Let Forssell continue as "Voice of Hurricanes"

The anticipation would build on those fall Friday nights as I walked south on 32nd Street West from Manatee Avenue.

The Hawkins Stadium lights glimmered through the trees and the hum of pre-game excitement grew with each step.

Then that familiar voice would float through the neighborhood:

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium.”

Jim Forssell’s bass baritone was a reassuring presence in the grand old stadium on Ninth Street West, whether it was announcing the game or the halftime show in his familiar, understated manner.

The “Voice of the Hurricanes,” indeed.

Is Forssell’s magnificent run done after 47 years behind the microphone?

I hope not.


Read more in Sunday's Mannix About Manatee.