In Memory of Joe
Beloved Reds broadcaster and former pitcher Joe Nuxhall, who enjoyed a63-year association with the team, died late Thursday night. He was 79
years old. More >
The Reds invite you to please leave your comments here as a tribute to the "Ol’ Lefthander" who brought so much joy to people for decades.
Joe Nuxhall Tribute Blog 
On behalf of the entire Nuxhall family we wish to express our deepest gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of prayers, well wishes, cards and messages during this very difficult time. Dad felt that he truly had three extended families during his career….The great City of Hamilton, Ohio where he grew up…..Fairfield, Ohio where he raised his children…and Cincinnati, Ohio where he was able to play and broadcast the great game of baseball with the Cincinnati Reds. We will be eternally grateful to the Cincinnati Reds organization and the fans who provided us with experiences and memories of a lifetime. Dad truly loved you all.
Kim Nuxhall
Joe’s son
I’m 35 and have lived away from Cincy since High School, but I always knew I could turn on the radio (or listen on the net..) and here Joe’s broadcast. His casual delivery, marked by joyous outbursts of excitement were a real tonic for me when I missed watching the Reds and missed Cincinnati. Thank you, Joe, for all the good times.
Steve Richmond
now living in San Francisco
(but still a Reds fan)
BE MORE LIKE JOE! This is what all of us should live by now. Thank you Joe for all the great Reds moments. You are the only Reds ICON. And now the Old Lefthander has truly rounded 3rd and headed for HOME. We’ll miss you Joe.
As a young boy I would listen to the Reds on WLW and fall asleep with “this is the old left-hander rounding third and heading for home. Good night everybody.” You’re home Joe, thanks for the memories!
I went to sleep many many nights after the star of the game and always felt secure when he said this is the ole lefthander rounding third and heading for home.. good night everyone.. it will never be the same..
My family and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Nuxall.I remember sitting on the front porch as a child with my Dad listening to Marty and Joe broadcast the Big Red Machine in which they made us feel like we were right there with them.Joe will be sorely missed by us all. Godspeed!
The Allen and Ellison Family
Highland Heights, KY
One of my fondest memories of childhood was learning from my grandfather the history of Joe Nuxhall. What an original man Joe was. My grandfather pointed out to me when I was six that Joe never asked a question during Star of the Game interview. He had conversations and was able to extract stories and insights from the greatest players in baseball unlike any other broadcaster. I love baseball and I owe that passion of mine to my grandfather and Joe. Hey Joe, when you meet my Grandpa in heaven, he’s a really big fan. So am I.
Cincinnati has lost an icon. We’ll miss you Joe.
I’m 49 and remember listening to Joe and Al and then Joe and Marty when I was 10. Joe was truly one one the best and I’ll always remember Joe sayng “this is the ole lefthander rounding third and heading for home.. good night everyone. The Reds have lost a big part of their family. Joe, you were and always will be Mr. RED..:(
Without a doubt, “the old left hander” is not only a Cincinnati Reds legend, but a baseball legend. I think I speak on behalf of all Reds fans when I say, we love ya Joe and we’ll miss ya. “This is the old left hander rounding third and heading for home.” Thanks for the memories Joe!
God Speed to you Joe and to your family – God Bless.
I have been listening to Reds game on the radio since the big red machine days and Joe and Marty were always a pleasure to listen to. Their love of the game and the Reds was easy to believe. These guys made up what in my opinion was the best color-play by play team in sports broadcasting bar none. I am from a part of Ohio where we pick up Tigers and Indians games as well, and so I also was able to listen to one of the other greats in baseball broadcasts, Ernie Harwell, but again, Marty and Joe were second to none. Thanks for the memories Joe, and my condolences go out to your family and also your baseball family.
This one belongs to Joe Nuxhall. Joe, your were the greatest. Thanks for so many great boyhood moments and memories. The summers are endless for you now. Find a place to rest your spirit and have an icy cold bud.
Michael in Monterey, CA
Joe will truly be missed. He is part of my earliest memories. I can remember sitting on the back porch with my Dad listening to the game and hear “this is the ol’ left hander rounding third and heading home”. After I lost my father, everytime I would here his sign off I would think back to those early days and how much I enjoyed spending time just listening to the game with Dad. My heart goes out to Joe’s family. You were trully blessed to have Joe.
May he rest in peace.
Rick
I initially found the Cincinnati Reds about the time time that Joe became an announcer for the Reds, so I basically grew up with Joe.
People can talk about Cincinnati Reds baseball, the great players over the years, the Big Red Machine, etc, but in my eyes at least, Joe Nuxhall was the Cincinnati Reds.
It is disheartening that I’ll never again get to hear “This is the old left-hander, rounding third and heading for home. Good night everybody.”
Good night, Joe… We’ll miss you…
Thanks Joe for all the memories. You were a true professional. As a player for 13 years in MLB, my last in Cincy in 2004, I appreciated the loyalty you had for the Reds. You genuinely cared for all the players in the Red’s clubhouse. You were a friend to all and recognized how difficult playing everyday in the big leagues was.
THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND
JOHN VANDER WAL
I remember the great games he broadcast in the 70’s…I couldnt wait for tomorrows game cause I knew it would be great too. Thinking of him brings back many memories and I wish his family the best. May he rest in peace.I guess after all those years of rounding third, the ol lefthander is finally getting to go home.
Marty and Joe were a part of my childhood. I would lie on my bed listening to their broadcasts on 700 WLW. I now have 2 little boys of my own who have listened to Marty and Joe quite a bit. I am such a huge Reds fan today and although the great teams, players and action on the field has kept me following them over these many years, it was Joe Nuxhall and Marty Brennamen who got me hooked on the Reds and on baseball in general. Had I ever had the chance to meet Joe in person, I would’ve told him he can never know just how much joy and passion for the Reds he brought into my life. It’s a part of who I am today and I will always be grateful to him for that. Rest in peace, Joe. I will miss hearing your voice!
Doug Harrington
Stockholm, Sweden
(born in Cincinnati, OH)
One word comes to mind and sums up Joe Nuxhall
Character.
Love ya Joe
after listening to Marty and Joe on the air with my grandma for many years as a child,I finally got the chance to meet him a couple years ago at the Eric Davis RHOF event and had a few words with him and he was gracious enough to take a picture with my 12 year old son,and needless to say I will cherish that day and those few minutes and make sure my son knows how lucky he was to have met Joe!
THANKS FOR THOSE WONDERFUL MEMORIES LEFTY!
Rob Abrams
I’m 46 & a lifelong Reds fan.
I loved listening to Joe’s
post game interviews. He had a
way of letting you know the
player a little bit, rather
than just what pitch did you
hit. Joe, may your final trip
around 3rd base bring you the
joy of a Reds win on Opening
Day.
It is a sad day for all today. I feel as if my childhood is officially over as Joe’s broadcasts are the last direct link to my youth. Joe and his old school sensabilities will be missed greatly. I am so glad my nine year old son is old enough to understand what Joe means to Cincinnati and Reds baseball. My prayers go out to his family and rest in peace, Joe.
Like many others, growing up in the 1970’s, my evenings were spent listening to the Reds on the radio and to the old left hander.
Years later, while in Plant City for Spring Training, I attended a Reds Fan Appreciation cookout.
Joe was there and I waited in line to get his autograph. Joe’s was the longest line at the cookout. I waited in line for an hour while Joe chatted with fans, posed for pictures, and signed everthing from baseballs to cookie jars.
I had him autograph a baseball for my mother, which is still one of her most prized possessions.
In a world where sports stars and celebrities aren’t always fan friendly, Joe exhibited true class.
My memories of listening to Joe and then actually meeting him will last my entire life.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Joe’s family and close friends. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of the world.
This is a sad time in America as we mourn the loss and celebrate the tremendous life of Big Joe. Nuxie, along with Marty, was a voice I could depend on hearing when I turned on WLW for games when I wasn’t near the tube. Thank you Joe for everything you’ve ever done for the greatest show on dirt.
The 1st voice I heard over 40 yrs ago when I first started to listen to the reds on radio, while sitting with my gramma on the front porch of our home, was Joe Nuxhall and he brought the game to life for me. And from time on I have been a lifelong REDS fan. Thinking of that time made me remember my gramma who would take to the games, even when they at Old Crosley Field. Thank Joe for the memories. And thank you for getting hooked on the REDS! We will all miss you. and the summer won’t be the same without you.
I loved hearing Marty and Joe call a game. It is what got me hooked into playing baseball and made me into a baseball fan that I am. I could always count on those two to be give me a great call with all the added fun they always had. He was a man that enjoyed his job and didn’t take advantage of it. He was a role model. He was everything that a true Major League Baseball player should be. He was everything a true human being should be. And we’ll miss him and thank you.
A sad day for all who grew up with listening to Joe. I loved when Marty was at the mike and when a deep ball was hit, you’d hear Joe in the background yelling, “Get up! Get up! Get outta here! Get outta here! ALRIGHT!!!” I got to meet him and have a picture taken with him a few years ago at a book signing in Lexington. He was such a genuinely good guy and will always be referred to as Cincinnati’s most beloved figure. Rest in peace, Joe.
I am a Hamilton native living in the Cleveland area. I grew up listening to Joe and I bleed Cincinnati Red. Up here where Chief Wahoo jackets prevail, there is always one guy with the Wishbone C, although today he will be wearing his black Joe Nuxhall Budweiser Open shirt and hat. I would still pick up WLW and listen to the Reds, and I would come down to play in Joe’s golf outing every year at the Elks. I agree with the previous post by Kirk: A piece of my childhood has gone with Joe. We will miss him. To Joe’s family, my deepest condolences. He belongs in the Hall of Fame (I’m going to vote as soon as I post this, as I have done every day since the voting was announced). In this dark era of steroids, egos, and big money, Joe is a reminder of the good things in baseball.
–JWH, Parma, OH
I remember seeing Joe pitch on a Saturday night against the Giants in the mid 1960’s. Willie Mays tripled and McCovey hit a broken bat single and Joe and the Reds lost 1 to 0. I loved to watch Joe pitch and have enjoyed his announcing for many years as I am now 58 years old. My condolences to the Nuxhall family and the Reds organizatin, especially Marty. Dan, Winfield, West Virginia.
What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Joe’s passing is a member of the family passing – the family of Reds players, coaches, officials, and most of all fans. We all have an empty spot in our hearts today. But we also have wonderful memories of Joe as he called home runs – I can still hear him as he exhorted those long fly balls over the fence. And who can forget Game 2 of the 1990 Series when Billy Bates scored the winning run and it was Joe’s turn to say “This one belongs to the Reds!”
Joe, as you round third and head for home one last time, know that in the hearts of Reds fans all over the world you are and always will be the Heart and Soul of the greatest baseball team – you ARE the Cininnati Reds.
My heartfelt condolences go to the entire Nuxhall family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
David Jaspers, South Carolina
This is a truly sad day for all Reds fans and the Nuxhall family. Reds on radio will never be the same without the ol left hander calling the action. I am a long time listener to Marty and Joe and I am going to miss those summer nights listening to Joe. I hope that he will get the votes needed to get him into the Hall of Fame this coming year cause Joe was a Hall of Famer on the field, in the booth, and in the hearts of all of us who loved him. My prayers go out to the Nuxhall family and the Reds family. Thanks for all the memories Joe.
Jason Ashland,KY
Thank you Joe for bringing the Reds 4000 miles into my home over the past few summers (via the web.)
Our thoughts are with the Nuxhall family at this sad time.
Paul
England.
The Cincinnati Reds, through thick and thin, have long been the heartbeat of this great city. Joe was the voice. As a fan of the game and the Reds, I have long listened to the radio broadcasts with the television on mute with my grandfather whom played Knothole baseball with The Old Lefthander. Reds Nation lost a founding member last night, and he will be forever missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Nuxhall family and anyone else saddened by this loss.
– Kyle Davis
Hamilton, OH
I grew up in Frankfort, KY and my first job out of high school was working for 1490 WFKY-AM radio, running local spots as part of the Reds Radio Network. My summer were filled with MArt and Joe. They were my first taste of baseball growing up, and getting to “work” with them, even though I never actually met them, was one of the highlights of my life.
Joe was the best. As a die hard Cardinal fan, I loved Jack Buck, but my first love, and my first hero in the baseball world was Joe. I can’t even express what he meant to me growing up, and I can’t say how much I will miss him calling the games.
My heart, love and thanks go out to Joe’s family for allowing him to come into our homes every night. No one did it better. The Ol’ Left Hander; rounding third and heading for home.
Gary Moore
Dallas,TX
This is one of the sadest days for all of us who knew and loved “Nuxie”. He will never be forgotten and I will aways cherish the times I’ve spent talking with him over the years. He definately deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame, my goodness the youngest player ever to play in the Major Leagues, should at the very least to be enough. Here’s to one Class Act Person, Hamilton Joe, who is taking his final “Rounding Third And Heading For Home” to be with his mother and father. We Love You Nux! My thoughts and prayers are with his family!
Lowell Bower
Hamilton, OH
I knew he had been ill, but still could not believe the news that Joe had passed away.
The friendship he and Marty enjoyed through the years seemed to flow through the radio whenever I listened to the Reds. Joe is one of the reasons we are such big Reds fans today. My wife and I listened today to his final sign off on the Reds tribute site. My eyes also filled with tears as he ended Reds Wrap-Up with his patented, “This is the ol’ lefthander, rounding third and heading for home.”
The Nuxhall family, as well as all the others who loved and respected Joe (we count ourselves among that number) will be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers during the days, weeks and months to come.
Few things from my childhood stand out as much as listening to Marty and Joe with my Father and Brother. They were as much a part of our household during the summer as any of us. Joe was the same age as my father, so this hits me a little too close to home. My Dad told me stories of Joe’s playing days, I listened to him as an excellent broadcaster, but what I respect most about the man is the fact that he was generous and humble to the highest degree. His playing and broadcasting should get him into the baseball hall of fame. His kindness, charity, and compassion WILL get him into Gods Hall of Fame. May his family take solace in the life that he was able to live and share.
I am not originally from Cincinnati but have always been a REDS fan. Since moving to the Cincy area, I enjoyed listening to Joe and Marty on WLW. Now the Ole Lefthander has rounded third and finally reached home. He is no longer in pain. Thanks for sharing Joe with all of us.
To the the family of Joe Nuxhall, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe Nuxhall was pure class and exemplifies what baseball means to America. As a young boy, and continuing into manhood/fatherhood , I listened to Marty and Joe nightly. Only when Joe signed off with ” this is the old lefthander rounding for third and heading for home” would I turn the radio off. He brought me great happines I will always be grateful for what he meant to me as a man. Thank you Joe, at last you have made it home.
Tom Hanna
Plainfield Il
( formerly , Lexington Ky)
I have no recollection of the Reds without Joe Nuxhall. His voice has been the one constant I associated with Reds baseball. I did not know how much I missed his calling of the games until his retirement. I made it a point to listen to the select games he called over the past couple of seasons. No longer “rounding third and heading for home”; Joe is safe at the plate. I hate that he did not live long enough to enjoy an induction into the MLB Hall of Fame. My hope is that he garners the required votes to be enshrined at Cooperstown, New York. I will miss the “long fly ball to deep left right centerfield”.
I went to bed as a child listening until I heard Joe’s signature line at the end of the night. Cincinnati and baseball have lost an icon. Reds fan will forever miss him. Thank you Joe for giving me so many terrific memories.
I’m 35 and grow up listening to Marty and Joe. Hot summer afternoons I would unwrap baseball cards listening to the game as a kid. Catching night games as a teenager and when I was older I worked 3rd shift and listen to the west coast games. Joe is like family to me, hearing his voice calling the game or just talking about life on the banana phone. We will all miss you Mr Nuxhall
To the family of Joe Nuxhall, my thoughts and prayers are with you. When I was growing up as a Reds fan, I remember Joe and Marty broadcasting so many games and waiting for those famous signature lines that Joe and Marty would give at the end of the night. It always put a smile on my face. Joe will not only be missed by the Reds organization but he will be missed by the whole world who would tune in to listen to Reds baseball. Thank you Joe for the memories and I will forever remember you.
I was honored to have met Joe the last several years at the Reds Baseball Heaven fantasy camp in Sarasota, Fla. He was truly an honorable, down-to-earth man who was loved by so many people. Our hearts are in pain today and we’ll forever miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. It is a very sad day but we can celebrate a life filled with integrity, caring and a deep love of baseball and the Reds.
i am only 19 years old i grew up listing to joe on the radio with my dad. and he is one of main reason i am majoring in sports broadcasting in college.
THANKS
JAMES WILLIS
I am in tears writing this. My condolences to the entire Nuxhall family. I was born in Cincy and grew up in Trenton, not too far from Hamilton. I grew up listening to Marty and Joe. Kim, there’s a lot of people who considered your dad a member of their family, and I’m one of them.
Last night we all lost a hometown icon. Not only was he an ambassador for reds baseball but for major league baseball.Thank you for 46 years of memories.Nuxy will be missed but never forgotten.My prayers and thoughts go out to the Nuxhall family. Rounding third and heading for home. Good night everybody
I’M TO YOUNG TO REMEMBE THE GLORY DAY’S OF JOE’S LIFE, BUT I GREATLY ENJOYED LISTENING TO HIM ON THE RADIO. IN A TIME WHEN ALL WE HEAR ARE THE BAD THINGS IN BASEBALL. YOU NEVER HEARD ANYTHING BAD ABOUT JOE. HE WAS A GREAT BASBALL PERSON AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL TRUE BASEBALL FANS. MY GUESS IS HE’S SOMWHERE TELLING THOSE STORIES HE LOVED TO TELL.
In my home and in my room as a youngster, Joe was invited in every night from my childhood to paint the picture of baseball, Reds style! Marty and Joe have always been the mainstays of an organization that has undergone numerous changes in ownership and personnel for the past 40 years. Very few professional sports teams can boost of the ability to keep together two of the greatest baseball announcers in the history of the game. Joe was a true ambassador of the game and even a truer humanitarian! Joe not only loved baseball, but he loved people and will be missed by all. We all have been blessed to have ever had the opportunity to know Joe Nuxhall, even only through his voice of the Reds.
Good-Bye, “Cincinnati’s #1 Son (Sun)”. You, as a man and God’s child, will be sorely missed. We have prayed for and with you. We know you are now the starting pitcher on God’s team!!
Joe Nuxhall, you will be missed. Joe, you were a kind man who gave baseball character and gave everyone a sense of being at the ballpark when you anounced the game. You raised great kids and you have a loving wife. Your son taught my children in Fairfield. I will miss hearing the tandem of Marty and Joe on the Radio! Nuxxy, now you can say this is the ole Left hander rounding for home>>> you are with God now my friend. I hope to see you up there some day.
I was saddened this morning to hear about the old left hander! I immediately called my dad and my childhood pals. It was like a part of the family was gone. I can recall sneaking downstairs in the early 80’s to listen to Joe and Marty broadcast the west coast trips. Like most at that time, I cannot count how many times I fell asleep with the white plastic earpiece from my transistor stuck in my ear after listening to a late game. Joe, you will be missed. I learned a lot about the game from listening to you. Thanks for the memories! Bill Walters Dayton, OH
To: Joe’s family
Thank you for sharing your loved one with us. I grew up without a tv, listening to Marty and Joe on the radio every night. He is going to be missed greatly. We are praying for you and your family.
Here’s an idea for a fitting tribute to Joe: elect him to the Hall of Fame and rename Great American Ball Park to Joe Nuxhall Field.
Well, there’s nothing to say that hasn’t already been said. Joe is in a better place, shooting the bull with Jack Buck and Harry Carry. Marty and Joe were a staple in my childhood. I, along with many of you, feel I have lost a part of myself today. My father loves the Cincinnati Reds, and he passed that love on to me. Marty and Joe eloquently brought our beloved Reds to the masses. Rich or poor, black or white or hispanic or asian, baseball transcends all boundaries. This was more evident in Cincinnati than anywhere else, and Joe Nuxhall is the reason.
–Rounding third and heading for home.
Joe, you’re home.
To: The Nuxhall Family
I grew up in Seymour, Indiana, watching Joe as a Reds player and then listening to him for years on the radio. Joe’s brother Don played softball in Seymour back in the 60’s. I was very lucky to meet Joe at Reds’ Fest back in the late 90’s. Joe was everything that makes baseball the greatest game in the world. We have lost a great man, husband, father, player and friend. May God be with you as you celebrate the life of the ol’ lefty. Peace.
Thanks for all the great years, Joe. With all of your great experiences over the years, you’ll certainly know what to throw to Stan Musial when you see him on the heaven circuit.
I just heard that Joe Nuxhall died and that Barry Bonds was indicted for obstruction of justice for perjury before a federal grand jury. In fairness, Bonds, with or without steroids, ?between the lines? has had a Hall of Fame career as a player. Nuxhall was a journeyman pitcher, but not a Hall of Famer. Looked at as human beings, however, Nuxhall, an honest, humble, decent, hard working man who cared about others and who had a wonderful sense of humor, truly is a Hall of Famer in anyone?s book, while to be hinest, Bonds, as a human being, is no one I?d hope that my kids would grow up to be like. When you think about it for a minute, what a person does on the field is pretty insignificant when compared with who a person really was and how he lived his life.
For decades, through good times and tough personal difficulties, I?ve listened to Nuxhall and Marty Brenneman broadcast the Reds. They?ve brought pleasure, comfort, and a sense of continuity to my life, and I think to the lives of the people of the Cincinnati area, and to Reds? fans everywhere. Though I met him only a few times, I feel as if I?ve lost a member of my family, and I sure that hundreds of thousands of others would say exactly the same thing.
Nuxhall knew how much he was respected and loved by us, and we knew he respected and loved us. There simply will never be anyone like him, and I thank him for enriching my life day after day, evening after evening, six months each year, for decades.
Joe’s impact on everyone he came in contact with is self-evident through the outpouring of affection that we have seen in just this short time since he passed away. Being 20 years old, like many people, Marty and Joe were a staple of my childhood. I will never forget the goodwill and happiness that those two shared in the booth as they brought the game alive for us privileged listeners. Not only did we get to hear the game, we got to be included in a very special friendship.
We have all know that baseball is a special game, and have felt its power to bring people together. It is men like Joe who make the game so special.
Thank you, Joe, for your passion for baseball, the Reds, your loved ones, and for being such an important part of our lives for so long.
Joe,
listening to your stories made me feel like I was listening to my grandfather, and losing you feels like I lost a member of my family. You made baseball a better game for being a part of it. I will never forget your comments during the call of Johnny Bench’s home run on Johnny Bench day. It may be the best call I have ever heard. You brought the moments alive and made me feel like I was in the booth next to you. You were a great big part of my childhood and most of my adult life. You will be sorely missed. Baseball on the radio will never be the same.
My family, for the last 4 generations had the privilege to listen to the beloved Joe Nuxhall. From my grandfather sitting in the Ford truck so he could listen to the game,to my Dad and myself making the trip to Riverfront Stadium to see Bench and Seaver, to my son who enjoys the game of baseball at age 7.I will never forget the call on the radio when Bench hit the homer, to when we won the World Series in 1990. Somehow, though not related to the Nuxhall Family, I lost a part of myself last night at 10:55 pm. Joe, you were a great example to everyone you touched in life and I am certain that your legacy will remain strong.
Thank you, Joe, for touching all of our lives in so many ways. Just look at all of these people that wish you were still here! You were an amazing person who was loved by all, even when they did not know you personally, including myself. We’ll miss you, but we surely will never forget you.
It’s time to round third and head for heaven.
God be with the Nuxhall family.
Joe,
You are truly worthy of being called a “Great American”. Your spirit and enthusiasm, for the game of baseball and life itself, will live on inside the hearts of the countless lives you touched.
My condolences to the Nuxhall family, the Cincinnati Reds Organization, past and current players, Reds fans everywhere, and to Marty Brennaman and his family. Joe defined the Reds. He will be greatly missed. There will never ever be a greater team of radio baseball announcers than Marty and Joe. Joe is most deserving of the Ford C. Frick Award. I would like to urge all fans to follow the link on the Reds website and cast a vote for Joe.
As those close to me know, the six years that I spent working for the Reds were the best of my life. Joe was a major reason why I feel this way. In those six years, Joe and I were able to share (and cause) many laughs. These are memories I will never forget. Thank you, Joe.
Your friend, Mike
aka “Randy from Sarasota”
No doubt, any of us in Cincinnati who love the Reds feel that way because of Joe and Marty.Most fans listen to the games on the radio even if it’s on T.V. Our dad taught us that many years ago.I still think the funniest thing I ever heard them say was as Nux walked into the booth wearing shorts,
Marty said “son are those your legs or are you riding a chicken?” They and I laughed what seemed like forever.Thanks Joe, we love you.
As of today I Mourn the lost of JOE NUXHALL with THE CINCINNATI REDS and all those who knew him well. I Will miss Joe during the spring training days down FLA. 1975 was the first time I heard him with Marty he was great he knew how to get people excited during those glory days and in 90. JOE NUXHALL SHOULD GET ALL AWARDS INCLUDING THE HALL . I WILL MISS JOE ON WLW GOOD BYE JOE
Listening to Joe announce baseball games was like listening to my dad talk about baseball.
My prayers to the Nuxhall family. I wish everybody could be a person like Joe was. Joe you know you will be missed.
TO THE NUXHALL FAMILY MY PRAYS AND BEST WISHES GOES OUT TO YOU… I HAVE BEEN A REDS FAN FOR OVER 30 YEARS…I MET JOE LAST YEAR AT REDS FEST, HE WAS GREAT….WISH I COULD HAVE KNOWN HIM MORE… I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST….A BIG FAN FROM WEST VIRGINIA… kirksfins@yahoo.com
Any Reds fan within range of 700 WLW can remember Joe Nuxhall’s voice over the radio. His laid back delivery along with his ecstatic shouts of “get outa here” that drowned out Marty’s play by play call of a Red’s home run is something that I’ll always remeber. He
will never be replaced in the radio booth.
As a young teenager I met Joe when my father took over a Gulf gas station in Fairfield that he had leased. That is when I started following the Reds. I remember those days like they were yesterday. Thank you Joe, you will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Nuxhall family.
I am saddened by the death of a GREAT PRESON, A GREAT BASEBALL LEDGEND and a good friend.
I first met Joe when I was invited to have dinner in the “REDS” BOX as a season ticket holder in 1975.
His commentary on the air with Marty, was second to none.
He had a delivery on the air as smooth as his pitching montion. You felt like you were at the ballpark watching the game in person.
My second encounter with Joe was when I attented the Reds Dream Week and he was one of the Coaches. He did everything to make all of us feel like major league ballplayers. Even though I was 73 years old at the time, he made me feel like I was 20.
He was so kind and attentive to all of my family, I can tell you know, I really appreciated the personnal attention.
I met Joe at the Moffet Cancer Center in Tampa Fl recently and we shared some special moments together.
He was a special breed, and I will always remember him for being so special to me and my family.
Charles E. Bristow
Tampa, Fl.
As a child growing up in the Appalachian mountains of southwest Virginia, I lived 300 miles from the nearest major league ballpark. Fortunately for me our local radio station carried the Cincinnati Reds and I never missed a game. I hung on to every word and never turned the radio off until the ol’ lefthander had rounded third and headed for home. I cannot begin to express my thanks to Marty and Joe for all those wonderful years. Joe was a great man and will be sorely missed.
I had the opportunity to meet Joe on a couple of occasions when the Reds held their Spring Training in Tampa. He was the consumate professional and a man among men. Growing up a Reds fan, I always enjoyed every chance I could get to listen to Joe and Marty call a Reds game. God Bless the Nuxhall family. Thanks for the memories Joe!!
Chris Foster
Tampa Florida
Joe Nuxhall is a legend, and a great man – I mourn his passing, and the fact that I didn’t get to meet the man.
Joe – and Marty – were a Hall of Fame team, calling the Reds for better than 3 decades of Reds On Radio broadcasts for WLW. So many great memories, and the man means so much to Reds fans, past and present.
SO…Time to STEP UP, Fans. Go to the HALL OF FAME Website, and vote for Joe to win the Ford Frick Broadcasters’ Award. Let’s get Joe into the HOF, where he belongs – with Marty.
God bless you, Joe. You and Marty helped me get past the deaths of my parents as a teenager in the mid-late 1970s, and you’ll never be forgotten.
Nuxhall Family, I grieve with you. Lord bless and keep you in this difficult time. Joe Nuxhall was deeply loved and appreciated by so many during his life. May that be your comfort, as well as God being with you at this time.
Take care – V/R,
JOHN C. CAREY
CHAPLAIN (CAPTAIN)
U.S. ARMY
I’m 40 years old and a lifelong Reds fan, even though I’ve lived my entire life in North Carolina. I attribute this to the fact that when I was a kid, I would lie in bed and catch Reds games on AM radio. More than because of Johnny, Pete, Joe, Davey, and the rest, it was because of Joe. His voice put me wherever the Reds were playing that night, like I, too was a part of the team. His voice guided me through many a game, and into many a sweet dream. Thanks Joe, and so long.
I would like to the time to wish the best for the nuxhall family thru this tough time. Joe will be missed dearly in my family. I’m 29 years old and i never thought that a man that i have never met would make me feel the way i felt all day. He was a great great man. God bless him and his family.
Tim monk
Cincinnati, Ohio
I am 46 and a Reds fan since 1970. I have been all over the Eastern US and turned on the radio to hear Marty and Joe. They made the experience of listening so much better. Joe will be missed and I pray God’s blessings on his family.
Dale Wilson
Fort Meade, MD (home-Lexington, KY)
When I heard of the passing of this great man it brought flowing tears to my eyes. It was a strange experience, one I could not fully understand. Then I thought about it.
There are so many things I will miss about the Ol’ Left Hander; I don’t even know where to begin. Since the day I was born some 27 years ago I have spent every summer (162 days a year)listening to the soothing sound of Joe’s voice on the radio. His explosive calls allowed me to feel as though I was at the ballpark. Like many I would turn down the sound of the television and turn up the broadcast of 700WLW. He was like a father figure, he was a part of my family. When the Reds were on the West coast I would fall asleep to his voice. Even the last few years when he obviously struggled with a broadcast I found myself at home listening to the excitement and passion in his voice. “Get out of here,” he would say when a ball barley made it to the warning track. I’ll miss it.
I’ll miss Extra Innings, I’ll miss the Banana Phone, I’ll miss stories about the garden, I’ll miss the “Jr, Griffey” quotes. I’ll miss seeing you on the course at Potter’s Park on Tuesday mornings.
Cincinnati Reds baseball is and always will be Marty and Joe. And without Joe it will never be the same.
Joe – you hold a special place in my heart -you will forever be missed, and never forgotten. Thank you for so many wonderful years.
Joe you will never be forgotten by the fans of Cincinnati. I grew up listening to Marty and Joe on the radio. A great announcer, but an outstanding person.
The best I ever heard. No fluff, no filler, no hype. Just pure baseball.
I started following the Reds during the last seasons at Crosley Field as a student at UC in 1963, just before Joe started announcing. Once college was over I lived too far away to get the games until six years ago when I moved to Cincinnatus, New York (pure coincidence). One night I was tuning around the radio and suddenly I heard what I thought was “crowd noise.” Just crowd noise. At first I thought maybe it was static, but then I noticed the dial was right about 700. I yelled to my wife “I think I’ve got the Reds game,” and I knew if it was in fact the Reds game Joe was announcing because he would let leave long spaces in his broadcasting to let you savor the game and build your own tension waiting for the next pitch. Then I heard it, that inimitable voice, “strike two,” and I was in heaven. I could get the Reds games again, and listen to Joe’s beautiful, slow, spacious account. It was absolutely as close to being at the ball park as you could get without actually being there.
Like I said, he was the best I ever heard.
Now you’re in heaven, Joe. I’ll bet everybody’s mighty glad to see you.
Fred Griffen, Cincinnatus, NY
My thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family. Today was a day you’d think would never come. Joe is just “always there”. My brother turned me into a baseball fan years ago and it didn’t take long to become a Joe Nuxhall fan as well. I was fortunate enough to meet and talk to Joe on several occasions and it was such a thrill. It was as though a total stranger became your best buddy in minutes! Even though his broadcasts were fewer the past 2 years, I still never missed one. No summer night will ever be the same but i know he’ll still be on my deck with me. He made an ordinary summer evening something to look forward too and always gave us something to laugh at. Thanks for memories Joe. They are priceless.
Melissa Ostmann
Cincinnati
I was surprised at how emotional I was this morning when I heard of Joe’s passing.
After thinking about it, I believe it is because part of my childhood is now gone. As so many people have said, Joe (along with Marty) made terrific summertime memories. I loved Joe’s stories of baseball past and his “patented” calls of great plays. I never will forget “hanging out” with Joe and Marty during the ’75 and ’76 seasons. I always felt like a real fan was in the booth when Joe was there. All my three of my boys are big baseball fans & we will miss you Joe! Our prayers are with the Nuxhall family.
God Bless the entire Nuxhall family–and thanks for sharing Joe with us for so many years.
I am 32 years and as far back as I can remember I will never forget growing up listening to Marty and Joe on the radio with my dad. My dad would always have the Reds on the radio whether it was in the car, reading the newspaper, or doing yardwork outside Marty and Joe could always be heard in our house. Joe you will be missed thank you for the memories. My prayers are with the Nuxall family.
… whether it was my first trip from England to Cincy back in the 80’s or just listening and watching Reds games .. Joe has always been there .. non more so than when he shared a few words and a photo at last year’s Redsfest .. a picture I will always treasure, along with his love of the game and the great times spent with Marty and the Fans of Cincinnati.
… my heart goes out to his Family and everyone in the Queen City tonight .. thank you for bringing baseball into my life Joe .. we’ll miss you.
I’ve been listening to the Reds for over 40 of my 50 years and always enjoyed listening to Joe. He was a treasure to the game and the broadcast booth. As he rounds third I’m sure there are many greats there waiting to welcome him “home”.
Whether he talked about tomato plants or chicken dances – a “foul ball” of course! – you always got the feeling Joe never grew up from that 15-year-old boy who took the mound that June day in 1944 at Crosley Field. If I had a nickel every time I would laugh alone in the car with the Reds on Radio or lounging on the front porch swing as a boy living and dying with the Big Red Machine, I’d be rich. In that respect, I am. I got to share in with Joe Nuxhall. I became a broadcaster – some say a decent one – but if I am half the man that Joe was, I’ll take that any day. During the sweltering summer nights next season, I know your voice will be in my head. And I can’t wait. Godspeed.
There are only four men in my life that I have ever considered my hero. My grandfather, my father, Sean Casey, and Joe Nuxhall. My grandfather and father molded me into who I am today. Sean and Joe smoothed over my rough edges. While working at GABP these past 4 years, I got to meet and talk to Joe numerous times. It was my dream come true from years of listening to him on the radio. After my dad died suddenly on Mother’s Day of ’05, I saw Joe again. He asked me how I was doing and where I had been the last home stand. I told him what had happened and he welled up with tears and told me how sorry he was to hear it and related to me how his own father had died suddenly at an early age too. I will never forget his genuine concern for me that day and all the other days I was lucky to see him. I will miss his smile and his affectionate and sincere “How you doing Art?”, even when he was not feeling well. Joe, you were one of my angels on earth and I truly will miss you until I am hopefully lucky enough to see you again! I love you always!
Art Cummiskey, Jr.
Hamilton, Ohio
WE WILL MISS YOU JOE!!!!!
Cincinnati has lost one of its finest. May you never be forgotten!
my thoughts and prayers are with joe’s family i have been a great fan for many years and i feel very sad as if i had known joe personaly i will miss him on the radio and around the ball park thanks for giving me memories of a great baseball team and a great set of broadcasters to listen call games
When I heard about Joe’s death. I cried. I have been a Red’s fan for 45 years. I remember Joe from Al Michales to Marty. I just pray for his family and his friends ,especially Marty. He will miss him the most. It will be an empty radio booth without “the old left hander” He is rounding third and heading for his eternal home. I will miss you, Joe. Melissa Howard
In the early 90’s I sent a letter to the Reds asking why the old Reds Gift shop didn’t have any photos of Joe or Marty, since they were as popular as the players, whose pictures were there for sale. Within a few weeks, I received a personalized photo from Joe and Marty, which I still own today. I’ve been a Reds fan since I was a child, and Joe’s passing really hurts and he will be missed by everyone.
Another story about Joe. It’s not a real funny story, but it’s a remembrance I still think about. During a spring training game several years ago, during an at-bat, a foul ball was hit, which struck a fan in the back. The fan was carrying refreshments at the time, and I still remember Joe commenting, “He spilled a perfectly good cup of Pepsi there.”
Joe and Marty as a unit was a staple for Cincinnati and its fans for many, many years. Now there’s a void which truly can never be filled.
Condolences to the Nuxhall family, and to the extended family of the Cincinnati Reds. Rest in peace, Ol’ Left Hander. You’ve left your mark, and you’ll never be forgotten.
After reading so many posts, it’s comforting to know I’m not alone. Like many of you, I felt a deep and profound sense of loss that I couldn’t fully understand. Then I realized that, as so many of you have said, it was a piece of childhood that was now gone. It brought back memories of sitting on the front porch with my dad after it had gotten too dark to play outside, and listening to the last several innings of the Reds games during the ’70s and early ’80s. It was having my dad teach me baseball, while Marty & Joe provided the background and soundtrack. I came to realize that because of those memories, Marty & Joe had become, in many ways, a large part of my childhood and my family. But it didn’t end after childhood, as I have continued to listen to the Reds and Marty & Joe on the radio well into adulthood. I finally understood my hollowness: it was the realization that, as with any loss, a person you loved and enjoyed would no longer be there. Today is a day of sadness, but even as I write this, when I think about his voice, his interaction with Marty, and his love for the game, a smile crosses my face. If a person ever lived a life that deserved to be celebrated upon his death, it was Joe Nuxhall. The world was definitely a better place with Joe in it, and we are better people for having had him in our lives, in whatever capacity that may have been. My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, and co-workers. We share in your loss of a wonderful man who was admired by so many. We will miss him dearly.
I feel like today a portion of my childhood has died. I’m 46 years old and have listened to Joe since I was 10. I used to ride my bike, sit on the porch, or go to sleep listening to Joe’s voice bring me the game. It didnt matter if the Reds were doing good or poorly I tuned in to hear Joe. He reminded me of my father and he was a person to look up to and try to aspire to be like. I want to say thank you to the Nuxhall family for sharing him with so many of us fans.
“Rounding third and heading for home” was my cue to turn the radio off each night as a kid hiding the transister under the covers. What great memories. Thank you Joe.
I feel I lost a part of my youth today. I remember during the days of the “Big Red Machine” going to bed at night and listening to the game on my alarm clock and wanting to know who Joe Nuxhall would pick as his star of the game. Many a night the last thing I remember hearing before drifting off to sleep was “Here’s the ol’ lefthander ’rounding third and heading for home. Good night everybody.” I guess he’s crossed the plate for the last time. God Bless and thanks to the Nuxhall family for sharing him with us all these years.
Joe Nuxhall & Marty Brenamann taught me about respect from the days of the Big Red Machine. Joe is home now and no longer needs to round 3rd. He truly was a special player and person and the Reds fans were so lucky to have had him in their organization for 63 years. You will be missed Joe. God Bless You !
I too listened to Marty & Joe in Springfield OH with a transistor under the covers, and grew up with the big Red Machine. I remember how excited I was to get WLW over the internet when I moved out west. It made me feel at home.
That voice and his infectous laugh, he and Marty ribbing each other about their golf games. He’d laugh about something a fan did and say,” there’s always something at the ball park.” You felt like you had a friend watching the game with you. I never met him personally but I cant stop crying today. It is a terrible loss. thanks Joe, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John Henry, Portland Oregon
I thought maybe we should consider having GABP ranamed Joe Nuxhall Stadium, but in a way, isn’t it already named after him? Say hi to Gordy (Coleman)for us Joe. Thanks for showing us how to love the game.
Peter Pan just thinks he’s Joe Nuxhall
Nice post by earl@fusenet
Thanks Joe for giving all of us such fond memories as we followed the Reds through the years. And Thanks for being a Freind to us all.
God Bless the Nuxhall family.
Mark Laney Nutley, NJ (former Hamiltonian)
Mr. Nuxhall was still playing when I was growing up and first learning to love baseball. He was a fine player and the one I’d first think of when thinking of the Reds. What a marvelous career and life he had, what a fabulous ambassador for the game, and what a remarkable person. Rest in peace, Joe, and thank you.
It is amazing how many people have mentioned the same experiences I vividly remember — the transistor radio tuned to the Reds game with Joe calling it. As a child I struggled to stay awake for those West Coast games! I now live in Denver and every time I went to a Reds/Rockies game I always looked to the broadcast booth to see if I could see Joe. I never had the experience of meeting him but when I looked at that booth (and when the Reds made a great play) I could always “hear” his voice announcing the play. And when the Rockies lost a part of me always inwardly smiled at the thought that “this one belongs to the Reds.” The old left hander may have rounded third and headed for home for the last time but, for those of us who remember his broadcasts so vividly, his signature statements will always be a part (and the best part at that) of baseball. Thank you Joe for memories of the game as it was and, I hope, will be again.
Thanks Joe. Some of the best memories of my life involve you. Please tell my dad hello, he is very close to you now. My great grandparents and other family members are there as well. My thoughts to your friends and family. Larry
I really identified with with the Reds president when he said in the press conference that people remember Joe from days when families would sit on the porch and listen to Marty and Joe on hot summer evenings in the era before air conditioning. That’s *exactly* how I remember Joe. I’m 37 and I spent many a summer evening in the 1970s and early 80s sitting on the front porch, surrounded by citronella candles to ward off the bugs, listening to Mary and Joe. It’s a very fond memory. He was such a staple of the Reds, I think as a kid I never thought they had ever had another radio broadcaster or would they ever have another in the future. It would always be Joe.
We’ll miss you, Joe.
Jana Barnes
Winchester, IN
I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Nuxall family. I have very fond memories of Joe and Marty growing up in Southern Indiana. I used to sit on the floor next to my parents giant console stereo system and listen to the play by play.
Joe was everything that was good about basball and was the reason I fell in love with the game as a child. Listening to him call the game was just like being there. God Bless
I am a 60 year old from Buffalo New York and grew up listening to Joe and Marty as a Reds fan since I was a little boy and loved Joe when he pitched and KLU and Robinson and Pinson. It was lonely sometimes being a REDS fan in Buffalo where you are surrounded by Yankee fans but with Marty and Joe I was not alone. Many nights of static and then clarity I waited to hear my team. When I could hear Joe’s voice I knew all was well.
I have been a baseball and Reds fan all my life and I will never forget the gentle man Joe. Thank you for years of comfort.
Today is truly a sad day. My thoughts and prayers go the Nuxhall family. What great memories I have of growing up with Joe on the radio; like going to bed as a kid with the transitor radio under my pillow for those west coast games. What a great life you’ve had; you will truly be missed more than words can ever say. You have finally rounded third and are now home. Rest in peace, Joe!
Thanks for being the Reds greatest fan, Joe. You leave a void in the hearts of Reds fans that can never be filled by anyone else. To us, you will always be, “rounding third and heading for home.”
We know you have found the ultimate peace and happiness in your new “home”. Now, you have the best seat in the house to watch your beloved Cincinnati Reds play baseball.
Mike Moriarty
Sissonville, WV
I am a youngster, only 26 years old. I hold certain truths about sports. One of these truths was that Joe Nuxall is Cincinnati Reds baseball. I will always remember listening to WLW and hanging on every word Joe and Marty spoke. I remember my first trip to a game at GABP. I was engaged to my wife, and we parked somewhere in Downtown Cinciinati. As we were walking toward the ballpark, coming out of the parking garage, I saw the famous line by Joe on the side of the ballpark. My wife did not know much about baseball, and I told her everything I could about Joe Nuxhall. I remember talking my wife’s head off for over 4 and a half blocks to the enterance to the ballpark. I swear it must have sounded like I was telling my wife about a childhood friend I have known my whole life. Seeing Joe’s statue was just the icing on the cake for me. Joe, you have finally rounded third and are safe at home. GOD BLESS JOE NUXHALL AND THE NUXHALL FAMILY. He touched more lives than he ever knew.
Phil Chatwood
Springfield, Ohio
The news of Joe Nuxhall’s passing has deeply saddened me and, I’m sure, all Reds fans worldwide. I agree with “Jammin’ Jamie”(radio personality at Reds radio affiliate WMDJ Radio, Martin KY) when he said we all lost an uncle today. Being left-handed my “uncle” and I had something in common. Yeah, he was an uncle alright, an uncle that made you actually look forward to his visits. An uncle that captivated me for nearly forty years, whose words either made me laugh, or cry, filled me with joy, or brought me to anger, depending on the situation he was describing.
I prayed when I found out my “uncle” had cancer, and thanked God with him when the operation was successful. Prayed again after his heart attack and was once again grateful to the Almighty when I heard his voice after the ordeal. When he told me he had finally had enough and was retiring, I wept. When the day of his retirement came I cried even more. Although he would visit less frequently over the past few years I was thankful for the visits I got. When I heard my “uncle” got sick earlier this week I just knew he would be O.K., and visit me again next spring.
At the end of each story my “uncle” would close by saying that he was “rounding third and heading for home” but I knew he would return shortly with more stories, but this time he rounded third for the last time and is telling his stories to another audience. I am eternally grateful that for forty of my forty-four years on this earth Joe Nuxhall was a part of my life. Although I never met him personally, I’ve known him all my life.
In 1957, my uncles took me to my first major league game. It was at Crosley Field and a double hitter with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Reds had Ted Kluszewski @ 1st,Johnny Temple @ 2b,Don Hoak on 3rd and Roy McMillan ***. The outfield consisted of a sophmore and future Hall of Famer in left. That was Frank Robinson. Gus Bell was in center and Wally Post was in right. Oh yea…the ole’ lefthander was on the mound. Even though I never met the man,I always felt that I DID know “Nuxie”. He was and is today a factor in my love for baseball. This 58 year old lifelong Reds fan wants to thank Joe for being Joe.
Heck, he’s probabily at a ballfield right now playing with the fornamed players who are no longer with us. THANK YOU JOE!!
Joe was definitely one of a kind. Listening to him on the radio was always fun. I have so many good memories. One of the best was when Marty would be calling the game and one of the Reds would hit a long fly ball. In the background you’d hear Joe shouting “get out of here, come on, get out of here”, helping to push the ball out of the park.
Every time you saw a picture of Joe, he always had the tremendous smile and charismatic look about him. We love you Joe. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Thanks for the memories.
It was a great pleasure to listen to Marty and Joe as a kid growing up in the 70s with my parents on a small transistor radio on my front porch and the many years that followed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
He will truly be missed.
One of my earliest memories, sometime in the 60’s, was of my dad taking me and my cousin to a local Hamilton tire dealer to meet and get the autograph of Reds’ players Joe Nuxhall, Frank Robinson, and someone else. It was a thrill to me because Joe was my favorite player. About 30 years later, long after I lost that piece of paper, I was equally thrilled to get his autograph on a card at a Crosley Field Old-Timers Game. I still have the card.
You’ll be missed Joe.
Gary Crouch
Fairfield HS, Class of ’72
“This one belongs to Joe”
May God rest your soul and comfort all those who love you. I like many others who have posted here truly will miss this man. The banana phone, the rounding thirds and the great banter with Marty. Thanks Joe for being in my life through the radio and for being a part of my life long love of the Cincinnati Reds. Until we meet again.
With all of my respect
Mike Davis
Mr.Joe Nuxhall we all will miss you,you were a red through and through thanks and for the last time THIS IS THE OL’LEFT HANDER ROUNDED THIRD AND NOW IS HOME WE MISS GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY
I remember watching Joe pitch when i was a kid. Later on when in viet nam i heard a game on armed forces radio. Joe made us Ohio boys feel like we were back home. After the army summer time was baseball and the reds and Joe was right there with marty the poofie haired boy. So long Joe. we will surely miss you.
with all of my respect
jim meyer
celina, ohio
It is with great sadness that I read about the passing of Joe Nuxhall. While I am a Cubs fan, I am also a fan of Marty and Joe. I remember listening to the Reds games on the radio in college as my roommate and best friend was a die hard Reds fan and always had the game on WLW. Marty and Joe were a pleasure to listen to. My thoughts and prayers are with the Nuxhall family during this very difficult time and to the great fans of the Cincinnati Reds, know that all of baseball and its fans stand with you to mourn the passing of this wonderful man. To me, Joe represents all that is good and right about baseball and now he is finally home. God bless you Joe and thank you.
I manage a steakhouse in the gold coast here in Chicago. Over the past several years the Reds and Joe have been coming to our restaurant when they are in town. Sadly, we haven’t seen Joe in a couple of years but I just wanted to say, on behalf of all the staff here at the Saloon Steakhouse we are all deeply saddened to here of Joe’s passing. When the Reds were in town we always held Joe’s favorite table, if he had a reservation or not. And for that first year he didn’t travel, I made sure no one sat at his table in tribute to him. We display a signed baseball of his in our bar and I moved it to a place of honor today.
Like many others, I grew up listening to Joe and Marty on WLW. His enthusiasm and love of the game was evident in every broadcast. Baseball will not be the same without him.
My prayers to the Nuxhall family and thank you for sharing Joe with all of us.
Joe will always be to me and to many the voice of Cincinnati Baseball. My first memory of baseball was of the old righthander. I remeber listening to Joe and then Joe and Marty with my dad back in the day. His style of broadcasting was like no other. He will forever be remembered as a kind, and gentle man. Joe was baseball!
The Cincinnati Reds lost a heart beat….but his memory will live on. God Bless your family.
Lisa
Westlake, Ohio
Growing up an Indians fan in Columbus and not being able to listen to them, I would listen to Joe, Marty, and the Reds. I would fall asleep with my radio on and dream of what was going during the game, but I would always wake up when those famous words were said. Joe made me a baseball fan. He showed it was ok for a “homer” to cheer for his team. He showed his true love for the Reds every time he spoke. I got to meet Joe at one of the Reds functions in Columbus and he blew my mind with his knowledge of baseball. He knew more about the Indians than I did, and to me that show class. Even though he was a Reds broadcaster, he was a lover of baseball, and knew players of all teams. Though Joe, I became a believer in baseball all over again. One of my fondest wishes was to hear Joe and Herb Score do a game together. I hope when I die they will be playing baseball in heaven that day and on the radio will be Harry, Joe and Herb telling me all about it. Then I know I truly am in heaven! Thank you Joe from the bottom of my heart for making me a baseball fan for life! I’ll miss our talks (well you talking about the game on the radio and me listening). THIS IS THE OL’ LEFTHANDER ROUNDED THIRD AND HEADING HOME
Nothing was better than listening to Joe when something great happened. You’d hear him yelling at the ball to get out of the park and it was like you were there with him. It’s like a relative has died. I can remember my aunt and grandma telling the story of when they saw Joe in Krogers once and my aunt yelled out THERES JOE NUXHALL! The last few years I sent emails to friends and family trying to get Joe the votes he would need to be on the short list for the hall of fame. I still can’t believe he’s not in and i’m really upset that we all wont get to hear him speak when he’s inducted. I would always try and listen to the few games Joe did the past few years just to get that feeling I did when i was a kid. I missed the man before he even passed away… I will make the trip when Joe is inducted, I promise you that.
Thanks for the memories Joe,
Joe Brown
There is little, if anything that I can say here that has not been said already. When my wife told me this morning, my heartfelt condolences instantly went out to Joe’s family. And, I felt like many of the previous messages–I grew up with Joe. I can remember my dad sneaking me a transitor radio, and buying batteries all of the time so that my mom would think I was in bed while I was actually listening to Marty and Joe on the West Coast. It truly does feel like a huge part of my childhood and a part of baseball has passed away.
This evening, I have gone to several web sites with tributes to Joe. It was extremely bittersweet as I found myself laughing and crying. I thought I was alone, but after seeing this and reading these posts, I think it is summed up best in that few of us have met Joe, but he does feel like family.
I hope the Reds put together a CD of Joe moments (like MLB did for Marty) and sell it to the fans, donating all of the proceeds to Joe’s charity. Living 1000+ miles from Cincinnati now, I am sure I would not be the first in line to order that CD. I will still tune into Reds games on the internet, but it will not be the same–I just loved getting surprised when it was a Nuxie night the last few years. You were gaurenteed a fly ball to deep right left center that was caught by the shortstop. Marty is unbelievable, but it still will NEVER be the same.
God Bless Joe and the entire family. My thoughts and prayers to all of you. I will never forget, Rounding Third…
When I hear the name Joe Nuxhall, I think of the summers I would spend at my grandparents’ house in Covington. We would have dinner and then head out to the front porch with the radio in the window listening to Reds games. No matter how good or bad the reds were, there we were every summer night listening to the games. My grandparents have since passed, but I will always have the memories of summers with them listening to Joe and Marty on the radio. Thanks for the great memories that you provided for me, Joe. It was an honor to have you represent our Reds.
My sentiments cannot begin to touch what many of you have already posted, but I would be honored to share a memory of Joe with all of you. Like many others, I grew up a REDS fan (who among us could not love the Big Red Machine) and listened to Joe and Marty on WLW-700 do the REDS games. I am not sure where the fascination with Joe began, but I suspect it was with hearing him call a game the way most of us would have…and that is from being a fan first, a spectator second, and a participant third. Joe seemed to love the game of baseball, and to me, he always seemed honored to be able to attend one. From Tom Browning’s perfect game, to the RED’S sweeping the A’s in 1990, and many more tremendous REDS moments, Joe seemed as swept up in the emotion of the moment as those of us who listened to him were. Who of us did not say “Get up baseball!” along side Joe when we heard the crack of a RED’S bat?
I will forever remember my only meeting with Joe (and Marty) at REDS/Cubs game in Chicago, when I had the fortunate opportunity to meet both of them after a REDS victory. I introduced myself (quite nervously) and Joe said “Thanks for coming to the game.” I think I was as much a fan of Joe as I was the RED’S.
It is with great sorrow that I share this, as a Cincinnati icon, a legend, has passed. Joe, we love you, and we will miss you. As Marty always said “This one belongs to the REDS”, and Joe, you belong to the REDS. God bless, God speed. The Old Left-Hander has rounded third, and has headed for home (and scored).
Thanks for the memories—Steve (Jackson, Michigan)
On Nov.15,2007 the entire baseball world lost a great human being,an icon a true ambassador of the game.in times were players seem to care more about money than the fans or the integrity the game one man stood true to his roots. growing up as a young man until now listening to him and marty doing play by play teaching me about the game of baseball i wil never forget what he has done for me personally so you ol’left hander you go ahead and round third and head for home u deserve it.you will be truly missed sincere thanks
Ron Bronson
Its Amazing how the death of a man you have never met can be so powerful, but Joe Nuxhall was a man you never had to meet to feel like you knew him. A man whose commentary made me love basball and cincinnati and made Opening Day a Holiday for me is no longer going to be telling me how the Reds are doing on the way to work. For The last time He’s rounding Third and Heading Home. Good Night Ol’ Lefthander.
How do you put such a strong feeling into words. Joe and Marty made my summers as a little boy ones that i will never forget. I grew up listening to the reds sitting on the back porch with my mom and dad on those perfect summer nights, and joe made me feel as if i was at the game. The way marty and joe got along and just goofed around made me feel like i was in the conversation with them. I lost my dad 5 years ago and I think of him every time i hear “and this one belongs to the reds” or in joes case “this is the ole lefthander rounding third and heading for home”. For my dad and myself, thank you joe for all the great memories, and say hi to my dad for me would ya Nuxie.
to the Nuxhall family, my heart goes out to you and my thoughts and prayers will be with you. God bless
Mike Koch
Galloway, Ohio
Joe will always be a favorite part of my memories. As I always tell my friends, few things are the same as when I was growing up, but the sound of Joe and Marty were the one constant in my life. Joe’s enthusiasm for the game will always be with me. Thanks for the memories Joe, you will always feel like family to me.
Tony in Louisville
Joe has been a part of every summer since I was a child. I will miss hearing him call flyballs to right-center-field. My thoughts and prayers are with the Nuxhall family in this time of loss. Thank you Joe for all the wonderfull memories.
Thank you for making the game of Baseball special.
When I heard of Joe Nuxhall’s passing I couldn’t help but get a bit teary eyed and I was reminded of a speech from the Field of Dreams:
“The one constant through all the years has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It’s been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game, is part of our past. It reminds us of all that was once good, and could be again.”
These words have never rung truer than when I remember Joe Nuxhall.
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER TEAM LIKE JOE AND MARTY! JOE NUXHALL IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE VOICE OR OUR CINCINNATI REDS! I’M 32 NOW AND LIVE JUST OUTSIDE OF CHARLOTTE NC BUT WAS RAISED IN HUNTINGTON WV WHERE I WAS RAISED TO BE A CINCINNATI REDS FAN BY MY GRANDFATHER AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, AND OFTEN TRAVELED TO CINCINNATI TO SEE THE REDS AS A YOUNG BOY, AND COULD REMEMBER MY UNCLE DIALING IN TO WLW TO HEAR THE POSTGAME SHOW WITH JOE AND HOW HE TOLD THE GAMES HIGHLIGHTS SO WELL. AND I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME POSTGAME SHOW EVER AGAIN WITHOUT ” THIS IS THE OL LEFTHANDER ROUNDING 3RD AND HEADED HOME! ” JOE WHEN YOU ROUNDED 3RD THURSDAY EVENING HOMEPLATE WAS CLEAR AND HEAVEN AWAITED YOU MY FRIEND AND NOW MY YOU REST EASY AND WATCH OVER YOUR TEAM AND THE CITY OF CINCINNATI FOR IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU!!! JOE WE LOVE YOU AND WILL FOREVER MISS YOU BUDDY!!! THANKS JOE YOUR A TRUE CLASS ACT!!!
I grew up in Fairfield, listening to Marty and Joe way past my bedtime on a radio stuffed under my pillow so my parents couldn’t hear. Hearing of Joe’s death has brought tears to my eyes as much as if it were my own uncle. His voice is ingrained into the way I look at the game, and even at a live event I hear his words describing what I am seeing.
This is a loss beyond baseball–this is a loss to the great city of Cincinnati. We’ll miss you, Joe!
I spent 20 years in the US Marines. Joy was coming home and listening to the Old Lefthander call the games with Marty. In the Marines we say we guard the streets of heaven. I am sure God has decided he wanted the best to call the baseball games on the fields of heaven. He has gotten the best. Joe will be missed but I am certain we will hear his calls of the games when we all meet in heaven.
My condolences to the entire Nuxhall family, and to the entire Reds organization, and MLB on the passing of Joe Nuxhall. I remember listening to Joe as a child and even in my adult hood. This man is truly a gift of God, one that gave of his life for mankind, and especially the baseball world. He was truly the best radio announcer that baseball ever has had. My God comfort the Nuxhall family at this time and give them strength in this time of loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you, and with MLB.
There are two people who have played a role in my deep, long standing love for baseball – Waite Hoyt and Joe Nuxhall. I sort of grew up loving joe as a player with the reds and continued enjoying his humor and love for this game later in life, even when away from my hometown of Cincinnati. I cannot imagine him ever being forgotten – as a symbol of reds baseball and down home humanity.
This is a sad day amoung all baseball fans. Even though many of us did not know Joe personally, he made us feel like he did. He announced games and made you feel like you were there and there will never be another man like him. My condolences to his family and fans. Joe will be missed and God Bless and Thank You for all the wonderful memories as a Red’s fan.
One of the true legends of baseball. I feel very blessed to have listen to one of all time great Red and the shinning example of what it is to be a man. Even during the 80’s when the Reds were not the team of the 70’s. I still felt that there was hope we would win the pennant or even go on to the world series. I know right now that there is a tear in the Red man’s eye and the smile is gone for awhile. Joe, I will miss you.
As a baseball coach, I remember telling young players about Joe. Their eyes would light up when I told them he started for the Reds at 15. And to be brave at bat they would learn the Nux truism, “if you swing the bat, you’re dangerous!” Thanks for the wonderful lessons in baseball and humanity, Joe. Heaven definitely has a new All Star!
As a young boy during the Big Red Machine era I loved to sit on my back porch with my neighbor and listen to Joe and Marty it was like you were at the ball park with them. When I joined the Navy and then afterwards moved to Bakersfield, Ca. I sorely missed Joe and Marty’s broadcast. As soon as I got the internet I signed up to get the Reds broadcast. Thanks for the memories Joe
What an icon Joe is! I can’t even imagine Reds baseball without him….every time I go to the stadium, I have always welled up with tears when I see the “rounding third and headin for home” sign….. I have grown up listening to Marty and Joe….I’m 43 now and I’m teaching my young son about baseball and the Reds history….and I’ll always remind him of Joe….what a privilege it was to hear him on the radio….we’ll miss you Joe….you’re finally home……
I first heard Joe on WLW in 1967 as a boy in Indiana and listened to Marty and Joe call the Reds games for the last 41 years. I will always be a Reds fan in part because of him. Joe will be sadly missed by all. The voice of the “Ole Lefthander” is forever in my fondest Reds memories.
started following the Reds in 1973. Joe taught me a lot about the not only the game, but also about history, passion and the desire to do a job right. He did all that from the radio booth. I can only image how he much have touch those he knew personly.
I will always remember his upbeat way of saying “If you swing the bat, you’re dangerous”. I will miss you Joe Nuxhall. Rest in Peace. I will always remember “This is the ol’ left hander rounding third and heading for home”. Good bye Joe.
to the nuxall family god bless. we all will miss him dearly long time listener best to you all.
I would like to extend my condolences to the Nuxhall family. From the time I was 8yrs old in ’70 I always enjoyed listening to Joe broadcast Reds Games. He is a big part of the reason I became a Reds fan. While in the military & stationed in Dayton I would regularly travel down to see the Reds play and then on the way home I would always listen to Joe after the game on the way home. It is truely a sad day for the Cincinatti Reds and all Reds fans everywhere to hear that the Ol Lefthander has passed away. Thanks for all the memories Joe, you will truely be missed by all.
I would like to say it was a privilage to listen to the the best radio announcers Hall of famer Marty and the future hall famer Joe. I can remember listening to Marty, Joe, at my grandparents, or camping with them, or with my dad in the car, or at the game, it was a great experience listening to them as the action was taking place. If we was at the game we would always try to run back to the car and so we could listen to the The star of the game show but alot of the time we either missed it or Listen to the famous not corny sign off, THIS IS THE OL LEFTHANDER ROUNDING THIRD AND HEADING HOME. I would like pay my condolences to the Nuxhall family and I wonder what he and my Grandfather is talking about. Because Joe reminds me alot of my Grandfather kind hearted and always happy to see ya
Nuxie will be missed by everyone. Growing up in Dayton in the 60s and 70s, I would tuck a transistor radio under my pillow and listen to those late West Coast games. I would use a flashlight to look at my baseball cards while listening to Joe and Al Michaels, or Marty. Nuxie was as much a part of the soundtrack to childhood summers as those sweet old 70s tunes.
Godspeed, Nuxie.
the REDS must initiate a NUXIE award for the REDS player who best exemplifies Joe’s life of caring about others, children in particular. I spent many nights listening to Joe & Marty allowing me to feel right there at the game discussing the plays with friends. Joe, my mom is up there, look her up & have a rousing discussion nabout the team she loved-the REDS!!
Early one Saturday evening — May 24, 1975 — I was washing dishes with my mother after supper. Outside the kitchen window, a thunderstorm was raining down on our house in Scottsburgh, Indiana. Curious to know if we were under a tornado warning, we tuned into the town’s sole radio station (WMPI-FM). Instead of hearing a tornado warning from the local announcer, though, I heard a resonant voice describing the tenth inning of a Reds game 70 miles away in Cincinnati.
I was a small child. I had only the slightest understanding of baseball — (didn’t baseball games end after nine innings? When was the touchdown?) — and yet the voice of Joe Nuxhall narrating the action of the game so transfixed me that I soon forgot about the storm outside. Instead, hearing the background sounds of the stadium, I felt as if I was sitting in the broadcast booth at Riverfront Stadium as the Ol’ Lefthander described each play.
I always look back on that evening as the moment when I became a baseball fan. Indeed, by the time the Reds came to bat in the bottom of the 11th, I knew that, finally, I too was a Reds fan. Of course, it helped that Johnny Bench scored from third on a wild pitch in that inning, but being able to listen to Joe and Marty bring the action on the field to life over the airwaves that evening certainly added to my newfound fascination with, and love of, baseball.
I couldn’t wait to listen to the next game the following afternoon! Tuning into Reds games became a daily or nightly routine that summer, and for many a summer to follow. I never met him, but I credit the Ol’ Lefthander and his partner in the broadcast booth for initiating me into what has become my obsession — chronic and incurable — with baseball.
He’s rounding third and heading for home, scoring easily! And this one belongs to the Reds! And gratitude belongs to Joe Nuxhall.
I grew up listening to Marty and Joe. They were nothing short of role models. Thats because you could tell what kind of men they were by merely listening. They had the hook in me so bad that I listened to all but a handful of game during their 101 loss season in the early 80’s. I love both of those guys even though I never met them. It was easy to tell what kind of man Joe was by his comments and demeanor on the air. RIP Joe! You hold a special place in this Left handers heart.
C Donnell S Bend
i was saddened to hear of joes passing i heard frist on the widermann fine beer baseball network inthe late 60s on wcky as just a baseball fan i listen to him many times mayGod rest his soul
As a Little League catcher in Hamilton during the 1960’s, I had the great fortune of living next door to the Nuxhalls. When I was practicing catching as a nine year old, Joe was often in his backyard grilling hamburgers and would come over and pitch to me. At the time, he was Joe our neighbor and the Nuxhalls were friends of our families It never occured to me as a nine year old, how unbelievable the experience of catching a major leage baseball player was. But to know Joe, his celebrity never got in the way of who he was.
I last talked to Joe at my mothers birthday earlier this year, and we had not seen each other in 30 years…but after a few minutes, it was as though we had been in contact the entire time. Thats the kind of guy Joe was.
Hamilton, Cincinnati, The Reds, and Major League Baseball have lost a most special man.
Our prayers are with Donzetta, Phil and Kim. We will all mis the Old Left Hander. Thanks for lots of good memories Joe.
Randy Weis
Fairfield, CT
I am 54 years old and some of my most pleasant memories with my dad (now deceased) were sitting on our screened- in back porch with a huge bowl of popcorn listening to Marty and Joe broadcast Reds games. Joe was the epitome of all the good things baseball stands for in our country. He was also the epitome of all the good things all of us should strive to be like in our own personal lives.
My condolences to the Nuxhall family and to his friends. I read a public comment made by someone else which so beautifully stated the way I viewed my relationship with Joe—even though I never personally met him, I felt as if he was my friend. He will be missed.
I just lost a large part of childhood. When I was a kid, I couldn’t believe the gold I struck when I found Marty and Joe on the radio.
I never met Joe Nuxhall, but it seems strange to say that — I certainly feel like I knew him.
My thoughts are with the Nuxhall family, Marty, the Reds family, and those folks who really did know Joe. How fortunate you must be to have known this man.
I will never forget
— the Star of the Game shows with Tom Seaver. They were having so much fun.
— Marty getting choked up when Joe left the air on a regular basis.
— “Get Down, Get Down”
” . . rounding third and heading for home. Good night, everybody.”
I, too, feel I’ve lost a member of the family. I watched him pitch twenty seven times,listened to Joe’s first broadcast, his last one, and probably 3,000 in between. I thought he and Waite Hoyt were the best at describing the scene while doing the game. And he didn’t lower himself to all this stuff like trvia games,commericals,
and **** that Marty does now while the game becomes VERY secondary. Bless you Joe …and condolences to the family…you gave me many many wonderful moments that I will treasure until I too die, round third and head for home.
Oddly enough, I will always associate Joe with a Dairy Queen in Highland County, OH.
Dad grew up in Hillsboro, and often on summer nights, after grill-out dinner, Dad’s eyes would moon over and he’d pile the whole family into the Cougar to “go to the Dairy Queen,” an hour away from our home, in his old cruising ground. A hot fudge sundae, a few dozen trips back and forth across a main drag, and a handful of Mom’s “when-are-you-going-to-get-over-the-nostalgia” sighs later, Dad would nose the car onto US 50 and head back west.
My brother and I were in the back seat, fighting over which one of us got to use the fold-down armrest as a pillow during the long drive back, and we’d find ourselves listening to the last few innings of Reds’ night games. My favorite part was always Joe’s “Star of the Game” show; win or lose, he’d always hunt someone down and manage to get an interesting comment or two.
When Joe rolled off his, “This is the Ol’ Lefthander, rounding third and heading for home . . . goodnight everyone,” it seemed something like a benediction — something to bless and give pause for reflection (at least until the next broadcast) — and remain now the soothing punctuation on some of the most perfect, star-painted evenings I can remember.
I had the good fortune to meet Joe, finally, two years ago at a book-signing in Lexington. I was one of the first people in the door, and there he was, with copies of his autobiography. I bought two signed copies — one for Dad and one for me — and I got twenty minutes of shootin’ the breeze with a legend to boot. He was the same easy-going, good-ol-feller-next-door guy in person who played on the radio.
It would be nice this year if Joe could get that elusive Ford C. Frick award, albeit posthumously, and finally grace Cooperstown. He’s one of the few baseball folks out there who could actually augment the goodwill and class already represented in the Hallowed Hall.
Back here, our home, the Reds will darken the field tonight, save two spotlights on the Ol’ Lefthander’s statue and that most perfect of wrap-up phrases, gently glowing along Ft. Washington Way.
The Banana Phone is silent. The tarp is down in left-right-center. The old town’s crying tonight.
But those words, as they did for the better part of forty years, let us all know that somewhere, way out beyond Hamilton, Joe’s all right, and this is just another nightly pause in the Long, Grand Summer.
I’m not a Reds fan-Cubs, but a passionate fan & supporter of baseball. Joe, not being able to get the Cubs on the radio the Reds were the next best thing. You helped bring the game to life like no one else. Your love & dedication to the game will never be replaced. Rest in Peace sir. We’ll love & miss you but you earned your peace & place in our hearts. Thank you so much!
Growing up in Southern West Virginia in the 60’s and 70’s the thing remember most about Joe Nuxall was his calling of the Reds games. My Dad was aa coal miner who loved the Reds and passed that love on down to my brother and me. Whenever there was a Reds game on the radio, he had the radio tuned in to it. You never had the TV stations with all their play-by-play and replays with shots of a play from every different angle back then–all you knew about what was going on was how Joe called the game, which he did like no other announcer. My dad has been dead for many years but I’ll always remember the am radio being tuned to a Charleston, WV radio station with the Reds playing. The ol’ left hander has rounded and is home now. Deepest sympathies to the Nuxall family and the Reds organization. He will be missed.
Many times going through stressful times in my life, listening to Joe on the radio would just make me feel better. When you heard Joe on the radio broadcasting the games, you knew all was right with the world. After he retired, I made sure to listen to the games he broadcasted. We also recently found out that my dad was on the same All-Ohio high school football team as Joe and that was cool. Godspeed Joe, we’ll miss you!
What can I say that hasn’t been said about Joe.
I remember years ago, I was at a Benefit for Children’s Hospital and they held a roast in Joe’s honor. After the program was over, he came over to meet and spend time with each child. He spent time with me and made me feel like I was the only person in the room.
He really loved and cared about everyone he met. I’m 42 years old and It’s ALWAYS been Marty and Joe. Cincinnati and the Reds organization will NEVER be the same again. I guess God needed Joe to call the next game in Heaven.
We’ll all miss you Joe.
I feel like a member of my family is gone. I have been a Reds fan my entire life and have so many fond memories of listening to games with my parents and grandparents. When the games were broadcast on TV we turned off the sound and listened to Marty and Joe. I was lucky enough to get Joe’s autograph last year and will treasure it always.
What a joy it was growing a Reds fan. How lucky I was to find the Reds on Radio while doing 6th grade homework here in Columbus Ohio back in early early April of 1970. Wow I think Gods hand was involed on that one. Hearing Joe, Jim, Al and Marty call the games what a blessing. I always loved hearing Joe say in the back ground “Get outa here get outa here” or how about ” Swung on and it’s one to nothing Tony Perez has hit and absolute rocket outa here to left field”. But the thing I will always remember most is what Joe said”If you go up to the plate and swing hard good things are going to happen”. I’ve always taken what Joe said and used it in my everyday life, giving everything I have each day doing my very best giving it all I got. I’ve played that meassage many times during my life and it has truely helped me in everything I’ve done. Love you Joe and I bet you guys have some kind of team up there in heaven and I bet those are some ballparks up there to huh. Be seein you up there one day partner. Thanks so much for your work down here, your words, your kindness, your love and just how you were able to reach out to all of us over the radio. Thank you Joe for those summer nights next to the radio and those late games in September in LA during the 70’s. My deepest of prayers and thoughts go out to the Nuxall family, thank you for sharing Joe with us and my prayers also go out to Marty and Tom and Jeff and all Joes friends and all those who knew Brother Joe and all of us who listened to the games on the radio but then again Joe was a friend to everybody. I’ll crank up the 70, 72 and 75 highlite cd’s I have “Outa the Ballpark Jimmy Stewart”. Thanks partner, love you Joe, cheers mate——Rog.
For me, I will never be a greater childhood memory than sitting in Grandpa’s workshop and Me, Dad and Grandpa enjoying a summer afternoon with Marty and Joe and and an old transistor radio hanging from a nail dialed in to 700. I am so thankful I got to pass that tradition on to my boys. Joe will be missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the Nuxhall family. Thank you so much for bringing dignity and simple pleasure to a city and a game that are forever in your debt because of it.
When I told my 26 year old daughter, she brought tears to my eyes when she said “I grew up my whole life hearing his voice”. A whole generation of Reds fans owe their love of baseball to Joe and Marty.
When I was 12 in 1972, my family moved to East Tennessee from Dayton, Ohio. Although a big Cardinal fan, my late father introduced my brother Mike and I to the greatest game of them all and we both became big Red’s Rooters. Dad took us back to Red’s games 2-3 times every summer. After we grew up Mike and I continued the tradition of taking dad back for ballgames. The 6 hour drives always seemed so short because we “guys” always talked about baseball as we got closer to “home” and MY Cincinnati Reds. Joe Nuxhall and Marty will always remain a major part of my memories as a die-hard Red’s fan, both growing up and until last night when I heard the news of the “Old Lefthander’s” passing. I felt like I had lost my favorite uncle all over again. For you see, I met Mr. Nuxhall at Redfest a few years back. Even though he had to rest in a chair he was gracious enough to let me take the catcher’s stance next to him and talk to him face to face. I felt as if I was talking to a friend. He had that special way about him. Although Ken Griffey Sr., Tom Browning, Jose Rijo, Rookie Adum Dunn and other Reds greats were there, it was the memories of the Old Lefthander actually taking his time to treat me in a special way that will always remain with me. I lost my dad in 1996. I felt like I lost a great chunk of both my childhood and my heart. Joe’s passing just reminds me of how blessed we all are to cross paths with special people in our lives and we should never take them for granted. So, for those of you that had the chance to meet Mr. Nuxhall or listen to him broadcast a Red’s game, my Reds baseball brethren, we were truly blessed to have met and heard “Joe”. For those of you that never had the opportunity to meet him, it truly would have touched your lives because he, along with Marty, have touched my life and heart forever and will forever be linked to the game I love.
Brian M.
Jonesborough, TN
How does one pay homage to a legend? How does one properly thank someone who has touched so many lives in such a positive manner?
From the time that I got my first “hand me down” glove to the present day, two names have been synonymous with Reds Baseball; Wait Hoyt and Joe Nuxall. These two gentlemen did what they did so well for higher reasons than just a pay check; and, this quality is oh so absent in most of society today. From now until the day I die, the words “Burgerville” and “Rounding Third and Heading for Home” will be ever resounding in my mind’s ear. Thanks Nuxy for all you did, you are gone; but, you will never be forgotten!
i am in 8th grade and have been pitching for the last few seasons and joe always was one of my favorite players.. i skipped school and went to opening day and listened to marty and joe it is one of my best memories thank you joe.. im sorry for your loss the city of cincinnati, the reds organization, the fans, and most importantly joes family thank you joe… ROUNDING THIRD AND HEADING FOR HOME
God Speed & God Bless to the ole lefthander.
I’m a 3rd generation Reds fan. Listening to Nuxie was a rite of passage every spring & summer, along with attending games with my grandpa Reuben & his best friend John John. Even if Joe didn’t know you personally, you felt like you were hanging out with a friend and a fun storyteller.
You couldn’t help but smile when he said, “and Davis hits a long flyball to right… left center field…” So what he tripped over his tongue?! Each of us does too.
At first he wasn’t a natural at his craft but he worked hard, knew the game and gave it all he got. He became one of the best broadcasters, as a result. It’s cliche but we Reds fans got far more from Joe than we gave in return. But we’ve always given him our love and gratitude.
Thank you, Joe, for your many gifts & always being yourself. Thanks to the Nuxhall family for letting us enjoy your loved one for so many years.
Joe, there’s a skybox seat with your name on it. Say hello to Rube & John John for my family.
I’ve been a Reds fan for 47 years now and the entire time I knew Joe. He was a pitcher when I first started following the team and what a competitor he was. Then he switched to the broadcast booth. His partners came and went but Joe always remained loyal to the Reds.
For over 30 years I could turn on the radio every night during the baseball season and know that I was going to be entertained. Even if the Reds were being blown out in the game, the broadcast team of Marty and Joe knew how to put a smile on my face. They may have been discussing some baseball event from the past or they may have been talking about their children or grandchildren. They may have been discussing Elvis or they may have been talking about raising tomatoes. No matter what the topic, it was always fun to listen to them. They were the best at what they did and that was entertaining Reds’ fans.
Yes, Joe sometimes made mistakes but he knew how to laugh at himself when he did so. That was just part of being Joe. It’s very sad knowing that I can never again turn on the radio and hear Joe saying “it’s a long flyball to right..leftcenterfield” or “it’s way back….it’s….where did it land?” Of course every evening ended with “this is the ol’ left hander rounding third and heading for home. Good night, everyone.”
I mailed Marty and Joe a baseball not many years ago. Our school was having a carnival and I asked them to autograph the ball so it could be raffled at the school. I was so surprised when I received my package back from them. They not only signed that baseball for my school but they also got another baseball and signed it for me to keep. It is a proud part of my Reds’ memorabilia collection and I will cherish it always.
Thank you, Joe, for everything you have done for the Reds and their fans for all these many years. Thank you, Donzetta, Kim, Phil, and all the rest of the Nuxhall family for sharing Joe with us fans.
Cincinnati today is crying. Heaven’s gain is Cincinnati’s loss.
Phyllis
On The news at noon on friday they were talking about Joe. I had heard he needed a pacemaker a couple days before and then I heard a word that stopped me in my tracks “was” they said was about Joe and I just stopped. No way, please , I’m trying not to cry as I type this because it makes it hard to see the keys. I’ve spent the better part of the last hour reading all the stuff on the site about Joe. I grew up listening to Marty and Joe, even when I was at the games or watching tv I had a little sports radio with me so I could listen to their commentary and banter. hearing Joe get excited about a hit made me excited too, I could just see him rise up out of his seat a little watching the ball go. God I’m gonna miss hearing his voice, it’s just not the same without him. Thank you Joe for being there thank you for making me love baseball, thank you for everything you’ve done to further the game and hep the Reds. The whole world has lost a great man today. Rest in peace Nuxy!
I am very honored to even type words about Joe, I never knew him other than listening on 700. That was a special time back in the 70s and 80s that will never be duplicated. As a Reds fan Joe Nuxhall was your friend.He is in heaven tonight rounding third and heading for home. God Bless you Joe.
Sincerely,
Douglas Mullins
Bristol, TN
I was very sad when I heard the news that the Queen city has lost her jewel. Redsland is singing the blues.
thank you joe! for the long summer nights listening to you on the radio as a young boy growing up in the east end .this is when i loved baseball the most, i miss those days and im going to miss you too. {do me a favor though, when your facing stan musial again this time strike him out) ROUNDING THIRD AND HEADING HOME……
I would like to thank Joe for drowning out alot of family fighting. When I was a kid I could always bury my head under my pillow with my hand held radio and hear a voice of love. You could tell the story that ol Joe was weaving was truly straight from the heart.I loved when Joe would get Marty laughing so hard he could barely speak.Joe you fit this Red fan like The Perfect tattered comforter that you just can’t feel good without.You will be missed but never forgotten.To your family,Thank you for sharing such a true man with all of us. To Marty,I am truly sorry because losing a pillar in your life like Joe is difficult but I am looking foward to hearing many heartfelt stories from you about Cincinnati’s ol’lefthander. Thank you Gary Bolen
I am 34, grew up in Cincinnati, and I am sure I speak for everyone in my generation when I say the thing to do when the Reds came on channel 5, was to turn the game on the tv with the sound off, so you could turn on 700 WLW and catch Marty and Joe. When I heard of Joe’s passing, a million sounds came into my head, such as calling Pete’s head-first slide, John Franco striking out Candy Maldonado, even going to my first game with my dad in 1977…well you get the picture. Thanks to Marty and Joe for all those summer days and nights. When I get to heaven, and ask about Joe Nuxhall, I suspect it will be the first time I see God smile. Posted by Chris Moertl, 34, Connecticut
Enjoyed Joe as a player and a broadcaster. I will miss him.
What a GREAT GUY!
Kenneth R. Kern
Chillicothe, Ohio
Sure gonna miss Joe. He was truly a “comfort zone” for me for the last 35 years or so. Like ploppin’ down in an old easy chair after a hard days work. He was a true Cincinnati Redleg. Owners, players and managers have come and gone over the years but Joe was the heart and soul of the Reds as my generation knew them. A true piece of Ohioana and Americana. He will be legend among Cincinnati sports fans in years to come. Above everything, he was an outstanding individual. I am not ashamed to say that I have shed as many tears over the last few days over the loss of Joe as I did for my own father who passed away 6 years ago today. True Reds fans know that Joe was like your Grandfather, Dad, Uncle or brother. In some sense, he became that important of a person in your life just by listening to to him on the radio year after year. You can take all of the Cincinnati Reds enshrined in Cooperstown and put Joe right at the top because there has never been a more important figure in Cincinnati baseball than Joe Nuxhall.
Dave Huff
Galena, OH
I am so sad today that I didn’t get to see Joe Nuxhall one more time. I used to run into him often at the hospital where he lost his battle with cancer. I first met Joe about 30 years ago when he came to my elementary school for a program for handicapped kids. Joe was like that. He was a GOOD man. Joe (I called him Mr. Nuxhall out of respect)was always warm and outgoing even when you knew he wasn’t feeling well. I will miss his energy very much. I’m proud to say that I knew him. Rest peacefully, my friend. Rob Hawkins, Hamilton, OH
My grandmother recently passed away at the age of 83. A tried and true Reds fan to the bottom of her heart. When we learned of her passing, my first thoughts and my fondest memories were of the summers I spent at my grandparents house growing up. I would sit out on the patio with my grandparents and listen to Marty and Joe on the radio cheering (and sometimes jeering) to the game. We never watched it on TV…my grandmother wouldn’t have it…we had to listen to Marty and Joe. It was part of the game for her. And it was through those summer days listening to the games on the radio that I truely fell in love with the game of baseball. Joe was such a huge part of that experience…his stories, his humor, his generous spirit. He was a part of our family during those summers…and probably the families of so many others. I miss my grandmother. But those memories will always be with me…my passion for baseball was born in those memories…and I will always be greatful for that experience. So, on behalf of my grandmother and myself, Thanks Joe. You’ll be remembered fondly.
It seems very ironic to me. When I was growing up, from the age of 7 on to now, I listened to Joe on the radio. I was utterly shocked and saddened to hear about his death. The ironic part is that when I was young, one of my friends had a Joe Nuxhall card that I bought off of him for $10. I had always intended to get it signed if I ever met Joe and my grandfather told me that if I sent him the card, he’d sign it and send it back to me. That card is the very same one shown on this page. Unfortunately, I never got it signed. My sincerest heartfelt gratitude goes out to Joe for all the wonderful memories I have of him calling the games and the Reds should dedicate this season to his memory, get him elected to the Hall of Fame, and play his signature tag line, “rounding third and heading for home.” after every game. Truly a great person and sincerely missed. My condolences go out to his family. R.I.P.
I am 39 years old and grew up in Cincinnati. It’s sad thinking the one sure thing we could count on hearing is gone. Now it’s only memories of a terrific era of our lives.
Thanks for the era, Joe.
Tears came to my eyes when I heard the news Of Joe’s death. Being a life-long Reds fan, I feel that I have lost a member of my own family. It will be so difficult to turn on the radio next spring, and not hear that familiar voice. Rest well Joe, you’re home.
i am only 16, started watching baseball around the 2001 season, i havent really ever listened to nuxy call a game but every time i met him he was nice and never turned me down for an autograph. luckly i got to see him one last time a couple months ago @ the rosie reds fashion show and got a picture with him.
RIP Nuxy
I would like to send my condolences to the family of Nuxy and may God Bless Each and Everyone. I will always remember hearing Joe say, This is the ole lefthander, roundin’ third and headin’ for home. He made me proud to be a Reds fan!
I too grew up with his voice as my eyes for Reds games. His distinctive tone, tenor and passion for the game and the Reds were a unique hybrid that will not be replaced.
While some said he was a homer, he did acknowledge his roots as a fan and former player for the Reds. That transparency was a treasure that mere voices cannot replace.
A part of our local culture is lost and my memory of him will be an enduring legacy of love and respect.
First, I would like to offer my sincere sympathy to Joe’s family. Like so many others have said here, I also feel as though I grew up listening to Marty and Joe. I spent many summer evenings on the porch with my Dad listening to the Reds. I lost him 2 years ago…so hearing of Joe’s passing made me think of my Dad, who introduced me to baseball. Although I now live in NC, when I go home in the summer for visits, I always turn on the Reds on the radio…because those familiar voices sound like home to me. Thanks for everything, Joe. You will be missed.
Througout my life there has been one constant steady thing while listening to the Cincinnati Reds. “This is the Ol’ Left Rounding Third and Heading for Home.” Have the history and the love of the reds past down from my grandfather, father, and now to me, there truly will not ever again be another Ol’ Lefty. To the Nuxhall family you have lost a truly great man. He has meant the world to many families out there across the game of baseball. He is truly in a much better place where nothing can bother him any more. He now will have a perfect place to watch the games from! High High above GABP!
I have had the honor to work with Joe the past 7 years. As I read the postings, it takes a moment to understand how lucky I was to share a few minutes with him at every home game in the dugout during BP. We wouldn’t talk about baseball much, just the other goings on of the day…the weather, what we hoped the press room would serve that night, maybe an upcoming event that we worked on together or something silly. But the fact that he knew my name and what I did touched me, like the thousands of others before me that he met, he made you feel special. My best memories was catching lightning bugs in the summer with my sister, running through the cool grass barefoot with my dad sitting in the driveway smoking a cigar. Along side of him, was his faithful radio always tuned in to 700wlw. I recall the distint crackle in the radio and listening to the slight whistle that came from Joe as he read a word that ended with a ‘s’. Marty and Joe, there was nothing more perfect and simple and my generation is one of the last to feel how great it was. Thanks Joe for letting me be a part of your life and for your family for sharing you with us. love you. – Lorrie
My four brothers and I were lucky enough to participate in Reds Baseball Heaven in 2004. If getting to play baseball together again after 30 years wasn’t enough we got Joe and Bobby Wine as our managers. The best week of our lives being around Joe every day. God Bless you Joe. John Burtch
It was after the seventh grade that I started listening to the Reds. Little did I know that Marty and Joe were going to make a big impact on me becoming a Reds fan. I remember my first game that I officially ever heard was at the dentists office and I went home to turn on the radio to listen to the game after that. When I turned it on it was a rain delay against the Milwakee Brewers that was later confirmed done after the fifth inning because of the rain. This made it my first win as a Reds fan. This was in 2002. Joe was an icon and even though I never met him I know that he made a big impact on me and he’s helped me stay on track of baseball. With the combo of Marty and Joe I started to always follow the Reds and I’m still a fan even though we are always having losing seasons. All because of Joe I can truly say that I’m a full Reds fan and he and Marty has made me want to be an announcer in the booth later on in the future. I still want to be a High School History teacher but that mark of me wanting to be on the radio so badly still is there and will always be there thanks to Joe even though I’ve never met him.
Thank You so much Joe Nuxhall. Nuxhall family I’ll be praying for you and I hope that I can go to the visitation Tuesday. I know many people will be there for it.
Marty, Your friend is gone but I’m supporting you all the way. I hope you’re still in the booth when I make it. I want to know all those memories full hand.
Just to let you know Nuxhall family, Joe’s death was the first thing I heard when I woke up Friday morning. I was waking up to make sure my little brother was getting up for school and I started to want to cry as soon as my radio alarm went off.
Tim R.
Today is such a sad day for all of us. We have all lost a friend. We will miss Joe Nuxhall. I personally remember Joe back to his pitching days at old Crosley Field. He was great, a true competitor. I loved Joe , Klu, Gus, Wally, et all. Joe’s words and acts of kindness were just patches of life. But they came together like a Quilt which gave us warmth. Joe is Cincinnati Reds baseball. He was loved by all. His Character Education efforts will be a fitting and lasting statement of Hope for all for many years to come.
With Joe, you only needed to hear his voice to feel a genuine person. We are just Fans of Joe and the Reds. He was a truly humble man. You knew it from his words and actions. We pray that he is now Home, in Heaven, a better place, his final reward. Maybe he is looking out on us from the Great Broadcast Booth up above.
A Poem to honor Joe:
You Rounded Third And God Carried You Home
Joe, what will we do without you,
Who will hold us up as you did?
You have been a lighthouse to all
Since you were just a kid.
Your heart was as big as a tower
Your compassion was on your sleeve.
Your smile gave so much comfort
It?s so sad you had to leave.
Your character was a gift to baseball
You taught so many the best.
You mentored and reached out to all
So sure it is your time to rest.
Children were fortunate to know you
You loved them all so well.
You told them character was so vital
A truth you needed to tell.
Baseball was your life
It was a gift you shared everyday.
Your true value of the game
Was ever on display.
The greatest gift you shared
Was your humility and grace.
It was the kindness and the gentleness
That daily showed upon your face.
The days will be hard without you
For a time we will feel alone.
You will never be replaced
You rounded third and God carried you home.
Poem by Lynn Judge
Cincinnati, OH
I’m a native of the Cincinnati area, born in Oakley in 1943, moved to Kettering in 1956, and settled in Maine since 1983. I live amongst Red Sox fans, but my loyalty is still to my Cincinnati roots. Joe was so much of the total package of Reds’ memories for me. I remember his descriptions of home runs, over the Crosley Field scoreboard, as “$2 cab rides”. Or, a ball was “cow-tailed” over the fence. His familiar cry of, “get out of here…”, while Marty called a potential home run, was music to all Reds’ fans ears. My deepest sympathy to all of Joe’s family, and to the entire Reds’ nation.
Jim Cronin
York, Maine
I was deeply saddened when I heard of Joe’s passing over the weekend. Although I was never fortunate enough to have met Joe in person, I almost feel like I knew him. Some of my fondest memories of childhood are of listening to Marty and Joe calling the Reds games on warm summer evenings. They are truly memories that I will cherish forever. Even as recently as this past season, I remember driving in my car and listening to the game and thinking how great it was to hear Joe’s voice alongside Marty’s on those few occasions when he was in the booth. It was almost like I was being taken back to some of those simple days of childhood. Although I’ve lived in Kentucky my whole life and haven’t had much of a chance to sample other baseball broadcasters on the radio, I simply can’t imagine any broadcasting pair that could even compare with Marty and Joe. As a team, they were quite simply the best, period. No one else even comes close.
The world has lost a great man, the broadcasting industry has lost a true giant, and baseball has lost someone who was likely the finest ambassador the game has ever had. He is irreplaceable and will truly be missed.
Joe will be missed..I was very sad when, I heard about Joe passing on.. I hope you rename Great American Ballpark after Joe.
I am 60 and was born and raised in Dayton, a big Reds fan, along with my grandfather who introduced me to the Reds and Waite Hoyt. I moved to Cleveland in ’72 and to Arizona in ’87. I had a fancy antenna setup in Cleveland and still listened to WLW. I was out of luck in AZ until XM came along. I was already looking forward to next season, hearing Joe on a few games. In ’84 I spent a month in San Fransisco working, and was lucky to have the Reds come to town. I went to all 3 games, and after the last one, I waited near the press box for Marty and Joe to come out. I walked with them to the parking lot, talking and laughing with Nux. It was like I had known him for years. He was very pleasant and cordial. Just a truly nice man who loved baseball, as I do. We will miss you Nuxie.
Joe V in Scottsdale, AZ.
I am sort of an outsider, originally from LA. As a kid, in 1959, I got a Joe Nuxhall baseball card, and my father told me how he was the youngest player to appear in a major league game- he immediately became a hero of mine. In 1972 I went to grad school at Purdue, and I would tune in the Reds games on the radio, and there was Joe. As a die-hard Dodger fan I was upset about the way he would openly root for the Reds, but I understood that he was a player- it was his team. Even though he was on the wrong side of the Dodgers-Big Red Machine rivalry, I respected Joe’s viewpoint- and he was VERY entertaining. Four years ago I was transferred to this area, and was happy to hear that Joe was still going strong. Living here, I learned why the people here, not just baseball fans loved Joe so much. I enjoyed listening to him during games, interview- or even watching commercials that he did. And I being here I could also see how much he gave back to the community. I never had the pleasure of meeting Joe, but I felt like I knew him. He will be missed.
Jim – Independence, KY
I got to know Joe from a unique prespective. I was network producer for the Reds Radio Network for 4 years. during that time, I was able to go into the booth and actually be there when Marty and Joe would call a game. The first time I met him, he was just the nicest guy. He shook my hand, asked how I was doing. Just as pleasant as can be. I’m not special though, he was that way to everyone who came into contact with him. The Reds and the Cincinnati area have lost a friend. I will miss him.
Matt B. formerly from 700WLW.
The very first time my husband was able to join me for opening day was the year Joe was Grand Marshall. I even talked to Bill Price at Finley Market about what a wonderful day it was going to be. I never got to see the interview, as we were at the Finley Market Parade. We all loved you, Joe. Thanks for the memories.
What I remember as a Reds fans as a youngster was listening to Joe and Marty with my grandfather. Whether it be on our way home from a Reds game, making the 2 hour journey back, or just driving around our hometown of Madison, IN cruising the streets listening to Joe and the Reds. It was fun. I will never forget those times that Joe helped me to share with my grandfather. Thinking of it takes me back to that time. It’s just one of those times you can almost hear Joe with the call, smell the warm summer evening air and sipping on our favorite choclate milk shakes we used to get. Thank you Joe. You will be missed.
As a young boy growing up in Northern Kentucky, my Father and I spend countless hours, in our kitchen on Isabella Street, listening to many, if not all, of the Reds games. I first remember listening to Waite Hoyt, and, then, later on, it was Joe and Marty.
What pleasure they brought to my Dad, and, to all of our family. As I grew older I also remember walking to Crosley Field and going to some of the games. I always knew that when Joe was on the mound, it was going to be exciting.
Thanks, Joe, for putting so much fun/love into the game of baseball for my Dad, and, all of my family.
MANY THANKS, also, to Joe’s family, for sharing him with all of us who grew to welcome him into our homes as if he was part of OUR family!! He was quite a guy!!
Now, in my mid 60’s, this is an ole’ gray headed guy, also rounding third, and, also, heading into home!!
God Bless You Joe!!
all of us reds fans in zanesville will miss the ole lefthander
My earliest memories of Joe:
My Dad played softball for two teams sponsored by the same establishment in Hamilton. After the games concluded, we often returned to the sponsor’s place of business to enjoy refreshments and snacks. I remember being advised to run upstairs to see Joe who was seated with others. Being very shy, I don’t recall ever tugging on his trousers to strike up a conversation. I do recall that he was just one of the guys who I had trouble distinguishing from the other gentlemen there.
Several years have passed since those days of childhood. No matter how insignificant my relationship to Joe was, I never forgot that he was so well thought of by my Dad who never failed to let me know that Joe was there in the same building with us. This happened over 45 years ago!
Like Joe, I grew up in Hamilton and after marriage, moved to Fairfield where my wife and I raised our children.
My interests in sports changed to running during my high school years. I currently coach a local high school track team and occasionally run in local 5K races.
Standing on the starting line of a very special tribute 5K race a couple years ago, there was Joe holding the starters pistol. Most of us had seen Joe do this before. He was known to play an active role in our community. On this occasion we had a chance to do something that has probably never been done anywhere else. We were asked to join together to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Joe since it was, or very nearly was his birthday.
If you’ve never been a participant in a 5K race or watched from the side, you wouldn’t know the nervous energy or the concentration that most runners try to control. On this occasion, everyone abandoned their pre-race jitters and sang their hearts out to our fellow citizen and local hero.
I don’t think there was a more fitting way at that moment to say, Thanks, Joe! Thanks for being a supporter of the community and the area in which you proudly served.
Thank you to the whole Nuxhall family for sharing him with us in so many capacities.
Joe N. = LEGEND. Thanks for all the good times you provided us on the radio. I raise my beer to you!
Dave Walsh
former Cincinnatian living in Nashville
I, too, was one of those youngsters who carried the radio to bed, keeping it turned down low enough that my Mom couldn’t hear it, though I think she knew what I was doing. Those West Coast games made for an early morning. Mississippi, in the 1970s, seemed like the backwoods of the world to me. But WLW, Joe, and Marty, were my escape to another world. Those two guys just about raised me. When I look back on my childhood, one of the most prevalent memories, is of listening to the Reds’ games. I never made it to Cincinnati until I was 42 years old, in the summer of 2006. Of course, I had my radio and earphones with me. Much to my delight, it was one of the games that Joe did. What a thrill that was for me. Thanks so much to Mr. Nuxhall, and to his family, for sharing him with a little boy in Mississippi. It was a wonderful ride.
My first memories of Joe go back to 1968; his first year in the booth with Joe McIntyre. Remember “Old Riverboat Captain” and Widemann Beer and “The Big Bopper from Birmingham.” Had an old RCA in my basement in Niagara Falls, ONT; had to hold two wires and point them towards Cincinnati–made it tough keeping score. Joe has always been a big part of why I love the Reds so much. I have lived in Asia since 1990–means I missed our last World Series–but my childhood memories of those original Nuxhall broadcasts are as real as if they happened yesterday. Joe and memories of those great Reds teams of the 1970s are inexorably joined forever in the minds of genuine Reds fans.
I am sure there will many tributes to Mr. Nuxall, including a Joe Nuxall Day at Great American Ball Park.
But you know he dedicated his life to Cincinnati Reds and the entire tri-state.
I think a “JOE NUXALL SEASON” would not be out of line.
I am sure there will many tributes to Mr. Nuxall, including a Joe Nuxall Day at Great American Ball Park.
But you know he dedicated his life to Cincinnati Reds and the entire tri-state.
I think a “JOE NUXALL SEASON” would not be out of line.
As a boy, growing up in Ohio, it seems every night of the summer, my Father & I would listen to the games on the radio. The games were rarely televised. I treasure the memories of the broadcast from Joe. It brought my Father & I closer. Thank you Joe for the memories. You’ve crossed the plate, welcome home! I?ll never forget you.
I’ve lived in Northern Indiana all my life. In the summer of 1986, I was 8 years old. I was at a friends house trying to find something to listen to on the radio. I came across Mary and Joe on the radio. I was already a Reds fan (Dad bought me a Reds hat for Christmas a couple of years before) and I’ve listened ever since.
Like many, I feel asleep listening to West Coast games on the radio. I snuck a radio into summer camp every year, because radio’s weren’t allowed, and I wanted to listen to the Reds game. I even had my parents change light switches in the house, because dimmer switches would cause interference on the AM, due to living several hours away from Cincinnati and picking up WLW. I would do anything to figure out how to listen to the game.
We’ll all miss Joe. To put it in the words of Marty, Joe’s sickness was a “titanic struggle” but he always pulled through…
Until now, he’s left us for a better place with no sickness, no sorrow, and no pain. Something he totally deserves for all the years he’s given to us.
Thanks for the memories…
I remember growing up in NJ and visiting my grandparents each summer. We would sit outside overlooking the Ohio River, watching the planes fly over and best of all listening to the Reds on radio. Nothing was more special than listening the “Ol”
Lefthander. Thank goodness for XM Radio..My heart goes out to the entire Nuxhall family. Now all of heaven can listen to the Reds on radio.. So rounding third and heading for home… and in the immortal words of Marty “And this one belongs to the REDS….”
My wife and I have been reds fans all of our lives. We always loved Joe and finally had the chance to meet him in August, 2006 during the Reds HOF event in Cincinnati. We recognized him and wanted to meet him, but was somewhat reluctant to approach him because we knew how busy he must be. We finally got up the nerve to approach him and we ended up sitting down and talking baseball for awhile. He was such a great man and I think we all just thought Joe would be around forever. The Cincinnati Reds organization and all of us who knew him will forever cherish him memory.
Joe, thanks for everything you gave us. We love you. Rest in peace.
Fred and Dixie Stupp
Newark, Ohio
I am a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan who now lives in Hong Kong, China. I listen to all of the Reds games via the Internet on MLB’s Gameday audio service. I learned of the Ol’ Lefthander’s passing from the Reds website.
I am deeply saddened by this news, but also filled with many wonderful memories. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the Nuxhall family. I also hope that Joe’s “Get out of here. Get out of here! GET OUT OF HERE! home run calls become a standard chant at the old ball orchard. Perhaps it could be broadcast over the ballpark’s loudspeakers whenever the Reds hit a home run or graphically displayed on the scoreboard(or both simultaneously). This way future Reds fans will always know who the Ol’ Lefthander was whenever a knowing fan explains to a new or unknowing fan where the expression originated.
Thanks for all the great memories and the wonderful stories. (I recall the story he told Jeff Brantley last season about hitting a home run off of Whitey Ford at Yankee Stadium. I could tell that he was proud of that one). For Reds fans, and all of those who knew him, it won’t be the same next season without him. In fact, it might never be the same again. He really rounded third and headed for home this time.
Robert L. Taylor, Ph.D.
I have been a lifelong Reds fan, thanks to my Dad. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Nuxhall at a baseball dinner a few years ago. He presented himself as a real down to earth person. I have listened to him tell stories of baseball’s days gone by. Listening to him on the radio during reds games made the program SO much more fun. He will be TRULY missed. Thanks for the memories. I guess with his passing, you could say that “The old lefty is rounding third and REALLY heading home.” God bless you Mr. Nuxhall.
What can anyone say but there was no one like Joe. I never met him personally but I grew up listening to him and Marty whenever I could…even when the station didn’t come in that well down here in South Central Kentucky. He was truly a great player, announcer, and an even better person. I loved the games in the past couple of years that Joe came back…made me feel like a kid again. Thanks, Joe, for the memories.
I can remember holding my my little transistor radio up tp me ear…my head hidden under the covers..pretending to be asleep so my dad wouldn’t know i was up past my bed time listening to Joe and Marty make heroes out of baseball players for me..I am a lifelong sports fan and no other figure in sports has created more memories for me than Mr Nuxhall…when i think back..i think of leaving my friends to play without me..so i could go listen to Marty and Joe…i think of running to my car in the parking lot after school, to listen to Marty and Joe..i think of being at work as i got older, listening to Marty and Joe…thank you very much Mr Nuxhall..For 30 some odd years you were a voice that i ran to..and now , a voice that i will miss
I just learned of the Ol Left Handers passing. I’m numb. I’ve watched Joe play on tv, seen him play at Crosley and listened to him on the radio since my earliest baseball memory. I have never met Joe Nuxhall but I have the utmost respect for this man. Good bye Joe. Thank you for all the years.
Growing up in rural east central Indiana in the late 60’s/ eary 70’s, there was not a finer description of “summer” than the sound of Joe & Al Michaels, or Joe & Marty filling the air with a Red’s broadcast. Listening while farming on the tractor, picnicking, sitting outside on the porch or lawn with the radio stuck in the window, after supper around the dinner table,or the transistor radio under the pillow were some of the best memories of childhood. One of the fondest memories of my great grandfather was him listening to every broadcast, even as he was loosing his hearing. The radio was turned louder and louder on each visit. I can even remember him sitting in his lawn chair, the radio sitting a few feet away on a table, and a hearing device plugged into what looked like a miniature satellite dish.He loved talking baseball and listening to those broadcasts.
I returned to the area after college and military duty, to again enjoy reds broadcasts thru the late 80’s till present. I thought there was “no crying in baseball” untill I listened to Joe’s last full season broadcast in 2004, and his emotional last “rounding third and heading for home” after he and Marty reminisced about the good times.
Joe was not the “perfect broadcaster” in technical terms, but I guess that’s what made him the perfect broadcaster to us who listened and appreciated his genuine good nature, down to earth qualities, and passion for basebell (and the Red’s to win).
It has been a few weeks since Mr. Nuxhall got his first pitching start or broadcast for “baseball in heaven” and he definitely left a big empty space in the lineup here on earth that can not be truly refilled. The broadcasts will never be the same, only different.
Thanks for the memories……..
Jeff in Florence, KY
I just learned of Joe’s passing away and am sadness by this news. My father and I listened to Joe and Marty for years. We would attend one game a year the others Joe would bring the game to me through his smooth claming voice. I’m sorry I never met Joe but felt I knew him through all the years we shared together over the air waves. I’ll miss you Joe.
forever greatful,
Burt in Zanesville Ohio.
My oldest memory of Joe was in the late 60s when he and Jim McIntyre did games together at Crosley Field. I can still remember Joe telling the listeners that the Reds batter who had just hit a home run won “Another 55 gallons of Super M”. Can you imagine what 55 gallons would cost the fuel companies in today’s baseball era when 50 home runs are hit every year? My earliest memory of Joe was of him hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Braves in County Stadium, a game I watched with my dad on TV. Joe, I will never forget you!
Well, I am extremely behind the times here & am also extremely sad. I just found out about Joe’s passing. We don’t get much in Red’s news out here in Southern California. Thank God for WLW.
I pray for Joe’s family & all of his fans. As days go by it’s not that it gets easier, it still is tough, but it’s something we learn to live with because as long as there is the Cincinnati Reds & their fans, Joe will live on forever. May he rest in peace…
Debbie Knights
El Centro, CA by way of Eaton, Ohio
I had been following the news on Joe’s health for the last few years and I knew next Monday would come. An opening day in Cincy without his voice. For me and my Dad, summer starts with the sound of Joe and Marty on the radio. Whether we were throwing the ball around, working in the garage, or fishing on a bank somewhere in southern Ohio, Joe and Marty were always there. Through the great seasons and the not so great, Joe made being a Cincy fan a truly rewarding experience everynight.
Joe, as the Redlegs prepare for another summer, we know you are still with us. I think I will turn the sound down on the TV some nights and listen real close. I am sure no matter how much time has passed I will always hear you and Marty calling the games.
Zachary Olah, Columbus, Ohio