 big league seasons.