Lon Simmons passes away at age 91

Lon Simmons passed away on Sunday morning, the Giants announced through a statement. The former Giants announcer was 91. From the official statement:

To Giants fans everywhere, his voice was synonymous with Giants baseball for five decades. Best known for his booming baritone voice, encyclopedic sports knowledge, flair for the dramatic and self-deprecating sense of humor, Lon was the link between generations of Bay Area sports fans and their hometown teams. He was a legend among Giants fans, whose career with the team spanned five decades -- beginning when he joined Russ Hodges in the broadcast booth during the team's first season in San Francisco in 1958. Simmons and Hodges worked together for 13 years.

Simmons came back to the Giants in 1996 after a hiatus, calling games on the radio, usually on Sundays. This was my introduction to him, as I'd listen to Giants games as long as the reception would let me on my return trips to Ashland. He would tell it goodbye through the crackling, if I was lucky, and he would always be quick with the silly-brilliant jokes and dry wit.

"The outfield is shallow.

...

...

Probably haven't read a lot of books".

That one always got me. Rest in peace, Lon Simmons. Giants baseball was better with you around.