May 21, 2013

Cavs’ Joe Tait to Miss Rest of 2010

October 22, 2010 by 9 Comments

Next Wednesday’s opening night will undoubtedly have a bit of a different feel to it.  Not only will there not be any pregame comments from individuals like Mike Brown or LeBron James, but Hall of Fame play-by-play man Joe Tait will not be visiting with those outside of the Cavalier locker room. 

Tait, who was diagnosed with pneumonia earlier in the preseason, will miss the rest of the 2010 calendar year as he undergoes treatment for aortic stenosis – a hardening of the aorta which restricts blood flow out of the heart.  Experiencing chest pain and some discomfort in Houston earlier this month, Tait was admitted to a local hospital where he received treatment and was later deemed okay to continue his rehabilitation in the Cleveland area. 

Undergoing a battery of tests at the Cleveland Clinic, it was determined that the difficulty breathing and discomfort – also common symptoms of aortic stenosis – had a little more to it.  Alas, Tain will continue to undergo various procedures to replace a valve and address other heart-related concerns. 

There is no timetable for Tait’s return from his current ailment, though he is expected to not return until the New Year at the earliest.  The team reports that Joe is in good spirits and remains very appreciative of the support given from fans.  In his absence, WTAM (1100 AM) will rely on (usual in-studio correspondent) Mike Snyder with play-by-play as well as Cavalier legend Jim Chones with the color commentary.

Tait, 73, is in his 39th season with the Cavaliers and has a lifetime agreement with the team to be their play-by-play man as long as he wishes. Though he has stated his intentions to retire after the 2010-11 season, here’s hoping that it’s by choice and is not expedited by any health-related issues.  The sooner the irreplaceable Tait is back and enjoying a “hot, delicious DiGiorno Pizza,” the better.

Though he won’t be there to say in for Wednesday’s opening to the 2010-11 season, Cavs fans everywhere will be thinking of Joe and his signature opening of “It’s basketball time at The Q.”

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Photo via NBA.com

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  • Reggie Ruckus

    Get well soon Joe. In my radio days I had the chance to get to know him and he’s one of the nicest people you’d ever meet. Here’s a guy who has been calling the Cavs since their inception yet he actually enjoys calling high school games more. Class act.

  • BuckeyeDawg

    Bummer. Best wishes to Joe. Here’s hoping we get to hear his legendary voice at least a few more times before he hangs it up. I hope he gets to do it on his terms, not because of his health.

  • Max

    now THIS is a loss thats going to be tough to deal with. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

  • http://www.60bpm.com/ Robbie

    Sucks. Get well soon, Joe.

  • Mark

    Best wishes Joe. Get well soon.

  • mgbode

    best wishes to Joe. definitely among the best in the business.

  • boogeyman

    Loved listening to Joe Tait as a youngster he will be missed especially if Fred McLoud starts doing games. Hey if McLoud takes over any chance Reghi might get his job back next to AC? That’d be one positive. But Joe you will be missed but you picked the right season to miss.

  • Jason

    Joe Tait; get well and bring your talents back whenever you’re ready

  • http://serandez.blogspot.com Ezzie

    Get well Joe. I was at the 2,000th game of his, I think it was, when they gave out some of his classic calls. He was always a class guy, allowing my brother to send regards from Milwaukee during games back to Cleveland on the air, back in the late ’80s/early ’90s.

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