In Memoriam Tom Larson - TV 38, NESN and WHDH Radio
- Thread starter Gee Wally
- Start date
- Sep 22, 2011
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I always liked Tom Larson. He was professional and, as KPD notes, an even keel presence.
As with other members of the Boston TV sports media -- Gene Lavanchy, Sean McDonough, Kathryn Tappen, Tom Caron -- we were lucky to have him.
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A promise is a promise. Tom Larson, former TV38 Boston Bruins studio host, once said in 1981 that he would not shave off his beard until the Bruins won another Stanley Cup. At the time, it seemed like a sure thing for the powerful Bruins. It was only a matter of time. Turns out, it was a matter of 30 years! When the 2011 Bruins captured the Cup while captivating the city of Boston, many people fondly recalled the Big Bad Bruins of the 70s. A few people didn't let Tom forget his promise.
quietbruinfan
Salt and light
I disagree strongly about Caron, but otherwise, I agree. I liked Larson's style. He will be missed.
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They should’ve gone to a proper barber shop. But as a man, he kept his promise. Remember him as the Bruins studio guy. Professional is all I can think of!
Tom Larson, former sports host on Channel 38 and NESN, dies at 84 - The Boston Globe
Larson was best-known to local sports fans as the studio host for Bruins and Red Sox programming.
www.bostonglobe.com
Lanny Lee Larason — known professionally as Tom Larson during a long broadcasting career that included nearly four decades in Boston — died Wednesday in Fredericksburg, Va., of complications from cancer, according to his son, Jeff. He was 84 years old.
Larson, a Missouri native, came to Boston in 1969 as the public affairs director at Channel 38. There he hosted a wide-ranging eponymous talk show while soon becoming a fixture among the region’s sports fans as host of Bruins and Red Sox pre- and postgame programming.
Larson covered a variety of Boston sports while at Channel 38. His son wrote that he was particularly fond of Channel 38′s “Mini One-on-One,” which pitted youth hockey players against each other.
From 1981-88, Larson served as sports director at WHDH radio, delivering reports on “The Jess Cain Show.” In 1983, Boston Magazine named him “Best Sportscaster” in the city.
For a certain generation of Boston sports fans, Larson is best remembered as one of the first familiar faces on the regional cable sports network NESN.
He joined NESN in 1986, two years after it launched, again hosting Bruins and Red Sox studio shows. He also carved a niche as a reporter, writer, and producer for the magazine show “Front Row.”
Larson — who adopted his professional name early in his career, which began at Westminster College in 1960 ― had stops in Bloomington and Peoria, Ill., and Lansing, Mich., before coming to Boston.
He is survived by his five children — Robyn Hanna, Jeff Larason, Michael Larason, Tommy Larason, and VyVy Larason — three grandchildren, and his beloved companion, Micki Costello.
DKH
Worst Poster/Awful Takes
- Feb 27, 2002
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He was a legend to me - those were the days my friend I’d wished they never end
RIP Tom
RIP Tom
Number8
Registered User
- Oct 31, 2007
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I loved watching Tom Larson. Loved that he made his stand on his beard and held firm.
For me, Tom Larson and Bob Wilson were honey to my ears and represent a special time for me as a B's fan.
RIP Tom. Thanks for the memories.
For me, Tom Larson and Bob Wilson were honey to my ears and represent a special time for me as a B's fan.
RIP Tom. Thanks for the memories.
Very sad news. Tom was classy and professional. I saw him coming out of the Back Bay station in Boston one winter evening around 1989 IIRC wearing a white fur coat. One classy gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Tom was a fantastic writer who thrived on a deadline.
He spent many years doing sports at the old WHDH-AM and on that awful Saturday/Sunday after Game 6 at Shea Stadium, he went live at 2 AM which actually became 1 AM, and captured the horror perfectly.
The recording was made by a Red Sox fan in Nova Scotia so it sounds a little fuzzy.
He spent many years doing sports at the old WHDH-AM and on that awful Saturday/Sunday after Game 6 at Shea Stadium, he went live at 2 AM which actually became 1 AM, and captured the horror perfectly.
The recording was made by a Red Sox fan in Nova Scotia so it sounds a little fuzzy.
Number8
Registered User
- Oct 31, 2007
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Boy, you sure can tell who the old fans are here!’ Good memories. Bummer it comes at Tom’s expense but I suspect he’d appreciate the love.
trenton1
Bergeron for Hart
Like WIlson and Cusick, I'll always remember the sound of his voice.
May he rest in peace.
May he rest in peace.
McGarnagle
Yes.
- Aug 5, 2017
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Tom Larson had a front-row seat for the Big, Bad Bruins
Tom Larson had a front-row seat for the Big, Bad Bruins, writes Chad Finn in his latest media column. Read more on Boston.com.
www.boston.com
Ludwig Fell Down
Registered User
bruins19
Registered User
- Aug 11, 2005
- 1,650
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Tom did not do Movie Loft - That was Dana Hersey.
Tom started at TV38 in 1969 doing a talk show and on nights the Bruins were on management had him do the postgame even though he knew nothing about hockey.
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Ludwig Fell Down
Registered User
Good recall -- and thanks for the correction. I feel like Dana Hersey grew a beard mid-career, and I somehow conflated the two bearded TV38 hosts.
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