ABSTRACT
The early years of baseball broadcasting on television were marked by innovation and upheaval. When Hall of Fame pitcher Dizzy Dean, already a popular radio baseball broadcaster, joined ABC-TV’s national game of the week broadcast, he gained a national audience while also redefining the persona of the baseball broadcaster. This chapter will trace his background as well as his broadcasting career. His success led the New York Yankees to add an ex-player, former shortstop Phil Rizzuto (whose broadcast career is also examined), to their radio booth.
