Jim McKay

As we settle down in front of our televisions today to watch our sporting event of choice, we can’t help but feel like something is missing. Jim McKay, the longtime host of ABC’s Wide World of Sports, passed away yesterday at his home in Monkton. It seems only appropriate that one of the great supporters of horse racing would die on the day of the Belmont Stakes. While McKay covered almost every sport imaginable, from barrel racing and the Indianapolis 500 to his record 12 Olympics, there was no sport he was more invested in then horse racing.

McKay was best known nationally for his gripping, and ultimately tragic, coverage of the Munich Olympics. After spending 16 straight hours covering the hostage crisis, his words “They’re all gone” was a stunning message to the nation about the massacre of the Israeli delegation.

While the rest of the nation will reflect on his loss, and share their memories of his career, Marylanders are feeling the loss even more acutely. While born in Philadelphia, McKay spent almost his entire life in the Baltimore area. A graduate of Loyola High School and College, he worked a both the Baltimore Sun and WMAR before moving on to national broadcast. Even after leaving for the big time, McKay was always involved in the local sports scene. A regular at local events, McKay was always willing to talk to fans about their teams. We can even forgive him for joining the Peter Angelos ownership group to buy the Orioles.

A great supporter of the racing industry in Maryland, McKay was responsible for the Maryland Millions Day event. A one day series of Stakes races for Maryland bred horses, it has become the second biggest racing event in the state (after the Preakness) and has spawned dozens of imitators around the country. As the industry struggles to survive without slots, it owes its continued existence to the extra money that this event has brought in to local trainers and breeders.

My suggestion to the Maryland Jockey Club and Magna Entertainment, rename Laurel Park in his honor. While the state has done well in honoring some of the great local sports journalist that have come before, like Sam Lacy and Shirley Povich, McKay deserves this extra honor. With the extra money that slots (if approved) will bring into the racing industry Laurel Park can become a cathedral to racing and a fitting homage to Mr. McKay. While the facility has seen better days, one can only hope that with Jim McKay looking out for it, it will succeed.

Additionally, I expect Peter Angelos and the Orioles to come up with an appropriate tribute as well. The Orioles have fallen short in honoring Elrod and were slow in saluting Wild Bill, and another transgression is inexcusable. If the game against the Pirates on the 14th does not include a video tribute and a ceremony to honor McKay I will be greatly disappointed in the Orioles.