Description

Born and raised in rural Mississippi and the even balmier climes of central Florida Red Barber at the age of thirtytwo became one of New York Citys most influential citizens as the playbyplay announcer for the Brooklyn Dodgers But behind all the base hits balls and strikes lies a compelling story that dramatizes the shifting expectations and roles of a public figurethe sports broadcasteras he adapted to complex cultural changes throughout the course of twentiethcentury American life

Red Barber follows the trajectory of Barbers long career from radio and television playbyplay man for the Cincinnati Reds Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees to his work calling college and professional football games his nineyear tenure as director of sports for CBS Radio and his second acts as an Episcopal lay reader sportswriter and weekly guest with Bob Edwards on NPRs Morning Edition This talented public figure was also a private man committed to rigorous selfexamination and willing to evolve and grow under the influence of changing times

Ultimately Red Barber traces the career of a true radio and television pioneer who was committed to the civic responsibility of mass media Barber firmly believed the most important role of a broadcaster was telling the truth and promoting public wellbeing