Letters and e-mail to www.Shermfeller.com
The Letters Page: I post the letters here in the order that I get them. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to write.
From Charles Laquidara
If you were ever at Fenway Park when Sherm was the announcer, you know what I'm talkin' about: The sounds of the crowd, the cracking of the bats in the still air; the vendors hawking their stuff; Sherm's booming, yet mellow voice with the slight echo... All is well in America...
(Editors Note): I appreciate Charles' comments about Fenway Park and Sherm Feller. I hope other members of the media will leave a memory of two. You were the folks that knew Sherm best. You will be a big help in finally getting Sherm Feller into The Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. Thank you Charles. GT
Left to right front: Johnny Most, Bobby Orr, Sherm Feller. Photo courtesy of Jim Larkin, WBETI found this site while searching for info on WVDA. I appreciated Russ Butler's comments since I share many of those memories. I used to spend much time there after school ended for the day at Joe Smith's (later president of Capitol Records) show. I remember seeing Sherm Feller at the studio along with Johnnie Most & Dick Donovan (pitcher for White Sox). If I remember correctly, Johnnie Most used to press his face to the studio glass & Sherm would say on air, there's a fly on the wall....guess it was a running joke between them.
Sherm was married to Judy Valentine, who I was somehow related to. I believe she did some voice work for Disney.
Thanks for the memories!
David Aiken
Ft. Myers FL
by way of Dorchester & Beverly
From Tahir Hussain
I'm a lifelong Red Sox fan and each time I go to the ball park I miss the organ music he used to play and miss his distinct voice. No matter who is the public address announcer, it is just not the same. Watching Jim Rice's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame yestereday afternoon, I thought about Sherm Feller introducing him when he came to bat.
In 1986. before the World Series, the Red Sox played the New York Mets in an exhibition benefit for the Jimmy Fund. Before the game was a home run hitting contest in which Wade Boggs participated. I rememeber Sherm saying, Go get em Wade.
The organ music I really miss as fans today get excited about the ridiculous Neil Diamond song in the 8th inning, which was never tradition. I completely agree and am quite surprised he is not in the Red Sox Hall of Fame. This morning I googled Sherm Feller because as he just came to mind after reading about Jim Rice's induction to the HOF.
Tahir Hussain
Allston, MA
From P. Chris Podgurski
Hi Gary, I was unaware of your relationship with Sherm, and am really happy to see this site. For many years my Uncle Don and I raced to Fenway after work for what must have been hundreds of games. Of course I was one of the luckiest kids at the time, as we were invited guests of Haywood Sullivan. I was given, (well maybe I took!) unique freedom to be in just about any location (the press box, the clubhouse, the owner’s box Etc..) in the Park before, during, and after the games. BUT, interestingly enough, I spent countless days and nights sitting next to Sherm and flipping the switches that illuminated the bulbs in the left field wall. I knew every one of the other folks that worked the control room as well as the entire staff that supported the operations of the Park. Watching Sherm announce countless at bat’s for players that are now long retired was always exciting, and forever will be in my memory. Occasionally Kenny Carberry would have to step in when Sherm was indisposed. Once, I remember Dick Bresciani looking through the glass at ME sitting in the chair, with NO Ken, and the UMP looking up at the announcer’s box. Just when I was to make my debut, Sherm came running down the stairs!
Sherm was certainly an interesting guy to say the least. Listening to the stories to my younger ears at the time was a learning experience of sorts….!
Best
Chris
From Jim Longo
Last Christmas, I decided to purchase the Cincinnati Reds commemorative 1975 World Series game broadcast DVDs from A&E. Why would a Red Sox fan want to purchase yet another painful chapter in the 86-year curse of the Bambino? First, I could relive Game 6 of the World Series (the best baseball game ever, in my opinion).
Second, I could witness the wizardry of NBC Baseball Game of the Week director Harry Coyle (whose idea it was to place a camera inside the scoreboard behind the Green Monster). Third, I could give my son Jimmy a heart-pounding lesson in vintage, old-school baseball. Fourth, and most important, I could hear Sherm Feller's voice.
The Game One DVD begins with Sherm at his very best: asking fans to direct their attention to the commissioner's box behind the Red Sox dugout, where Treasury Secretary William Simon was on hand to throw out the first ball. Once Sherm finished introducing Mr. Simon, the boos rained down just mocking and cold as the weather itself was that mid-October weekend
Growing up as a Red Sox fan in Putnam, CT, I used to spend hours impersonating Sherm's voice and style. Sherm inspired me to work off and on for the last 26 years as a public address announcer. One of my proudest moments came on April 26, 2008 when, during a 13 and under travel baseball game here in Ohio, I had the chance to announce my son's name the way Sherm would have ("Number 61........Jimmy Longo........First Base.......Longo"). Thank you, Sherm!
Jim Longo
Marion, Ohio
(Please click here to read Jim's great story from The Marion Star in Marion, Ohio. Thanks for the memories Jim. GT)
From Len Zola
I happen to be on the board of the Broadcast Hall of Fame here -- which has held two installations so far. I know that Sherm has not yet been elected to that, but of course we had to take care of Jess Cain and Fred B. Cole and somehow forgot about Sherm. I will make a point of passing his name along to the group when next we meet. In fact I'll send it along to the chairman right now. I stress this is NOT the Red Sox Hall but the one established in the Boston Broadcast Market two or three years ago as a sort of offshoot of the Gang. Judy will be very pleased, I'm sure. I'm chairman of The Media Gang, and I believe she has attended just about every one of our lunches. We were contemporaneous at WHDH as well, come to think of it -- she was on the Bozo Show and I was a newswriter and sometime announcer.
Like most broadcast students in the late 40s/early 50s, I visited with them during their broadcasts quite often since it was not much of a walk from the School of PR at Boston University to either the hotel on Tremont or the studios in the Copley Square area. And that was a long time ago! I'll also forward your e-mail to Dick Bresciani of the Sox.
Waiting to be drafted I worked afternoons at WORL putting together newscasts and delivering one every Monday. One day Sherm showed up to drop off a copy of "Francesca", which he had just written, and as happened when a guest showed up, I went into the studio to listen to him gab with Norm Prescott. When the music started, Sherm immediately launched into his "suggestion" for settling the supposed "feud" between Norm and Bob Clayton, which was for them meet on Boston Common, each with a pile of 45s and, on a signal from someone, begin flinging them at each other!
(Thanks Len. I enjoy all of your great Boston broadcasting stories. GT)
From Dave Barrett
When working as an ABC Radio News correspondent, we wanted to do an Opening Day piece in 1986. What better place than to go to Fenway, where the world champion Kansas City Royals would be the Red Sox’ first opponent. Steve LeVeille was my producer----yup, THAT Steve LeVeille, the fine talk show host on WBZ. We saw players on the field, and then said, “Let’s do something different.” We went to the press box and chatted with Sherm Feller and John Kiley. Had a –great—time. Ultimately, we used their thoughts….and our own chatter, as we sat in the stands, down the left-field side….to describe the start of a new season. It’s still one of my favorite pieces from my career. Both Sherm and John were so gracious, and they really brought home the feeling of watching a game from such a hallowed ground. Keep up the good work, Gary, as you continue this website.
– Dave Barrett, Correspondent, CBS News – Radio Network
Dear Gary,
Should you be down in the New York area in late August (Aug. 27, to be exact), we would love you to make the pitch for Sherm to our club. The BLOHARDS club will be holding one of our two annual luncheons when the Sox come to play the Yankees. The events take place at the Yale Club, and we usually draw between 150 and 250 New York area fans of the Sox.
Should you not be able to make the trip, I will personally try to make the case. And since we expect a couple of Sox executives (plus broadcaster Dave O'Brien and a player), perhaps they will carry back the word. We are also close with VP-Emeritus and longtime PR guru Dick Bresicani and will be sure he hears from us on the subject.
All the best with your website and your worthy cause.
Regards,
Joseph Cosgriff
VP - Lunch
The BLOHARDS (Benevolent Loyal Order of Honorable Ancient Red Sox Diehard Sufferers of New York)
My Response:
Hello Joe,
Happy Memorial Day to you. Thanks for the invitation, I believe Sherm would say that an invitation from the BLOWHARDS is very appropriate. I will make every effort possible to be there. As you can tell SF.com is pro-Red Sox. No Sox bashing here. I could ask everyone to write angry e-mails, but I won’t. I have been in contact with Dick Bresciani. Unfortunately Dick does not agree with me that Sherm belongs in The Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. Nothing could be further from the truth. Again this year, Sherm was not selected.
I guarantee you that during Sherm’s era, any man, woman or child who visited Fenway Park remembers three things, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs, the sound of John Kiley’s organ, and the booming voice of Sherm feller announcing “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boy’s and Girl’s, Welcome to Fenway Park”. Need I say more.
ShermFeller.com is a labor of love for me. I will add a link to www.blohards.com (Great Site!). Please help spread the word about www.ShermFeller.com , dedicated to one of the greatest ballpark announcers of all time. Let’s hope he gets his place in the Red Sox Hall of Fame soon. Thanks again Joe, you made my day.
Go Sox!
Gary Titus
AttentionPlease@ShermFeller.com
From Fay Connors:
Mr. Feller sat next to my father in school. There was a bully who always teased my father and called him names. Finally my father got fed up and they had a fight. Of course the principal wanted to know what all the ruckus was about and that was when "Sherman" stood up for my father. He went to the principal and told him that it wasn't my dad's fault, that my dad was acting in self-defense. My dad said that everyone liked Mr. Feller and the principal believed his account of the shenanigans. "Sherman's" power of persuasion kept my dad out of detention. My grandfather had a laundry and Sherm used to live close by. Happy memories for my dad. Glad to read about the adult Sherm Feller from your website. Wish I had had the pleasure. I know he made a difference to a young immigrant from China so many years ago.
From Paul Sullivan:
I chanced upon your website and was thrilled to read some of the stories and memories of Sherm. Like Kenny and Kurt Carberry, Jordan Rich and Tim Willis, I worked with Sherm back in the Stuart Street days of WRYT and WROL. I remember that was a young broadcaster during the Blizzard of ’78 when the station, which was then a daytimer. received special governmental allowance to remain on after hours because of the state of emergency. Of course, Sherm was the one tabbed to go on the air and talk with the snowed-in listeners. I remember that Malcolm Alter and I were producing Sherm’s show one of those nights when he suddenly got tired of talking and told us to sign off the station so that we could go and have dinner across the street at the Park Plaza. Malcolm and I looked at each other, shrugged, then signed off the station and went to dinner with Sherm. Naturally, nobody was in the restaurant because of the weather conditions but I will never forget how impressed I was to be having dinner with (and to be treated to dinner by) Sherm Feller. Generous to a fault, kind, funny, one of a kind. Still missed here. This tribute page is an obvious labor of love. Thanks for it.
Paul Sullivan
WROL
The Irish Hit Parade
(Note: Listen to "The Irish Hit Parade" with Paul Sullivan Saturday from 10am - 7:00pm on Boston radio station WROL 950 AM. GT)
From Ed Saslaw:
Since first seeing this site around the time of the 2004 World Championship I have been meaning to add my voice to those who have written about The Voice. I am a 55 year old guy, and as dedicated follower of the Red Sox as there can be since 1958. (I suspect that next year is the 50th anniversary of the first time my dad took me to Fenway Park. I had the great pleasure and honor of going with him, my daughter, two of my nephews and my nephew's girlfriend, to the second game of this year's World Series, much as my daughter and I went to game 2 of the 2004 Series.).
I live in the New York area now; tough place to be a Sox fan though not as bad as it used to be. I guess it is particularly odd when a middle aged lawyer enters a courtroom mumbling to himself, in that Voice, "number eight, Carl Yastrzemski, Yastrzemski, left field" but I can't help myself.
Listening to Carl Beane do his nightly tribute to Sherm is great, but, as I know Carl understands, it's just not the same. Thanks for the mp3's. They are on my IPod.
Ed Saslaw
(Note: Long after his "turn in the seat" is over Carl Beane will definitely be remembered as one of the greatest voices of Fenway Park. Please read his letter below. GT)
"I'll never fill his shoes, but I do get to sit in his chair"
Carl Beane and The World Series Trophy
I just discovered this fabulous website. A very dear friend told me about this and after reading through it, I felt I had to write. I have covered the Red Sox as a radio reporter for 27 years and along the way got to know the wonderful voice I heard as a child when my late father would take my two younger brothers and me on the bus from Springfield, Ma to Fenway Park.
When I was a child I told everybody that someday I would be a Red Sox announcer. I loved listening to Sherm, then would have a laugh after every ballgame when Sherm would sit in the media room and tell those wonderful stories in that one of a kind voice. He became a great friend and in a way a mentor to me due to his involvement in radio and as the Voice of Fenway Park. In 2003, my dream came true. I now occupy that position as the P. A. announcer at Fenway. Every game, I pay tribute to Sherm. I tap his picture just outside the booth and ask him to get me through another game. I use the same greeting he did because it was and is perfect.
I always say to anyone who asks about the job, that "I'll never fill his shoes, but I do get to sit in his chair". Bob Sheppard, the long time voice of Yankee Stadium, was a good friend of Sherm's and over the years has shared stories about him with me. Mr. Sheppard had a great deal of respect for him, as do I.
I agree that Sherm should be honored in a special way, and I intend this summer to offer his name for induction into the Red Sox Hall of Fame. He deserves it and it is the right thing to do. I have already spoken to some of the Red Sox executives about this, so it will be brought up at the proper time. I hope it happens. Sherm Feller was and will always be the "Voice of Fenway Park". He was my friend, and ironically, he died 4 years to the day that my dad passed away. I miss them both very much.
Respectfully submitted,Carl Beane
To whom it may concern
I'm
56 years old and I've been a Red Sox
fan since I was old enough to
understand baseball and spell Red
Sox. As a kid, when bleacher seats
were $1.25, I used to go to Fenway
all the time and listen to Sherm's
announcements, and John Kiley on the
organ.
To be
honest, I hadn't thought about
Sherm, or John Kiley in many years,
probably decades until a couple of
weeks ago. My girlfriend and I went
to Tampa to watch the Sox play the
Devil Rays. The show the Devil
Rays put on was pretty
unbelievable. There was loud
musing, special effects, a huge
television screen and a PA announcer
to support and blend in with the
whole spectacle. Of course, I am a
baseball purist and I think all of
that takes a lot from the game, but
then, what do I know. By the third
or fourth inning, all the
artificially produced noise became
so annoying that were it not for the
fact that I was watching my beloved
Sox, I probably would have left.
This
was my girlfriend's first time at a
major league baseball game. I was
trying to explain what it was like
to go to a game at Fenway, back in
the day of Sherm Feller, and John
Kiley. I did my best Sherm Feller
imitation and now that I listen to
your web site, I'm proud to say I
had it exactly right .............
after God knows how many years. I
explained to her that Sherm made
that announcement once, before the
game, and that was that.
If
you can find them, you should put
some tracks of Sherm announcing
hitters and/or pitchers.
Classically simple!!
Thanks for the memories Sherm and
John
Garry
McGrath
From Frederick Royer
From Lori McHugh:
From Greg Spira:
I remember Sherm Feller fondly myself. While
he may not have been the most informational
public address announcer ever, his
contribution to the atmosphere at Fenway
Park cannot be understated. Fenway Park
hasn't been the same place since Sherm died;
every time I go back there and hear an
announcer other than Sherm I still get a
little disappointed.
What a
wonderful site you have here and what a
great tribute to Sherm and John Kiley. I did
not know either of these giants personally.
However, they forever changed my life and
provided me with endless moments of pleasure
in my 100+ games at Fenway. I do remember
approaching the park and hearing Sherm's
booming voice inside, which seemed to be
shaking the rafters at the park. At times I
wondered if the whole thing was going to
fall down. Once inside I couldn't wait to
hear Sherm's announcements and John Kiley's
beautiful rendition of the National Anthem,
played as a joyful march, like only Kiley
could play it. It made me so proud to be an
American to listen for the "Attention
Ladies and Gentlemen....." and then hear the
National Anthem. What I especially liked was
this was a no nonsense park. No music during
the innings, no unnecessary announcements,
just real baseball in a real park. My last
game at Fenway was just after Sherm died and
I knew then it would never be the same. I
saw the giantron in the outfield, the
advertising throughout the park (do they
really need the extra revenue) but No Sherm
and no John. Since their deaths the park
has instituted cheezy recorded music between
innings which we can hear any day on the
radio. It will never be the same and I have
not been back since. God bless these two
giants among men and I hope they are
watching the games from above.
Hi Gary. I
am not a player, just a big fan. However, I
was the organist at the old Pittsfield Red
Sox in the double A league at Wahconah Park,
in Pittsfield back around 1972-1974 when Pat
McKernon owned the team. I tried to
imitate the way John Kiley played the Anthem
but was never quite successful. The PA
announcer at the park was Glen Russo. He
tried very hard to sound like Sherm but
couldn't quite get there also. So you see
you could say there was a "minny Fenway" in
Pittsfield at the time. The official scorer
was Roger O'Gara who was a long time sports
reporter for the Berkshire Eagle and the
score board operator was Jan Tavalin, the
news reporter for Pittsfield radio station
WBRK. And my name is Denny Crane.
From
Terry:
Hello, my name is Terry and I live
in Maine...I grew up in Mass (30 minutes
outside of Fenway Park in
Framingham)......My dad took me to many,
many Red Sox games and I clearly remember
the famous voice of Sherm
Feller............I LOVE THE BOSTON RED SOX
AND FENWAY PARK and I must
admit................My favorite voice of
Fenway is and always will be "Sherm
Feller's". Thank you so much for creating
this website.........................I am 41
years old now and I still miss very much
hearing his voice at Fenway.....................
I began working for the Boston Red Sox
during the summer of 1985. My first job at
Fenway was to keep track of the count in the
Control Room. I quickly found out that my
job was really to remind Sherm of what the
actual count was. We would be forever,
laughing as he would have the count 3-2 on
the green monster and it might really be
2-1. Sherm would receive a kind warning
from Dick Bresciani, with a loud tap to the
window that separated Sherm and the rest of
the control room from the old Press Box.
Shem knew
EVERYONE, we never knew who we would get to
meet during a game. One of my favorite
memories is my brother Ted coming to visit
me in the control room. He was sitting
behind Sherm on the stairs in the control
room, listening to one of the many stories
we were treated to over the countless nights
at Fenway, when my brothers all time idol,
Bobby Orr, walked in to shake Sherms hand.
Sherm could see the look of awe in Teds eyes
and introduced Teddy to Bobby Orr. It was a
fantastic moment. There were thousands of
fantastic moments and memories with Sherm.
I was
fortunate enough to work with Sherm and the
other great people of the control room at
The best
times at Fenway were the times with Sherm,
even those simple times when he would sneak
into my office to use the phone or catch a
nap, minutes before game time. Everyone
would yelling and looking for Sherm and he'd
smile and mischievously say okay dear, wake
me up in five minutes. He was a professional
and he knew his job, but he did like to
watch people sweat.
I miss my
late evening (or extremely early morning
phone calls) when Sherm just wanted to talk
and I'd hear the loud tone of his hearing
aide, before I'd hear his voice. I miss the
Irish bread he'd deliver with flourish, or
the strange gifts from the pawn shop, the
framed photos of Sherm with his friends or
memorial cards of dignitaries that he would
bring to me.
Sherm treated
my husband and I to special gift on our
wedding day. He announced the entire
wedding party, including the first time Dan
and I were introduced as a married couple.
I know Sherm graced a few other members of
the control room with this honor and I still
cherish the videotape of him at my wedding.
Sherm was by
far the funniest person I ever met and
probably the most caring. He lived his life
to the fullest and made sure everyone around
him felt the magic. I'm glad I was a part
of his life and blessed that his memory
remains a part of mine.
From Ken Carberry: It's been almost 11 years. Sherm
died the night of the 1994 Baseball Writers Dinner, and
I was supposed to be with him. He was buried on
Superbowl Sunday, unable to lay a bet. Sherm was
surrogate Grandfather, Uncle and little brother to me. I
think of him every day. Not really, but if I said
anything different, and he was able to read it wherever
he is, he'd give me a whack. My first job in radio was producing
the Sherm Feller Show on WROL. That was 1978 and I was
20 years old. We go back even farther. It was 1967 and
the Sox were on the way to the Pennant. Sherm was
working for my father, Ken Carter, at what was then WRYT.
One lazy summer day, a tall , loud man with thick
glasses pulled in our driveway. It was Sherm. He loved
kids, and I was 9 years old and a baseball fan - that
was enough for him. "Gimme your baseball glove and I'll
get it signed for you," he bellowed, "who's your
favorite player?" (He always bellowed, the P.A. was
barely necessary.) The next day I had a Jim Lonborg
autograph on my glove. Not just his name, but "To Kenny,
best wishes, Jim Lonborg." He went on to win the Cy
Young Award, and I had a friend for life. Sherm had bypass surgery the winter
before the 1979 season. He was very ill, and we thought
we would lose him. He called the folks at Fenway and
asked that they hire me to fill in for him as P.A.
announcer until he was healthy enough to come back to
work. April 1979 found a new voice at Fenway Park. Me. I
stayed there as "the other guy" on the P.A. for many
years. The real fun was just sitting next to Sherm for
every game. I learned about baseball (Freddie Lynn was
the best player since Ted, and never give 'em anything
to hit on a 3-0 count), gambling (if he lost, it was my
fault), women ("If I was 10 years younger and had three
more teeth..."), Chinese food (Four Seas in Chinatown,
ask for the "Special Tea"),deli-food ("I won't tell you
where I got this pastrami, because then everybody would
go there") and life in general ("I may be Jewish, but
when I drive by a church I bless myself...just in case
you guys are right"). I'm lucky enough to still work with
many people who knew and loved Sherm. We tell stories,
repeat jokes and offer the occasional imitation, all in
honor of Sherm. My office is adorned with Sherm
memorabilia including a Sherm signed baseball that flew
through the window one night (5/14/80) and a photo Sherm
took of Frank Sinatra and me backstage at a concert.
Most precious of all is the photo of Sherm in my kitchen
in the summer of 1990 holding my infant twins on his lap
and grinning a warm loving grin. As we near the
anniversary of his death, that's the Sherm I choose to
remember most. Sherm Feller. My pal.
From
Kurt Carberry: Sherm
hosted a live radio talk show on my family’s radio station in Boston.
Sherm also set up his office with us, and was a bigger distraction in an
office than anyone could possibly image. He would talk so loudly on his
phone, his hear aid was always sending a piercing pitch, and I don’t
want to go into the bathroom stories... He was the proverbial “bull in
the china store” but everyone loved this bull! Sherm was born with a
special charm. Sherm’s radio show was only aired over the summer months.
He would signoff in the fall and come back in the spring with “As I was
saying…” Sherm would interview priests, poets and politicians, and
sometimes all at the same time. Sherm's radio show was like an open
house holiday party and he never knew who was coning in or what he was
going to talk about until the mic was turned on. Sherm had Orville
Redenbacher in the studio popping popcorn. He must have put 10 pounds of
kernels in a popping machine and filled the entire studio with popcorn.
He had Lassie come in and actually interviewed the dog, not the trainer.
To this day better radio has not been produced. Sherm was also my
friend. He was there when I graduated school, got married, had children
and when my wife was sick, he would visit with food and gifts… all of it
stolen. Sherm would take corn from a street vendor and give the guy a
Ted Williams baseball in return. It was Sherm’s autograph, not Ted’s but
that did matter. He traded more than an Indian Chief. But, his lust for
life was so genuine, so real, that you would give him what you had to
him anyway. Sherm worn a cross and the Star of David, he would say, “ I
want to cover all bases” Sherm was everyone’s friend. Kurt Carberry
From Jordan Rich:
From Mike
Koenig:
I
just had to put in a short note for now and will
be coming back to this. Sherm, I know you’re
watching over us and hopefully reading these
wonderful thoughts. I felt I never thanked you
properly so let me say now, THANK YOU, KIND
SIR!!! You know why. I now live in Las Vegas
and do not get back to Boston often, but think
of the joy you brought to all of our lives all
the time.
Mike Koenig - Las Vegas From Julie DiCastro: My name is Julie DiCastro,
Sherm was a regular at our house. He spent a lot of
time with Michael and Timmy Smyth. My son Joseph
DiCastro, Jr was to go to Fenway for the first time
with Michael his brother Scott and I think Timmy,
but that morning Joseph had a grand mal seizure and
was in the hospital. When Joseph woke up (age 7) he
jumped out of the hospital bed and said, sorry I
have to go now Sherm is waiting for me. Sherm was
nearly a daily visitor at my house and at my
father-in-laws store, Willow Brook Farm Stand in
Stoughton Ma. Sherm lived at Stone End apartments
for quite a while.
From Paul B:
I
just thought I'd let you know that I'm also a big Sherm
Feller fan. My most cherished memories of visiting
Fenway, in the 60's and beyond, was to hear his voice.
I would always make sure I was in my seat, prior to the
player introductions of each team's starting lineup.
The sound and tone of his voice should be enshrined in
Cooperstown. Everytime I visit Fenway, which isn't
often these days, I long for the sound of Sherm.
From Matthew Wintringham:
So the Red Sox finally won.
They have erased 86 years of frustation in 4 quick
games. They have made all of us lucky fans who are alive
to experience it think of family and friends who are no
longer with us. Of course, I instantly thought of my
Uncle Sherm. Sherm was not a typical Red Sox fan. He
ALWAYS believed. He was never pessimistic about their
chances. I couldn't understand how he actually thought
they would win each and every year. And if he were alive
today, he would have expected this. He would have come
to me after the clincer and said "See, I always
believed." And today Uncle Sherm, I want to tell you
that I believe too. I believe that you are enjoying this
up there as much as we are down here! "Ladies and Gentleman, boys
and girls, welcome to Fenway Park...home of the World
Series Champion Boston Red Sox"...
From
lindsay Wintringham:
a day to be remembered. I am sherm's great niece lindsay
wintringham. I am writing to share my joy and excitment on this long
awaited vicotry. I have never experienced the satisfaction of wanting
something so bad, and finally getting it. beating the yankees and
sweeping the cards is only the begining. the curse has officially been
reversed! I remember asking my uncle if he believed in god; his reply
was always that he did... just in case. well I know for certain that
sherm had a front row seat for the series and I heard his booming voice:
"they won it all! the red sox are world champs!" may all boston
fans enjoy this victory together, and may sherm's memory and presence be
alive now more than ever! GO REDSOX!!!!
lindsay Wintringham From David Jardin David Jardin (Note: Thanks for the post David. I attended the Boston Red Sox
Hall of Fame dinner this year and hope to attend it again in two years
to see Sherm Feller and John Kiley inducted. Any e-mails or letters sent
to me in support of this will be forwarded to the Boston Red Sox.)
From Pete Walsh:
Funny thing, when remembrances just pop
into your head and you stomp out to Google to find out what happened to
some of those "bigger than life" people you meet in your youth. Who
knows why I suddenly wondered about Sherm? Maybe the onset of my 66th
birthday makes me reflective about my youth. Anyway, I was a
pimple-faced kid of eighteen/nineteen just entering broadcasting as a
new control room operator at WVDA Boston. I
started out on the morning shift the sole beneficiary of Lady Luck's
whim. I filled out a WVDA employment application describing my desire to
be a control room operator/announcer the day after the office
secretary threw out all the other previous, old applications. Two days
later, the morning control room operator quit. Timing is everything! I
got hired. Previously, for months, I had come up to watch Sherm at work
and just knew radio was what I wanted to do for a career and this
station was where I wanted to work. I was thrilled to be part of this
world.
That was in '56/'57 when Sherm was holding
court nightly on WVDA with what I amusingly refer to as "flexible
sign off time." In other words, when he got bored, it was time to go
home. I loved the casualness of this rogue announcer in an otherwise
precise industry of network synchronization, etc.
Regretfully, I never worked as an engineer
on his show, and I can't remember the name of the guy who did, but can
clearly see his face in my mind. Later, I worked the Speed Anderson
Show that immediately followed Sherm's, and I know it ticked him off
that someone would actually buy the midnight
to six time slot and cut into his air time.
I was often the butt of his witty cracks as
I walked into the control room and looked into the announce booth and
could see Sherm through the fog of cigar smoke. He was a very funny guy,
and I never took offense from his ribbing. What the Hell.......the
rookies always get razzed, right? I also remember the dichotomy of sweet
Judy Valentine and Sherm. What a pair.
I was sorry to learn of Sherm's demise so
long ago, but he lives in our collective memory.........and for all
different reasons (that way,..... he never gets bored). Time to sign
off.
Peter Walsh (retired)
Palm
Springs, Ca From
Tim Willis:
My first paying radio job was at 950 WROL in
Boston. Unknown to me when I was hired that I would be working with the
legendary Sherm Feller. I produced his talk show when he came back
from Spring Training to begin another season at Fenway. Sherm was not
only one of the most generous people I met but also went out of his way
to bring me into the booth at Fenway during games, treat me to late
night dinners in Chinatown with complementary transportation in his
oversized Chevy Caprice while providing great insight to his musical
writings including “Summer Time Summer Time”, and Francesca. For all
of his achievements he was also one of the modest people I have ever
met. One day from his desk he pulled out the sheet music to Francesca
and signed it, “To my best pal Tim…who thinks I’m a Star!..Sherm. In my
mind he was a star with celebrity status for all his contributions. He
never thought so.
Some of my great memories were sitting at the
controls on the other side of the glass at the radio station while Sherm
talked about anything that came to mind. Having in studio guests like
Fred Lynn and Marie Cole would always amaze me. Big names coming to 950
WROL to be interviewed….have a warm conversation with Sherm Feller.
After the show it was off to Fenway for Sherm.
I still have some tapes of the Sherm Feller radio
shows I recorded back in the 80’s and pictures I took while he was on
the air and they are truly a keepsake. Perhaps one day they’ll be on
this web site. I was very fortunate to begin my radio career and have
the distinct honor of working with Sherm Feller.
Tim Willis
Clear Channel/Springfield MA.
(Note: Thanks for the great letter Tim. What a great Christmas
present. Happy Holidays. GT)
From
Bonzer:
As a kid I had several Sherm Feller written tunes among my 45rpms.
I'd
What a thrill for me to finally meet the legend at (retired Red Sox
From
Russ Butler:
I go back a bit listening to Sherm, first on WCOP 1150AM in 1949-50
and visiting the studios in Copley
Square. Sherm had an evening show following the seriously presented
classical music program by Martin Bookspan (now the commentator of "Live
From Lincoln Center" on PBS.) When just on the air, Sherm said "Hey,
thanks for a great show, Marty!" as he was quickly leaving the building.
The other time I visited Sherm in a radio studio was in 1953 at
WVDA 1260AM in The Hotel Bradford, (then owned by the Vic Diehm
Associates who purchased 1260AM from WNAC, who went to be at 680AM,
which was formerly WLAW.) Smoking his cigar, relaxing in front of the
mic, wearing a fedora hat and taking phone calls, he was on top of his
game - funny, improv quick wit and interesting to listen to.
Not to forget, Sherm's lovely wife, Judy Valentine is still in the
Boston
area. She was a popular vocalist with the top, local bands. And, Sherm
wrote "Francesca" an instrumental with a quiet, Latin beat recorded in
1950-53 by Stan Kenton's Orchestra.
Just a few of my thoughts about a remarkable talent, Sherm Feller,
who, with Norm Nathan were quintessential broadcasters in Boston.
Incidentally, the current PA announcer for the Oakland A's at the
Network Associates Coliseum "sounds" very much like Sherm Feller!!
Russ Butler (Actively retired from 40+ years in broadcasting!)
From Bob George
Growing up as a youth in western
Massachusetts, the Red Sox and Fenway were an integral part of my life.
I watched them on TV religiously, and went to Fenway 1-2 times a year to
see them in person. The Fenway experience is baseball nirvana, the best
such feeling in all of professional sports.
Unfortunately, with the passing of both Sherm Feller and John Kiley,
and with the onset of commercialization (Coke bottles, ads, and the
like), Fenway is simply not the same. You still love the place and root
for the Red Sox, but it just doesn't have the magic and elegance it had
with Feller and Kiley. Those two men gave Fenway a veneer which made it
the best place to watch a pro sports game in the entire nation.
Feller, simply, was the best. His unique delivery was copied by
everyone, and so much fun and comforting to listen to. Like Kiley at
the organ, he was at the top of his profession. He's been dead for 8
years now, and he is still missed. I simply loved listening to him at
the Fenway mike, especially the intro to Kiley playing the national
anthem.
Now we have a fellow western Mass.
person, Carl Beane at the mike, and he seems destined for a long and
distinguished career as Sox PA announcer. But Feller was one of my
favorite reasons to come to Fenway, along with Kiley. As I sometimes
say to myself, "This is definitely not the Feller-Kiley Fenway we all
once knew".
Thanks for this website,
Bob George
(Note: You will enjoy Bob's website if you are a real Boston sports
fan.) From
Henry Santoro Shern
Feller was quite a fella. He was, and always will be, my favorite Red
Sock. His voice could be heard deep into Kenmore Square and filled not
only Fenway Park, but the entire Fenway neighborhood the moment he
cracked the microphone. And what a job he had! He worked at the best bar
in Boston. Henry
Santoro News Director WFNX Boston 101.7 FM From
(The One And Only) Tank In my
youth, Fenway was the magical kingdom and Sherm was the man behind the
curtain. He was the voice of baseball Valhalla,
and I always envied his job. TANK
Sports Director WZLX Radio Boston From
Gil Santos: From
Chaz Healy: Hi
Gary. After
reading Ken Coleman's obit and seeing NOTHING about his relationship
with Sherm, I thought about doing a websearch for Sherm--which led me to
you.Sherm was great friends with my Dad--Dan Healy (Joe Moakley's
longtime law partner). They were both music buffs that would travel
together to see Frank Sinatra and other music notables. As a
kid, I got to spend some time quietly sitting in the announcer's booth
along with Sherm. He often had me "Deliver a message" to him when I got
out of school in Roxbury in the late 60's. I remember one day skipping
classes and going to Fenway
Park. Sherm admonished me for skipping out school, then got me Hot Dogs
and Cokes while I watched the game from high above the stands.I was also
fortunate enough to weave my way through the "Green Monster", run the
bases, and sweep the dugouts--as Sherm would tell the employees: "This
kid's alright. Let him help out for a while..." As an
adult, I remember Sherm coming over to my family's house with a BIG
shopping bag FULL of Chinese food (his favorite). The only drawback were
those HORRIBLE cigars that he smoked. We'd all enjoy a great meal and
listen to Sherm as he related stories about his exploits with musicians
AND
sportsmen. Later, he'd fall asleep on the couch. When we woke up, he'd
be long gone--'till the next time he'd stop by with something for the
family. That
was the type of guy that Sherm was. He always gave, but NEVER asked,
took, or allowed anyone to repay a favor that he had done. At the most,
all I could ever do for Sherm was to wash his car. We
were deeply saddened at his passing nearly 10 years ago. At his service,
it was my first opportunity to wear a Yarmulka (hope the spelling's
correct!). I kept it as a rememberance of a wonderful guy. Another Great
at the service, also a close friend to Sherm--Congressman Joe Moakley,
along with my Dad, have joined him. Perhaps they're all talking sports
right now. And I
can imagine his booming voice at the 'Pearly Gates': "Now entering
(pause), Bob Jones (pause), Accountant (pause), Anytown, USA (pause),
Bob Jones."
Sincerely, Chaz Healy From
John Rafferty
Sherrm Feller was the greatest of all time. Both he and John Kiley
were a staple in Fenway Park
- as legendary as the Green Monster itself. Part of the excitement of
going to Fenway as a child was to hear his voice boom over the
antiquated PA system.
Sherm should be honored by the Red Sox. I have to believe if the
current fan friendly ownerrs are as true to the organization as they
seem, they will honor him. As Johnny Most's microphone was hung at the
Boston Garden by the Celtics, so too should Sherm's be retired near the
Red Sox honored numbers in right field - for all to remember for all
time.
Today, it still warms my heart to hear his voice on commercials and
internet sites, welcoming the ldies and gentlmen, boys and girls ot
Fenway Park. I have tried over the years to imitate his voice. Each
season I announce the playoffs at my kid's little league in Sherm's
distinguished manner.
I hope the Red Sox will do the right thing, and I hope that Sherm
will live on in the heart's of Red Sox Nation for years to come.
John Rafferty
Lowell,
MA From
Michael DeGrandis
I am of the, "Now batting, number 14, the left fielder, Jim
Rice. Rice, now batting," generation. Like everyone else, I miss
Sherm's booming voice. I have been living in Arlington,
Virginia (outside Washington, DC) for nine years now. I go back to
Fenway every year, and as much as I love watching the game, I am always
disappointed that I'm not greeted by Sherm or introduced to the players
by him. Thank you for maintaining a great web site dedicated to such an
important man in Red Sox history.
Sincerely,
Michael DeGrandis From
Brian Bergland I
visit Fenway a couple of times a year and always looked forward to
hearing a historic voice announce the Red Sox, He connected today's
players to those player of my youth, when i heard him announce Nomar i
could only think back to hearing Yaz or Fisk being introduced. Having
his voice etched in my mind will always be special, when hearing a new
rookie being introduced today there will only be one voice that i will
hear, sherm fellers.. Brian
Berglund From
Matthew Wintringham I
consider myself one of the luckiest people alive for I was the great
nephew of Sherm Feller. And let me tell you, he was indeed a great
uncle! I remember growing up and having him come to my house for an
unexpected dinner. What a treat that was. The stories he told! And the
manner he told them in. When he told stories, EVERYONE listened. His
stories were legendary. I always remember the looks on peoples faces
when he walked into a restaurant. Everyone just lit up. They couldn't
wait to hear a Sherm Feller story. And he never failed to deliver.
Whether it was about driving the wrong way down Storrow Drive, or about
a night on the town with Frank Sinatra, Sherm knew how to deliver. He
was a performer in the truest sense.
I idolized my uncle. I loved his lifestyle. He was living his
dream. His sister, my grandmother once criticized him saying that he was
paying more for the cab ride to the park than he was getting paid to do
the game. He retorted "Are you crazy, I have the greatest job in the
world. I get to watch every Red Sox game for free!" If we all could only
be so lucky.
I only hope that one day, I too can live that dream, and sit in the
seat where my great Uncle Sherm used to sit.
And now, up there in the sky, Sherm can finally announce the
greatest Red Sox of them all... "Now batting, number 9, the left
fielder, Ted Williams. Williams, now batting."
Matthew Wintringham
From Lindsay Wintringham
I am sherm's great niece. I heard from my brother matt about your
web page. I am very pleased that you have taken the time and effort to
honor such an outstanding character. please let me know what we can do
to help. we still have sherms redsox seats and I miss him more and more
at each game. good luck!!
Lindsay Wintringham
(Note: Thanks Matthew and Lindsay, I was thrilled to get
your e-mails. Please write and tell us more about the family side of
"Uncle Sherm" when you have time.) From
Ed Brickley
From Joe Lydon: From
Henry Taves It
was so nice to discover your site celebrating this great man. 1.
Wonderful Fenway Park, the classic American ballpark, unmarred by
advertisingexcept for the Jimmy Fund sign in deep right. 2.
Organist John Kiley, And,
3. Sherm Feller, the man behind the classic deep voice From
Jim Gonsalves: HI
JIM GONSALVES FROM THE SF BAY AREA WRITING TO SAY HOW WONDERFUL YOUR
TRIBUTE SITE IS ON THE GREAT SHERM FELLER.I HAD THE PRIVILEDGE OF
CORRESPONDING WITH SHERM AND HE WAS SUCH A NICE SINCERE HUMAN BEING. I
STILL HAVE A NICE AUTOGRAPHED PICTURE HE SENT ME AND THE GREAT
ENCOURAGEMENT HE OFFERED IN ME IN MY PURSUIT OF A P-B-P CAREER.I RECALL
TELLING SHERM THAT MY DAD GREW UP IN LOWELL AND SHERM RELATED HOW THATS
WHERE HIS RADIO CAREER BEGAN! I
ALWAYS LOVED LISTENING TO BROADCASTS FROM FENWAY PARK AND HEARING
SHERM'S DISTINCTIVE AND
UNIQUE STYLE.SHERM FELLER IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A LEGEND IN THE LAURELS
OF BASEBALL HISTORY.HE IS SORELY MISSED BUT SHALL NEVER EVER BE
FORGOTTEN BY HIS FANS. From
Dan Shaughnessy Good
luck with the site Gary.
I loved Sherm. Shaughnessy "Pass
it on"
Send your e-mail now
(Note: If
anyone has any audio clips or pictures
please send them along. I will be happy to
post them. Thanks Garry)
When it comes to Sherm, every story is
unique and mine is no different. When I was
growing up, Sherm Feller was a household
name along with the likes of Johnny Pesky,
Ken Coleman, Ned Martin, Dick Stockton, Ken
Harrelson and all the voices behind the Red
Sox due to my Dad. My dad, Albert Torbin
shared the passion of music and baseball so
he just loved Sherm and told me baseball
stories of the "olden days." So when Dad
passed on his passions of music and baseball
to me I started my own scrapbook of baseball
heroes which started in 1975 with Fred Lynn.
So, as fate would have it 12 years later
when I started working for the Red Sox and
met Sherm for the first time we hit it off -
music, baseball and Fred Lynn - his many
favorite topics!!! So, when I finally met my
idol, Fred Lynn, I felt I knew him for a
lifetime thanks to Sherm!!!! Fred, you
brought a smile to his face!
Although I have many Sherm stories to share,
I will leave you with one - Only Sherm can
invite you to a sold-out concert without
having a ticket, pass or any notion how he
would get in - but you knew to go anyway!
Ken Carberry and I were driven to (Great
Woods) and Sherm proceeded to drive past 2
security stop points and park us directly in
front of the Back Stage Door. As we
proceeded to "run" in, (with security guards
chasing us) Sherm led us through corridors
and doors trying to find his old friend
Frank Sinatra. Sherm had no idea where to
find Frank but as "Sherm's luck" would have
it, we stumbled into Mr. Sinatra's private
room along with 4 security guards ready to
toss us out! Frank Sinatra looked up from
his piano, took a few seconds and recognized
Sherm and said - "Sherman Feller is that
you?" - Well, thank goodness!!!! Security
was told we were "ok" and old stories were
told, pictures were taken and Kenny and I
shared a wonderful moment seeing two old
friends share a memorable moment. We will
never forget that Sherm excursion - Oh, and
the concert was great!!!!!
Lori McHugh
A Forever Fan of Sherm & the Red Sox
My favorite Sherm Feller story, however,
took place at Yankee Stadium.
The Red Sox were in New York to face the
Yankees, and during one of the games Feller
was visiting with Yankees announcer Bob
Sheppard, though no one in the crowd knew
that at the time.. Sheppard had announced
the whole game as usual, but in the middle
of the game you suddenly heard Sherm
announce Luis Rivera coming to bat. No one
was more startled than Luis Rivera, who
suddenly started looking around, as if he
was confused where he was - Yankee Stadium
or Fenway Park. It was a small but memorable
moment, reminding me of the intimacy of
Fenway Park while I was in not-so-intimate
Yankee Stadium.
Greg Spira
Associate Editor
ESPN Baseball Encyclopedia
(Note:
If you would like to find out more about
Greg Spira, do a Google search. You will
find that he is a very accomplished baseball
writer. Thanks Greg).
From Neal Schiff:
Hi...
Sherm Feller. Two words for him: the best!
I graduated from Grahm Junior College in
Kenmore Square in 1970. I not only could see
Fenway Park from my room at Leavitt Hall
(now the Buckminster Hotel), but I could
hear Sherm Feller. Of course, I attended
many games at Fenway Park and was always
amazed at Mr. Feller's full, strong and
unique voice and crystal clear
announcements. The best. Sherm Feller.
Thanks for a terrific web site and salute.
Neal Schiff
Springfield, Virginia
From Denny Crane:
(Note: After seeing the name Denny Crane on
an e-mail I had to write back and ask if he
was a ball player, and if this was his real
name. I am happy to say that there is a real
Denny Crane as you will read about below,
and not just the fictional character on
"Boston Legal". Thanks for writing Denny).
From
Karen Dever:
Karen Dever
Ken Carberry
Boston
January 2005
Sherm Feller was larger than life. He was truly the quintessential
'Damon Runyon' character. Sherm lived life to the fullest and drank from
its cup with gusto. He was born to do radio and use that amazing voice
of his. Sherm was also chosen by the powers that be up there to bring
laughter and fun to people of all ages and backgrounds. He'd hang out
with Sinatra for a weekend, dine with Congressman Joe Moakley, drive
cross country with pro ball players, mingle with the doorman at the Wang
Theatre and play cards in some of the most remote spots on the planet.
Sherm was in all sense of the word a character. One whom I often think
about, one whom I miss. Now, a lot of folks in our business imitated
Sherm and that classic style of his at Fenway Park. Orioles' broadcaster
Jon Miller often sat in to do an inning or two as Sherm, while Mr.
Feller tended to other important duties such as buying hotdogs, placing
friendly wagers, etc. I, on the other hand, continue to hold the dubious
title of "the guy who did an impression of Sherm away from the
microphone." I entertained many of Sherm's friends including Harry Ellis
Dickson and Fred Lynn with the impression. Imitation is indeed the
sincerest form of flattery. With Sherm, there was so much life, so much
that made him interesting, that it was easy to develop the impression. I
guess all of us would like to be a little more like Sherm. Live your
life to the fullest and drink from that cup. And don't be afraid to eat
Chinese food at 2:00 am. Sherm Feller --- an original!
Jordan Rich
WBZ
(Note: Kurt, Kenny, and Jordan, Thanks for your very personal memories
of Sherm. I am proud to call you my friends. GT) 
I
just found this site and got a tingle in my
spine and goose bumps. Sherm was more than an
amazing person. His qualities and what he meant
to us can not be put into words. He became
friends with my aunt and uncle around 1980
(which is how I came to know him). I used to go
to games with him with my best friend Tim Smyth
and sit next to Sherm or he’d send us up to the
roof box seats. As my dad passed in 78, it was
that much more special to have a figure like him
take interest.
You know what they say, "imitation is the sincerest
form of flattery." One of my favorites, and I
rehearse it often....."Leading off for New York,
Number 20, Willie Randolph, Second Base."
Best of luck in your continued efforts to get Red Sox
Management to appropriately honor and recognize Sherm,
as one who made a major contribution to the legacy of
Fenway Park. You certainly have my support.
Sincerely,
Paul B.
Westborough, MA
play them over and over again. I loved hearing him on the radio. Sherm
did mornings on WEZE with Bill O'Connell and later afternoons at WILD.
I've heard that WBZ radio tried to hire Sherm for nights but WEZE would
not let him leave.
pitcher) Jerry Casale's resturaunt in New york
City in 1988. He told
stories and more stories. Before his death in January of 1994 I spoke
with Sherm about appearing by phone on a radio program I was doing in
Miami
on WMRZ. He promised he would be available for the show. The day
Sherm was suppose to appear was the day he died. Sherm was one of a
kind, not fancy, just a down to earth good feller.
Bonzer
http://www.bossports.net
"Long before Sherm Feller became known to Red Sox fans as that booming
voice saying "ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls", I used to listen to
Sherm
as a DJ on WCOP radio which was a big favorite with teenagers when I was
growing up...I'm pleased that Sherm is being remembered on this site for
his contributions to broadcasting."
Gil Santos
WBZ AM 1030 Sports
(Note: Gil Santos is the incredible radio voice of The Super Bowl
Champion New England Patriots and can be heard calling the play by play
on NFL Films Super Bowl Champions DVD
and Video Tape. Thanks for the memories Gil.)
DieHard Red Sox Fan
It has been my great privilege to serve as P.A. Announcer at Fenway Park
for the past five years. I'm now into year number six, and hopefully
I'll be able to continue in this role for the remainder of this year. As
you know, there is a completely new hierarchy of ownership at Fenway,
and there's the very definite possibility that they might bring a new
voice to the P.A. microphone. If so, so be it.
Unfortunately for me, I never met Sherm Feller, but I certainly knew of
him and like millions of Red Sox fans over the years enjoyed immensely
his marvelous announcing abilities, his uniquely wonderful voice, and
his superb delivery. I assure you that I will never be confused or
compared with Sherm because of he was incomparable and simply the very
best! As I told one of the newsmen who interviewed me back in 1997, I am
thrilled beyond description to sit in Sherm's chair, but I am merely
keeping it warm until the next Sherm comes along. It is a phenomenal
experience!
Sherm Feller was quite a remarkable person. You are to be commended as
you strive to preserve Sherm's memory, because Sherm Surely deserves to
be remembered. The feeling of love that Red Sox fans had for Sherm is an
extraordinary testimony to how special a person he was, and to his
uniquely marvelous public address style and delivery.
As long as the Red Sox exist, Sherm will not be forgotten. He was bigger
than life and, I'm told, he would bring sports and show biz giants into
his announcing booth. People like Bobby Orr, Frank Sinatra, and Ted
Williams. He was on first name friendship basis with innumerable
celebrities of his time. At the entrance to the control room at Fenway
Park is a marvelous picture of Sherm, along with a tastefully done place
card regarding Sherm's career as the Red Sox P.A. Announcer. I truly
wish I knew him. He was a great man. I wish you good luck and success in
your venture.
Sincerely,
Ed Brickley
Former Red Sox PA Announcer
(Note: Ed, Congratulations on a long run as Red Sox booth announcer.
Best wishes to you in the future. Ed Brickley is the first person to
hand write me a personal letter about Sherm. It was three pages long.
Thanks Ed. I'll put it in my desk draw next to Sherm's letters that also
mean a lot to me.)
My fondest memories of growing up were of being at Fenway when I was a
kid. I can just close my eyes and think back to the wonderful, tingling
feeling of anticipation I had right before the ballgame started. That
old burnt out cigar smell, the buzz in the crowd , and then that
unforgettable voice. "Attention Ladies and Gentlemen, these are the
starting lineups for todays game between the_______ and the Boston Red
Sox. Even to this day , whenever I hear Yaz' name, I can hear Sherm
saying, "Now Batting for the Boston
Red Sox, number 8, Yastrzemski, left field, Yastrzemski". There are so
many phrases, I would have to sit with you for an hour to relive these
fine moments.
Thank you Sherm Feller and friends. Sherm will live on forever in the
memory of every Red Sox fan that visited that grand old ballyard from
the 60's through the 90's.
Joe Lydon
forever a Red Sox Fan
From Annette Wiswall
I always listened to Sherm on the radio - loved it so much. He always
had great guests on his show. I remember him always talking about a
Chinese
restaurant in downtown Chinatown
and I remember going there with my husband - it was the best. Now the
name of it slips my memory. The one other thing I remembered was Sherm
having the handwriting analyst on
his show. I remember sending in a postcard and I remember calling and he
was right on target with my handwriting. Too bad there aren't more out
there like Sherm and Norm Nathan - they were the very best and they are
very much missed.
A radio person,
Annette Wiswall
From a fan
Going to Fenway just isn't the same since Sherm passed away. It's kind
of a missing part of the game that can't be replaced, just the memories
of all the games I went to and the echos of greatness! I went to Fenway
last Friday and just smiled, of the memories of childhood, growing up,
and listening to the echos from the past.
Mark Jamieson
Sherm was a very important part of the best classic ballpark
environment in America. This environment consisted of:
who so masterfully provided an auditory backdrop to fill the time
between innings, not to fill time between pitches as is now done most
places.
so filled with definitive authority. Sherm's voice was one of a kind,
one memorable years after he left the mic. It was the perfect voice to
announce Yaz, Lynn, Rice, and other favorites especially during rallies.
But even when he merely said "Base hit!", or announced Kiley's
impending rendition of the National Anthem, you could not find a better
voice.
I had the pleasure of meeting him once, after I convinced a roofbox
usher to let me enter the scoreboard/organ/announcing section of the
pressbox. I just had to tell Sherm how much I admired him over many
years.
Thanks for providing this forum in memory of a great guy.
Henry Taves
JON MILLER THE CURRENT VOICE OF THE GIANTS WAS VERY CLOSE WITH SHERM.I
KNOW SHERM RELATED HOW MUCH HE HATED TO SEE JON LEAVE BOSTON FOR THE
ORIOLES .
JIM GONSALVES
HAYWARD,CALIFORNIA
This site will never be used for profit, nor will your e-mail address be
re-used or sold. If you send e-mail, I will reply when it has been added
to the site. Please Send all postal mail to www.ShermFeller.Com c/o:
Gary Titus 4 Lillian Road Canton, MA 02021