Legendary football commentator Harry Beitzel dies, aged 90

HARRY Beitzel, the voice of football for generations of Melbourne fans, has passed away, aged 90.

Harry Beitzel has passed away.

LEGENDARY footy commentator Harry Beitzel has died, aged 90.

The former VFL umpire was 3AW’s chief footy caller for 16 years and has been described as football’s “first multi-media superstar” by former Carlton champion and stats pioneer Ted Hopkins.

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He also covered sport for the ABC and 3AK, Channel 9 and wrote for the Herald Sun, The Truth, The Sunday Telegraph and The Australian.

He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Beitzel was born in Fitzroy in 1927 and umpired his first VFL game in 1948 at the age of 21.

He officiated in 182 games, including the 1955 Grand Final, before injuries ended his career and he turned to broadcasting.

He passed away in Gosford yesterday afternoon.

A voice that never leaves you.
Vale Harry Beitzel - a man born to work a microphone, yet broadcasting was only one part of an amazing life.

— Bruce Eva (@Beva3AW) August 14, 2017

Vale Harry Beitzel. Innovator, crusader. This is HIS Aussie team to Ireland 1978. Recognise any of the faces? pic.twitter.com/dJyuPChKMP

— Drew Morphett OAM (@drewmorphett) August 14, 2017

Former Herald Sun chief football writer Mike Sheahan paid tribute to Beitzel today, describing him as “a good man and good for footy”.

“He was massive in broadcasting,” Sheahan said. “He brought the theatre to the commentary box. A huge contribution he made to football, on lots of fronts.”

Harry’s daughter Kerry said doctors told the family her father had died two years ago before he staged a miraculous recovery.

“I always said to dad, ‘Come on, do another recovery’, but it was his time ... he was ready to go,” she said on SEN.

“I’m not boasting here, I grew up having the father every kid I knew wanted.

“I grew up thinking everybody’s dad is on TV. He used to say goodnight on his footy show and I would say goodnight to him.

“I didn’t realise how people remembered him and how kind they have been about him.”

Harry Beitzel was a familiar voice behind the microphone for decades of footy fans.

Umpire Harry Beitzel contends with a dog on the field in 1955.

Beitzel (right) with long-time on-air partner Tommy Lahiff.

Harry Beitzel was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2006.