Posted by Ben Wa The Dancing Egg on February 16, 2011 at 13:09:43:
Keith Moreland (pictured above), the former Cubs third baseman and outfielder who turned broadcaster, will succeed the late Ron Santo in the Cubs’ broadcast booth for news/talk WGN-AM (720).
He’ll join Pat Hughes for the first spring training game February 27 in Mesa, Ariz.
In announcing the appointment Wednesday, Tom Langmyer, vice president and general manager of the Tribune Co.-owned station, said: “The color analyst needs to not only be an outstanding broadcaster, but also have chemistry with play-by-play man Pat Hughes, have respect of the players and coaching staff, be an ambassador for WGN Radio, the Cubs and advertising partners, be involved in the community, and most importantly – embrace Cubs fans. Keith Moreland is absolutely the right person for this position and we’re excited to welcome him back to Chicago.”
Moreland’s baseball career included six seasons with the Cubs from 1982 to 1987 — including their 1984 National League Eastern Division championship. As a broadcaster, he’s been the color analyst for University of Texas baseball and football, in addition to subbing on the Cubs’ radio and TV broadcasts.
Moreland and Dave Otto were reported to be the two finalists for the color analyst job previously held by Santo, who died Dec. 2.
“I’m very excited to work with a great broadcaster in Pat Hughes, a great team in the Cubs that I was lucky enough to play for, and a great radio station that has the power to reach millions of Cubs fans,” Moreland, 56, said in a statement. “I’m not a replacement for Ron Santo — he’s impossible to replace. All I can do is be me and strive to connect and build a relationship with Cubs fans everywhere.”