Ted Husing

Edward Britt (Ted) Husing (November 27, 1901 - August 10, 1962) was an American sports broadcaster.

Related Topics:
November 27 - 1901 - August 10 - 1962 - American

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Husing was born in the Bronx, New York -- some sources have his original first name as Edmund. The youngest of three children of immigrant German parents, he was the only one to survive childhood. Aged 16 he joined the National Guard and in World War I was assigned to stand watch over New York's harbor. Following the war he found work at his local radio station, WJZ under the tutelage of Major J. Andrew White. There he covered events such as the Golden Jubilee of Lights in Detroit and political conventions, and assisted White during football commentaries.

Related Topics:
Bronx - New York - German - National Guard - World War I - New York's harbor - WJZ

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As a sports commentator Husings rapid manner of speech earned him the nickname Mile a Minute Husing. By 1927 he was voted as the most popular sports announcer in a national poll. Following an alleged pay dispute, he moved in 1928 to CBS (where his mentor J. Andrew White was already a key executive.)

Related Topics:
1927 - 1928 - CBS

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At CBS, Husing covered events as diverse as boxing, horse racing, track and field, regattas, seven World Series, tennis, golf, two Olympic Games, Indy 500 motor racing, and especially college football, where he laid down much of the structure of football play-by-play that is still used today. He devised some of the earliest spotter boards to identify the players on the field. Husing also interviewed coaches and players before games, and attended strategy sessions.

Related Topics:
Boxing - Horse racing - Track and field - Regatta - World Series - Tennis - Golf - Olympic Games - Indy 500 - College football

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In addition to his sports pre-eminence Husing also did news/special events coverage for CBS Radio. In both sports and special events areas, he developed a bitter rivalry with rising NBC announcer Bill Stern.

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Husing was opinionated. He was barred for a few years by Harvard University from covering its home football games after he called a Crimson quarterback's performance "putrid." After criticizing World Series umpires, Husing was banned from doing play-by-play of the Fall Classic by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis.

Related Topics:
Harvard University - Kenesaw Mountain Landis

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In 1946 he moved from CBS to WHN (later WMGM) to pursue a career as a disk jockey.

Related Topics:
1946 - WHN - WMGM - Disk jockey

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In 1956 an operation to treat a malignant brain tumor left him blind and forced him to retire, although he did make an appearance on the television show This Is Your Life. After moving to Pasadena, California with his third wife, he died in 1962.

Related Topics:
1956 - This Is Your Life - Pasadena, California - 1962

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