Arriving in Georgia in 1970, I was introduced to the Atlanta Braves and soon became an avid fan. Radio was the choice media back then until the phenomenon of cable TV and Ted Turner brought us Atlanta Braves games on the Superstation.

Ernie Johnson, Pete Van Wieren and Skip Caray were in my home many nights as broadcasters of these games. We watched the players, managers, coaches and stadiums change during the years, but the one constant was Ernie, Pete and Skip calling the games as we sat listening in our homes. When Ernie Johnson retired, it left Pete and Skip as the voices of the Braves. When the Braves were losing twice as many games as they won, Skip Caray would keep us amused with jokes and stories as the game slowly progressed. We often learned of what movie would be shown after the game, because Skip would give us a short, funny synopsis of the show. His wit, humor and personality were a huge part of the Braves.

The one item I liked best about Skip Caray was how he would say, "We played awful tonight," or "Our boys were great today." The Braves were his team -- and our team -- and their performance was part of us. We took the wins and losses personally.

During the playoff years and on national television, how many of us turned down the TV volume and turned on the radio to listen to Skip Caray? We didn't want to listen to Bob Costas, Jack Buck or anyone else -- they didn't know the Braves like Skip and Pete.

As a fan, they were part of our baseball lives. We relied on them to be there and we grew to love them in the 162-plus games a year for the past 30 years. Skip Caray, thank you and God bless you. You will be missed by many.