Andy Musser, broadcaster, marathon runner, Army veteran and beer connoisseur, died of a heart condition Sunday at his home in Wynnewood. He was 74.
David Montgomery, Phillies president, said: "Andy was a dear friend to many, an absolute gentleman, and a true professional.
"I had the pleasure of working with him for 26 years, during which time he made a significant contribution to our club. Additionally, along with thousands of Philadelphia sports fans, I admired his versatility in announcing not only Phillies games, but also his work with the Eagles, Sixers and Villanova basketball. Since leaving the Phillies broadcast booth in 2001, Andy remained close to the club. We will all miss our dear friend."
During his career, Andy broadcast two World Series, two Super Bowls, two Masters Tournaments, and numerous other football and basketball games in a career that began in 1956, when, as winner of a Junior Sportscaster Award, he was allowed to do several innings of a Phils game with legendary broadcasters Gene Kelly and Byrum Saam.
He retired in 2001 and became a regional sales rep for Anchor Steam Brewing Co., which tied in with his lifelong fondness for beer.
Andy teamed up most famously with two other broadcasting legends, the late Harry Kalas and Rich Ashburn.
"It wasn't easy being second banana to Harry Kalas," said his son, Allan, "but he was the perfect guy for it. That was a wonderful time for him. I was there and saw him laugh his ass off."
There was no doubt that the trio had a lot of fun together, and, as a result, so did the fans.
Phillies broadcaster Chris Wheeler recalls meeting Andy in the mid-'60s, when Chris had a summer job at WCAU radio, where Andy was the sportscaster and palled around with Jimmy Dykes, the Philly native and former Athletics and White Sox star infielder and later manager.
