Jim Price Obituary: Jim Price, a World Series champion and radio analyst for the Detroit Tigers, passed away on the evening of August 7, 2023, at the age of 81.
The catcher was one among the first people to work as a voice for ESPN after his final season as a player in 1971. He began discussing the Tigers on television in the early 1990s before moving to radio.
Jim Price Obituary: Cause
Price worked as the Tigers’ backup catcher in 1968, the year they won the World Series, before going on to become a sportscaster. Between 1967 and 1971, Price split five seasons with the Tigers, hitting.214 with 18 home runs.
The Detroit Tigers’ owner and CEO, Chris Ilitch, said in a statement that everyone on the franchise was devastated to learn of Jim Price’s passing.
Jim excelled on the field, in the press box, and across the community. Jim’s dedication to the Tigers and the community of Detroit is evident in the fact that he spent the most of his life working for the team and doing what he loved.
The Legacy of Jim Price
Price was well-liked by his teammates on the Tigers. He worked in the radio booth for more than 30 years and was a well-known member of his community.
For 24 years, Price collaborated with famous Tigers announcers including Frank Beckmann and Ernie Harwell. Alongside current Tigers play-by-play announcer Dan Dickerson, he also worked on game calls.
“This is such sad news,” Dickerson stated in a statement on Tuesday:
“Jim and I shared 24 seasons together and saw the highs and lows of our beloved Tigers, including two visits to the World Series and a difficult season in the first year following Ernie’s retirement. That first season, Jim was a big part of my survival, which made what happened three years later all the more sweet.
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A Great Loss
We grieve the loss of Jim Price, a cherished employee of the Tigers organisation for many years, the Detroit Tigers wrote on Twitter. He wore the Olde English ‘D’ for his whole five-year playing career, including the 1968 World Series championship season.
We lament the loss of Jim Price, a cherished teammate of the Tigers for many years.
He wore the Olde English ‘D’ for his whole five-year playing career, including the 1968 World Series championship season.
Price was well renowned for his folkloric catchphrases while he was in the box. He would use the terms “buggywhip” for a powerful swing, “yellowhammer” for a deadly curveball, and “the art of pitching” for a pitching gem.
In 2002, Price and his wife Lisa established Jack’s Place, a charity that supports those who have autism. After their son, a nonprofit was established.
Price missed numerous Tigers games this season due to deteriorating health, and he had hardly travelled since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Tigers player Andy Dierks has provided clarification. Cameron Maybin and Bobby Scales have also provided assistance this season.
Price’s teammate in 1968, Willie Horton, a Tigers special assistant, said:
For the Tigers family, today is a very sad day. “Since he stopped playing as a player, Jimmy was a one-of-a-kind individual and among the best representatives for the team. He was a fantastic friend and teammate, and his influence will never be forgotten. Lisa and Jim’s entire family are on my mind.
