Rosey Rowswell
| Rosey Rowswell | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Albert Kennedy Rowswell February 1, 1884 Alton, Illinois |
| Died | February 6, 1955 (aged 71) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Cause of death | Uremic poisoning |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Sportscaster |
| Years active | 1936–1954 |
| Organization | Pittsburgh Pirates |
Albert Kennedy "Rosey" Rowswell (February 1, 1884 – February 6, 1955) was an American radio sportscaster, best known for being the first full-time play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball club, for whom he worked exclusively during 19 consecutive seasons. Rowswell was affectionately dubbed "Rosey" by baseball people and revering fans alike.
Born in Alton, Illinois, Rowswell was raised in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, where he developed a passion for baseball.
Rowswell, whose previous occupation was as a secretary at Pittsburgh's Third Presbyterian Church, began his broadcasting career in the first decade of the 20th century as announcer on a network program. He joined the Pittsburgh broadcasting staff from 1933 through 1935, until becoming the distinctive voice of the Pirates in its 1936 season. He stayed with the team for the rest of his life, delivering the games with a gaudy yet completely infusive and cheerful style that became familiar to Pirates listeners through the WWSW and KDKA airwaves.
The hiring of Roswell was based on his ability as an after dinner speaker, which gained him a reputation in that area, as well as for his notorious prestige as the Pirates number one fan. At this point, he had not missed a Pirates home game since the 1909 season and even traveled with the team. In recognition of his support and loyalty to the team, the 1925 World Champion Pirates presented to him a gold baseball charm as a reward for his unconditional support. For Rosie, the Pirates were his "Picaroonies" and he worshiped the home team as if they were his extended family. There was genuine affection for a generally helpless franchise.
But after being hired by the Pirates, Rowswell did not travel with the team for road games. He stayed in Pittsburgh and recreated the game action, wholeheartedly, after it came in over the teleprinter, usually an inning or so behind. While most of his early broadcasts were solo, he was eventually joined by his future successor Bob Prince and the then Pirates co-owner Bing Crosby.
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