Tom Larson (sportscaster)
Lanny Lee Larason, known professionally as Tom Larson, is a retired Boston sportscaster and television host. He is currently 85–86 years old.[1]
Early years
Larason grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri, where one of his friends was another future sportscaster, Skip Caray.[1] He began his broadcasting career in 1960 as a junior at Westminster College. After college, Larason worked in Bloomington, Illinois, Peoria, Illinois, and Lansing, Michigan.[2]
Career in Boston
In 1969, he was hired by WSBK-TV general manager Bill Flynn, who was looking for someone with a background in sports who could also host a public affairs talk show. Upon moving to Boston, Larason adopted the name "Tom Larson".[1] During his tenure at WSBK, Larson hosted a daily talk show, hosted the post-game shows for the Boston Bruins and the Boston Red Sox, and served as the station's public affairs director.[2] In 1985, Larson was replaced on Bruins games by Sean McDonough.[3]
From 1981 to 1988, Tom was also the sports director at WHDH radio, doing sports reports during Jess Cain's morning show.[2] In 1983, he was recognized as the best TV sportscaster in Boston, by Boston magazine.[4]
In 1986, Larson joined the New England Sports Network, where he served as the studio host for Red Sox and Bruins games, wrote, produced, and reported for Front Row and a number of special presentations, and was a play-by-play announcer for college and high school sports.[2][5]
Larson retired from broadcasting in 2007, and as of 2011 resides in Norwell, Massachusetts.[1] In 1981, Larson had promised to shave his beard if the Bruins won the Stanley Cup; he shaved his beard 30 years later, after the Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.[6][1]
References
- ^ a b c d e Fahey, Rich (June 23, 2011). "30 years later, his beard — and Bruins' heartache — are history". The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Tom Larson". NESN. Boston.com. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
- ^ Craig, Jack (August 16, 1985). "Lobel hits jackpot". The Boston Globe.
- ^ "Tom Larson, Channel 38". bostonmagazine.com. 1983. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
- ^ Craig, Jackson (October 7, 1986). "Sox Shows Get Early Start". The Boston Globe.
- ^ "Sticking to his promise". The Boston Globe. May 13, 1990.
Further reading
- "Larason-Decker Engagement Told". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. January 18, 1961 – via newspapers.com.
- "Miss Decker Marries by Candlelight". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. March 13, 1961 – via newspapers.com.