The passing of Harry Eisenhauer this past week brought about loads of memories from those that heard him talking sports on 1490 WDAN, those who were coached by him while playing little leage baseball at Danville’s Producer’s Park, and those that simply knew him as a fellow Cardinals fan, fellow U of I fan, those that worked with him as the V.A; and a person that was very much just himself.
This past weekend on 1490 WDAN’s Saturday Morning Sports Talk, Harry’s son Scott Eisenhauer recalled his dad’s times on that program for so many years, with so many strong opinions.
AUDIO: How many fights did he and Frank Roos and Bob Kay and Fowler Connell have over the years; sitting there in those chairs. And while they had a great time on Saturday mornings, what often didn’t get talked about were the times they were all together outside of the radio station; and the ball trips they took together.
Scott also recalled that within his family, it was his mother Jeanne Eisenhauer who was the radio pro for many years. But his father, Harry; and with Frank, Bob, and Fowler; did it their way.
AUDIO: And, if you knew my dad, Dad wasn’t as polished on the air as my mom was. If you’d go out and talk to Dad, you’d be like “How did they ever let this guy on the radio?” But that’s what worked for all of them. You know what; they were just guys sitting around; shooting the breeze about baseball and football and basketball; and whatever else, the Indy 500.
Former 1490 WDAN GM and Neuhoff Media CEO Mike Hulvey recalled how the Commercial-News Sports Editor Fowler Connell created a platform for Frank Roos and Harry Eisenhauer, which eventually led to the airwaves. And as Hulvey points out, lots of people have been looking back.
AUDIO: Fowler would write these stories in the Commercial News called “The Connell Corner,” and what he would do is create dialogue, and it was imaginary dialogue, between Frank and Harry. And it was always about the Cubs and the Cardinals; and it was a regular piece in the paper. So, when Fowler retired, (we thought) “let’s get Harry and Frank in the studio.” And it worked so well, that it just became a weekly thing. Somebody sent me a note, and said “I listened all the time, and I don’t even like sports.
To hear the entire tribute to Harry Eisenhauer on Saturday Morning Sports Talk, please go to https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/saturday-morning-sports-talk-on-demand/
The Visitation for Harry Eisenhauer is 2 PM to 5 PM; Sunday, February 2nd, at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville. (Rosary will be said from 2 to 2:30 PM). All attending are welcome to join Harry’s family in wearing their favorite sports attire.
The Funeral Service for Harry Eisenhauer will be at 11 AM on Monday, February 3rd; also at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville.
