There was a certain feeling that you felt when you heard his iconic voice announcing the game outside of the park. A feeling that can only be described using one word: home.
Today, we are remembering the life of broadcaster Ed Farmer. He was not only a Chicago radio legend, but also an integral part of the White Sox organization ever since his playing days at Comiskey. For nearly 30 years, “Farmio” has served a vital role in bringing the family aspect to the team we all know and love, showing us that this organization is one, from the front office to the fanbase.
Growing up a White Sox fan, Ed always dreamed of playing for the team he grew up rooting for. As a star pitcher and graduate of St. Rita High School in Chicago, he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 5th round of the 1967 MLB Draft. The Indians’ scout assigned to report on Farmer prior to the draft was none other than Jerry Krause. The same Jerry Krause who won six NBA Championships as the General Manager for the Chicago Bulls.
Farmer went on to make his Major League Debut in 1971 for the Tribe at the age of 21. His rookie season, he put together a 5-4 record to go along with a 4.35 ERA. He spent two additional years with the Indians before eventually being traded to the Detroit Tigers half way through the 1973 season.
For the next six years, Ed struggled with injuries and spent time with various organizations such as the Phillies, Orioles, Brewers, and Rangers. Then at the trade deadline of the 1979 season, the team he grew up as a fan of, decided to bring him home, acquiring Farmer via trade from the Texas Rangers.
To combat the injuries, Farmer reinvented himself with the White Sox, and it lead to some of the most successful seasons of his career. In three years at Comiskey, Farmer compiled a 13-19 record and an attractive 3.31 ERA. He threw 233.2 total innings pitched, striking out 144 batters and only allowing 13 home runs. These numbers lead to his only All-Star appearance in 1980.
Farmer spent more time around the league pitching for the Phillies and Athletics organizations, before ultimately landing a job as a scout with the Orioles from 1988 to 1990. Until the White Sox came calling again, except this time it wasn’t to pitch. It was to become the color analyst for the White Sox Radio Network in addition to other duties.
In 1991, Ed Farmer officially joined the Chicago White Sox broadcast booth and he never looked back. He had spent the past 14 years as the primary voice of White Sox baseball, serving as the team’s play-by-play voice man and calling some historic moments in the process.
What stands out more than his remarkable broadcasting skills, was the type of person that Ed Farmer was. There is not a single bad word that can be said about this man, whether its from former players, fellow broadcasters, or fans. Here are some quotes from around the White Sox organization regarding Ed’s passing:
"Ed grew up a Sox fan on the South Side of Chicago and his allegiance showed every single night on the radio as he welcomed his 'friends' to the broadcast." - Jerry Reinsdorf
"He was just a great guy. We are all going to miss him." - Hawk Harrelson
"Ed Farmer was such a loyal, welcoming friend. Scores of people have lost a piece of their heart, including me." - Jason Benetti
"My heart is broken, but my mind is at peace knowing my dear friend is no longer suffering. Ed was a competitor who was also everyone's best friend." - Darrin Jackson
Those statements from people who were so close to Ed thought his time with the White Sox truly show his character, and reflected how great a person he was along with being a top notch broadcaster.
We, here at Sox On 35th, offer our condolences to Ed Farmer’s family and those closest to him. Ed was a crucial member of the White Sox family and the organization won’t be the same without him. He will be truly missed.
Featured Photo: White Sox/Twitter
