A day after Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas passes, a local and national broadcaster joins him in the broadcast booth in the sky. Les Keiter, nicknamed the “General”.
Les Keiter, who served as the voice of Hawai'i and national sporting events for more than a half century, died today. He was 89.
Keiter achieved national and local prominence for his booming play-by-play accompanied by folksy catchphrases.
He also broadcasted some 20-odd championship boxing fights which included Cassius Clay, Rocky Marciano, Sonny Liston, and Floyd Patterson.
In 1970 he moved back to Hawaii and became the voice of the minor league baseball team the Hawaii Islanders and working as the sports director for KHON Channel 2. It was during his time with t.v news that anchor Joe Moore coined the nickname “General” after a character Keiter played in an episode of “Hawaii 5-0”.
Keiter is one of the last old school broadcasters who mastered the art of recreating games, something he did in New York and continued on with the Islanders. Armed with only the scoresheet of the game and a wooden block to simulate the sound of the bat hitting the ball, Les created an entire 9 innings and made it seem like you were listening to it live.
What may be his greatest legacy could also be something that is known by only a few. Keiter started the Stadium Stars program while working at Aloha Stadium after retiring from t.v. The program allows for people, fans, or aspiring broadcasters to do play-by-play or color commentary for high school games with complete video crew, floor director, the works. The program still runs strong today and parents and players can purchase the videos.
Les Keiter’s mind was always sharp although his health began to diminish over the past decade. But as recent as last year, while on a radio interview, the voice was still strong, the memories were still vivid, and he could still recreate a Giants baseball game with Willie Mays hauling in a deep fly in left center, then gunning down the runner at home.
"Everybody looked up to Les," said Riley Wallace, a former University of Hawai'i basketball coach. He was old school. He reported only the facts of the game. He always was a friend — to coaches, players, and the fans. He'll be missed."
Long-time Hawai'i sportscaster Jim Leahey said: "He was a terrific guy. He always called you 'Kid.' Even though he was getting aged, his voice was still strong. And his mind was sharp as a tack."
Keiter started his broadcasting career in Hawai'i after World War II, then went on to a successful career in Philadelphia and New York.
He was the voice of Philaelphia's Big-Five college basketball. He also covered major boxing matches, including championship bouts featuring Muhammad Ali, Floyd Patterson and Sonny Liston.
After the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants relocated to California in the late 1950s, Keiter was hired to do recreated broadcasts of their games for New York baseball fans.
His broadcasts were peppered with pet phrases:
"In-again, out-again, Finnigan."
"Ring-tail howitzer."
"Tickle the twine."
"Back, back, back. ... Boom! Off the wall."
"They're wearing their batting clothes tonight."
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