Jack Fleming

Leo W. "Jack" Fleming (born in 1923 in Morgantown, West Virginia; died on January 3, 2001) was a sports announcer for the West Virginia Mountaineers football and basketball teams. He also served as the announcer for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and the NBA's Chicago Bulls. One of his most infamous calls was for the Steelers in 1972, on the 'Immaculate Reception'.

Fleming died on January 3, 2001.

Early life

Leo W. Fleming was a United States Air Force navigator during World War II. He flew 23 combat missions and began his radio career while recuperating at Ashford Military Hospital.

Announcing career

West Virginia University

Jack Fleming, also known as the "Voice of the Mountaineers", served as the school's football and basketball from 1947-1959, 1962-1969 and 1974-1996. Some of Fleming's more memorable calls include calls on Rod Thorn, Major Harris, Jeff Hostetler, Will Drewery, the infamous "Flutie Sack" in 1984, Pat Randolph, Robert Walker's game-winning touchdown run against Miami in 1993, Ed Hill's game-winning touchdown catch against Boston College in 1993, and Amos Zereoue.

Fleming was a seven-time West Virginia sportscaster of the year winner, also receiving the 1996 Gene Morehouse Award from the West Virginia Sports Writers Association and the Chris Schenkel Award from the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. In 1995, he was inducted into West Virginia University' Order of Vandalia, for outstanding service to the state and school.

Fleming was inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.

Professional Teams

Fleming also was the sports announcer for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL and the Chicago Bulls of the NBA. Fleming broadcast four Super Bowls, seven AFC Championship Games and an NBA All-Star Game during his tenure with both teams. His most infamous call was in 1972 on the Steelers' 'Immaculate Reception'.

---FLEMING'S CALL DURING THE IMMACULATE RECEPTION GAME---

"Hang onto your hats, here come the Steelers out of the huddle. Twenty-two seconds remaining. It's down to one big play, fourth down and 10 yards to go. Terry Bradshaw at the controls. And Bradshaw....running out of the pocket, looking for somebody to throw to, fires it downfield, and there's a collision! And it's caught out of the air! The ball is pulled in by Franco Harris! Harris is going for a touchdown for Pittsburgh! I don't even know where he came from!"