Fred McLeod: Broadcasting Legend

January 11th, 2011

This part is a bit personal. The Cavs were in Los Angeles for some post-Christmas action against the Lakers. They were 8-29 coming into Staples Center and were still reeling from the loss of LeBron James in the previous offseason. The starting lineup speaks volumes about the struggles of this team. 

Things went about as you would expect. LA was up 57-25 at the half and cruised to a 112-57 victory. The 55 point defeat still serves as the worst loss in franchise history. So, why is this important?

This is the game I realized Fred McLeod (have to also mention his longtime broadcasting partner Austin Carr here) was a legend at his craft. Being from Strongsville, McLeod was an avid Cavs fan on top of being the play-by-play man. He had just witnessed his team get more than doubled up at the half, scoring less than 30 points. Again, this happened in a REAL NBA game. Nightmarish stuff for any Cavs fan.

I was still on winter break from school so, being the basketball fiend that I am, stayed up to watch. As a broadcaster, calling a half of a game that everyone in the arena knows is over can be challenging. You have to still maintain professionalism and seriousness while finding other ways to entertain those still tuned in. I’ve watched hundreds of sporting events in the last year alone where a broadcaster will throw in the towel quicker than the losing team. Not Fred McLeod.

Staying Professional

The Cavs obviously had just a terrible second half as they did the first, but Fred didn’t care. His passion never wavered, shouting “the bottom!” following a made three point shot, and the “ugh, here we go again” expressions with every Mo Williams turnover. I had never seen someone care so much about a 50 point blowout so much. Not only was the actual calling of the game exciting, the quick side stories and comments him and AC would sprinkle in were perfect. I don’t remember everything they said, but it was more than enough to keep 13 year old me spry on the living room couch. It was that night I knew that I was lucky enough each night to listen to not only the best play-by-play man in the NBA, but one of the best of all time in all of sports. 

That whole season was tough for Cleveland fans. Opening night saw the Cavs land an upset at home over the Boston Celtics, but aside from a late March victory over LeBron and the Heat, there weren’t many upsides. The one constant upside, however? Fred McLeod and the Cavs broadcasting team. No matter the game, no matter the score, Fred was giving 150% into each and every second of hoops he called. 

Witnessing History

Those four, brutal LeBron-less years for the Cavs came to a screeching halt when James returned in the summer of 2015. The peak of his return came in the 2016 NBA Finals, where they overcame a 3-1 series deficit and knocked off the Golden State Warriors. If you haven’t seen McLeod’s call and reaction floating around social media these past two days, take a look. 

The pure joy on his face as he calls the final seconds ticking down, ending with him burying his hands in his face will make anyone who knows about him tear up. He had witnessed the first professional sports title in Cleveland in 52 years, and he couldn’t be more proud. 

From 55 point losses to ending 52 year droughts, McLeod saw a lot in his time as the Cavaliers play-by-play man. He inspired many, including myself, to pursue their dreams with the utmost passion and intensity. 

McLeod’s Impact

I currently work at a local sports radio station in Cleveland, where our shows on Tuesday were flooded with calls about Fred McLeod. Each one of them unique in how one basketball announced had come to make such a special impact in their lives. 

Talking to those that knew Fred, I’ve discovered more and more just how many he inspired, even before his Cavaliers career began. If you have never heard McLeod, I encourage you to do a quick YouTube search for “best Fred McLeod calls” or something along those lines. You will not be disappointed. 

Watching Cavs teams consisting of Samardo Samuels and Alonzo Gee were rough times, but the presence of Fred McLeod made it all worthwhile. McLeod will be missed not only by Cleveland basketball fans, but by the entire world for his joy and happiness.