The Great Tait! That says it all. Always has, always will. I'm old enough to remember Jimmy Dudley doing the Tribe, and of course ‘The Gibber’ calling Browns games and the moment I heard Joe, I remember thinking, he fits right in, and he could do this forever. In our business, nearly 40 years IS a lifetime, and only the rigors of travel are making this Joe's final season. Because, when it comes to calling games, he COULD do it forever.

What makes this man special, beyond his voice and talent, is his humility. Back in 1979, I was anchoring at Channel-8 with Jim Mueller, and we had both marveled at how Joe connected with listeners and the public in general. Later that spring, I had the opportunity to call Indians and Cavs games, and I recall it like it was yesterday, during a road trip, sitting down for lunch with Joe and Bill Fitch, asking them for any advice. Joe said it simplistically, "Be yourself, just be yourself.” Coach smiled, and nodded his approval. I chuckled to myself, because Jim had told me the exact thing when he brought me to Cleveland three years prior.

A few years later, about five seasons into my NBA life I sent Joe a tape to get some feedback. He listened, and when I called him he said, "you don't need my help, you're a professional." It was his way of saying I was being myself.

Joe has always been himself, and is to this day. That is the main reason I have always thought he is the best there is in the NBA. The ability to paint that picture, make you feel the game, and match the moment, all at the same time never wavering away from who he is.

So, when Joe accepts the ultimate honor of going into the Basketball Hall Of Fame there won't be a speech interrupted by tears, because that's not who Joe is. He's real to the core. But I'm sure Joe will be touched by the "Standing O" as he always says, not only in Springfield, but from 38 states and Canada.