Blue Streak voice goes silent

Beginning in 1969, if you attended a Sebring High School baseball game at Firemen's Field, you heard the distinctive voice of Harold Crenshaw:

"Good evening, fans. Welcome to Firemen's Field, home of the Sebring Blue Streaks."

For 35 years, that was Crenshaw's greeting and the signal that Sebring High baseball was about to get underway.

Crenshaw, who endeared himself as the voice of the Blue Streaks, passed away on Dec. 22, 2009.

Crenshaw was born in Cloverport, Ky. In 1923, he was a veteran of World War II and served in the South Pacific.

Crenshaw and his wife, Rose Marie, moved to Sebring in 1955 and started Crenshaw's T.V. in the Southgate Shopping Center in 1966.

Crenshaw was active in the community and an avid athletic booster, in addition to his announcing duties for the Blue Streaks.

"Harold is an institution when it comes to Sebring baseball," said Sebring booster and Firemen Inc. member Tommy Lovett Sr., in a 1992 Tampa Tribune article. "He's that type of guy that just gets things done.

"Baseball season rolls around and you don't have to worry about anything. Harold's taken care of it."

For his years of service, dedication and commitment, the press box at Firemen's Field was named after Crenshaw in 1992.

Crenshaw also announced numerous Dixie Baseball tournaments in the summer that were held at Firemen's Field and helped to make the youngsters feel like major league players with his smooth style and delivery.

A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. today at Firemen's Field Pavilion.