Essay Outline

Thesis: Harry Caray was one of the most influential sports announcers of all time, and he changed the way fans watched and enjoyed baseball and also the way speakers and announcers talked and interacted with their audience.

Argument 1: Harry Caray created a new style of sports announcing which connected with the fans and was very successful.

I. Harry Caray liked to broadcast in the bleachers with his fans. This was a crazy idea at the time, and strange strategy, which ultimately proved very successful. Caray tried new ideas that seemed radical and silly. Caray angled himself to be "one of the fans" not some intangible and alien announcer who didn't understand the spirit. (YouTube, Harry Caray, broadcast from the bleachers)

II. Harry Caray emphasized his fans feelings and tried to make a personnel connection with them. He talked like the fans, with the fans, and made himself out to be "for the fans". It was important to do this to accomplish that link people hold still today with him. (Kindred, Dave, Forever we'll hear his voice.)

III. Harry Caray developed key catchphrases and concepts that related to him and made him unique. These were very useful for being a memorable impact among the people and fans. Even today his famous line after the 7th inning stretch, "let's get some runs" is still said today by others. (Baseball Almanac, Harry Caray Quotes)

Argument 2: Harry Caray changed the way fans experienced baseball, making it more enjoyable and accessible to the common viewer.

I. Harry Caray made the fan experience friendlier and less about winning, more about fun. Caray was all about having a great time whether you're listening, watching, or at the game. (Bluth, Andrew, Harry Caray remembered as Baseball Ambassador)

II. Harry Caray made baseball and announcing more accessible to the common populace enjoying baseball. Through his easy going, friendly style and feedback he made even the least knowledgeable fan feel at home. Caray was fun to listen to or watch even if you knew nothing about baseball. (A Tribute to Harry Caray)

III. Harry Caray was as he said himself, "an extension of the fans", and treated himself as such. Caray felt like he was the voice of the fans and talked like he was a friend of theirs, explaining a funny story. This stuck with the fans and created a sort of personnel bond which drove the fans nuts. Everyone felt like Caray was the best friend they never knew. 

Argument 3: Harry Caray changed the way sports announcers then and today speak and created a new outlet and  description for being a sports announcer. 

I. Caray's new strategies and ideas showed to be very successful both in his personnel remembrance, but also in driving team and franchise sales. In essence, a good announcer is good for business. This model created by him was followed by countless more, including many of his descendants, many of whom are also announcers today. Even today many still follow Caray's styles and ideas creating a lasting legacy. (Sullivan, Paul, Harry Caray, 10 years after his death)

II. Harry Caray changed the ways announcers nationally feel about "jokes" and comedy in announcing. Announcing before Caray was a very serious business, and most announcers were straight faced, conservative speakers who didn't stray far from the norm. But Caray dared to do the unusual and used comedy as a tool to fuel his popularity and success. This was wildly popular and was a great success story many future announcers would model their careers after. (YouTube, Good Harry Caray Interview)

III. Harry Caray related to his team fantastically and created the perfect sense of "team spirit". He seemed to care tremendously about his team and his city, but especially the fans. Many fans respected him for this and he became known for his genuine care and good will. It is important for a sports announcer to appear like he supports and loves the team he's with, or his fans won't care about him, or possibly dislike him. This was a lasting example Caray created for the announcing world we know today. (WGN Gold, Harry Caray)


Conclusion: Harry Caray was one of the most influential sports announcers of all time, and he changed the way fans watched and enjoyed baseball and also the way speakers and announcers talked and interacted with their audience.

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