Arne Harris
Arnold H. Harris (22 May 1934 - 6 October 2001) was the producer/director of WGN-TV's Chicago Cubs television broadcasts from 1964 until his death.
Harris was born and died in Chicago, Illinois. He joined WGN in 1956 while attending Drake University. He risked bodily harm in 1960 to interview Don Cardwell after his no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals as fans stormed the field to get to the pitcher.
Over the years, Arne developed a style so unique, that it changed the way live baseball was covered on television. He was perhaps one of the first directors to show crowd shots and reaction shots and would often follow a story that was happening off of the playing field. In doing so he brought not only the game, but the ballpark experience to people watching at home.
Although he loved to show the flavor of the ballpark, his direction when a baseball was in play was second to none. His favorite play to cover was a bases loaded triple.
Harris was known for having cameras shoot into the crowd, so viewers could look for friends and family in attendance.
After his death, the Cubs placed a flag of honor on the roof of Wrigley Field.
External links
- Baseball takes a loss with passing of legend, pioneer - published 10 October 2001, accessed 28 April 2006
- Broadcaster Max Rauer's remembrance of Harris - published 11 October 2001, accessed 2 May 2008