Tom Larson

Lanny Lee Larason, known professionally as Tom Larson, is a retired Boston sportscaster and television host. He is currently 79–80 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

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Fahey, Rich (June 23, 2011). "30 years later, his beard — and Bruins' heartache — are history". The Boston Globe. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Tom Larson". NESN. Boston.com. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
  3. ↑ Craig, Jack (August 16, 1985). "Lobel hits jackpot". The Boston Globe.
  4. ↑ "Tom Larson, Channel 38". bostonmagazine.com. 1983. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  5. ↑ Craig, Jackson (October 7, 1986). "Sox Shows Get Early Start". The Boston Globe.
  6. ↑ "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.
  • ""The Tom Larson Show" featuring Louise Day Hicks WSBK-TV 38, 22 May 1973 (diAV-0014)" – via SoundCloud.
  • "TV38 Sports Update With Tom Larson 11/4/78" – via YouTube.
  • "TV38 Sports Update With Tom Larson 4/17/80" – via YouTube.
  • "Tom Larson keeps a promise". June 29, 2011 – via YouTube.
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