Mary Shane
Encyclopedia
Mary Shane was a pioneer in American sportscasting by becoming the first full-time female play by play broadcaster for a Major League Baseball
team in 1977.
She was born Mary Driscoll in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of a former semi-pro baseball player. In 1967, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a B.A.
in History. After college she became a history teacher at a Milwaukee high school for six years. In 1975, she decided for a career change and became a radio sportscaster at WRIT
(now WJYI
) in Milwaukee, where she covered the Brewers
, the Bucks
and the Marquette Warriors.
In 1976, while working in the County Stadium press box for a White Sox - Brewers
game, White Sox announcer Harry Caray
was surprised to see a young woman in the press box and invited her to do some play-by-play. Shane did well enough that he asked her to join the broadcast the next day and again on a subsequent White Sox visit to County Stadium.
In, 1977, WMAQ radio and WSNS - TV, the flagship stations for the Chicago White Sox, hired her join the broadcast team which already included Caray, Lorn Brown
and Jimmy Piersall
. Many in the Chicago and National Media believed that Shane's hiring was another publicity stunt by White Sox owner Bill Veeck
. However, by mid-season it was apparent that her lack of experience for the role she was thrust in was quickly becoming a failed experiment. Her lack of knowledge of baseball situations and rules were noticeable to the media as well as the listeners. Shane's broadcasts centered on the families of the White Sox players instead of the events of the game and the hardcore statistics that baseball fans in Chicago demand. Shane was pulled from the White Sox Broadcasts before the 1977 Season concluded and her contract was not renewed.
Shane later worked in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she became a sportswriter for the Worcester Telegram in 1981 where she covered the Boston Celtics
as one of the few female NBA beat reporters. In her thirties, she became plagued by heart troubles and on November 1, 1987 at age 42 she died of a heart attack at her home in Worcester.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
team in 1977.
She was born Mary Driscoll in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of a former semi-pro baseball player. In 1967, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a B.A.
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in History. After college she became a history teacher at a Milwaukee high school for six years. In 1975, she decided for a career change and became a radio sportscaster at WRIT
Writ
In common law, a writ is a formal written order issued by a body with administrative or judicial jurisdiction; in modern usage, this body is generally a court...
(now WJYI
WJYI
WJYI is a radio station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. It runs a Christian format with Contemporary Christian Music from Salem Radio Network's Today's Christian Music network. It also features brokered teaching and preaching programs from both local Churches and national ministries. It also airs...
) in Milwaukee, where she covered the Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, the Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
and the Marquette Warriors.
In 1976, while working in the County Stadium press box for a White Sox - Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
game, White Sox announcer Harry Caray
Harry Caray
Harry Caray, born Harry Christopher Carabina, was an American baseball broadcaster on radio and television. He covered four Major League Baseball teams, beginning with a long tenure calling the games of the St...
was surprised to see a young woman in the press box and invited her to do some play-by-play. Shane did well enough that he asked her to join the broadcast the next day and again on a subsequent White Sox visit to County Stadium.
In, 1977, WMAQ radio and WSNS - TV, the flagship stations for the Chicago White Sox, hired her join the broadcast team which already included Caray, Lorn Brown
Lorn Brown
Lorn Brown was a sports broadcaster who worked for baseball's AAA Iowa Oaks 1973-1974 , Chicago White Sox , Milwaukee Brewers , and New York Mets , among other jobs...
and Jimmy Piersall
Jimmy Piersall
James Anthony Piersall is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball. Between 1950 and 1967, he played for the Boston Red Sox , Cleveland Indians , Washington Senators , New York Mets , and Los Angeles/California Angels .While he had a fairly good professional career as a center...
. Many in the Chicago and National Media believed that Shane's hiring was another publicity stunt by White Sox owner Bill Veeck
Bill Veeck
William Louis Veeck, Jr. , also known as "Sport Shirt Bill", was a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a franchise owner and promoter in Major League Baseball. He was best known for his publicity stunts to raise attendance. Veeck was at various times the owner of the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis...
. However, by mid-season it was apparent that her lack of experience for the role she was thrust in was quickly becoming a failed experiment. Her lack of knowledge of baseball situations and rules were noticeable to the media as well as the listeners. Shane's broadcasts centered on the families of the White Sox players instead of the events of the game and the hardcore statistics that baseball fans in Chicago demand. Shane was pulled from the White Sox Broadcasts before the 1977 Season concluded and her contract was not renewed.
Shane later worked in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she became a sportswriter for the Worcester Telegram in 1981 where she covered the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
as one of the few female NBA beat reporters. In her thirties, she became plagued by heart troubles and on November 1, 1987 at age 42 she died of a heart attack at her home in Worcester.
External links
- http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1558&pid=19111
- http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-8035079.html - Obituary