Tom Cheek

Just heard that longtime Blue Jays announcer Tom Cheek died on Sunday.

To those of you who don't follow the Jays, he was the personable and charismatic radio announcer for much of their run. He broadcast a record 4,306 consecutive games, only taking a break the day after his father passed away a year or so ago. Then came the news last summer of his brain cancer and even though his passing was inevitable, it didn't make the news any less sad.

I will remember COUNTLESS ocassions, listening to his voice in the car, in the backyard, and sometimes I'd just turn the sound down on the television to hear the calls of "Tom and Jerry" (Jerry Howarth) on The Fan.

Rest In Peace, Tom. A true Canadian institution.