Andrew J. Musser

Born:  Harrisburg, Pa., 12/28/1937

Died: Wynnewood, Pa., 1/22/2012

Knowing he wanted to be a broadcaster at an early age, Andy Musser won a young broadcasting contest sponsored by Atlantic Refinery and the Phillies, calling a few innings with Phils announcers By Saam and Gene Kelly. Twenty years later, Musser would join the Phils broadcasting team of Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn, replacing the Frick Award winning broadcaster By Saam, who retired following the 1975 season.

Musser had credentials coming into the Phillies job in 1976, having announced two Super Bowls, an NCAA tournament final, and two Masters Tournaments while working for CBS. He also called games for the San Diego Chargers before coming home to the Phillies.

Musser was the third announcer for the Phillies, along with Kalas and Ashburn. Musser called many big Phillies moments during his 26 years behind the mike. Perhaps chief among these was Mike Schmidt's home run against Montreal in the 11th inning of the October 3rd game, which helped the Phils clinch the division title. He also called Garry Maddox' pennant-winning catch in game 5 of the NLCS.

Born in Harrisburg, Musser graduated from Syracuse University in 1959. He served two years in the U.S. Army, including a stint on the Armed Forces Radio Network in Seoul, Korea. In addition to the Phillies, Musser was a fixture in the Philadelphia Sports scene, calling games for the Eagles, Sixers, Villanova and the University of Pennsylvania, along with the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls and assorted other broadcasting gigs over his long career.