Remembering Tom Larson: Boston Mourns The Loss Of Iconic Sports Broadcaster Whose Legacy Shaped An Era In Sports Broadcasting
Lanny Lee Larason, renowned Boston sports personality better known as Tom Larson, passed away Wednesday in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
At the age of 84, Larson succumbed to complications from cancer. The sad news of his passing was delivered by his son Jeff Larson, to the Boston Globe.
A dominant figure in Boston’s local broadcasting scene, Tom Larson’s presence positively impacted Boston for nearly four decades.
Tom Larson’s broadcasting career was launched in Channel 38 (WSBK-TV) in Boston as a public affairs director.
His infectious passion for sports and his ability to effortlessly connect with the audience quickly marked him as a beloved figure in the Boston sports scene.
From these initial stages, Larson would later transition into the role of ‘Sports Director’ at WHDH radio from 1981 to 1988.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was bestowed the title of “Best Sportscaster” in Boston by Boston Magazine.
This accolade underpinned his influential role in Boston’s sports world.
In 1981, almost a decade after Boston Bruins’ 1972 Stanley Cup triumph, Larson made a bold public pledge. He declared that he would not shave his beard till the Bruins clinched the Stanley Cup yet again.
His unusual affiance kept fans entertained till 2011 when the Bruins emerged victorious and Larson finally shaved his beard after an astounding 30 years.
RiP, legendary Bruins TV studio host Tom Larson.
In 1981, he vowed not to shave off his beard until the Bruins won the Cup…,it only took 30 years. pic.twitter.com/Ob8sNnXCCm
— Boston Radio Watch®️ (@bostonradio) November 25, 2023
Tom Larson’s charisma extended into establishing the New England Sports Network (NESN). Larson joined NESN only two years after its formation in 1986.
His entry then began a new chapter in Boston’s sports broadcasting scene.
As one of the founding members of NESN, Larson helped shape its trajectory. He served as a studio host covering the Boston Bruins and the Boston Red Sox.
He also distinguished himself as a reporter and writer for the network. Larson played an instrumental role in defining NESN’s legacy and became a familiar and cherished face for Boston Bruins and Red Sox fans.
With the sad news of Larson’s passing, fans filled social media platforms with their heartfelt condolences.
They shared memorable anecdotes and Larson’s iconic moments, a testament to his profound influence on Boston sports’ enthusiasts.
How am I just hearing this now? R.I.P. Tom Larson. You will be dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/JrffbLKqnW
— Honest☘️Larry (@HonestLarry1) November 25, 2023
RIP Tom Larson, long the Ch. 38 narrator of the Bruins in their late-'60s/early-'70s glory years.
The calm, understated voice of a team that otherwise bellowed like no other.— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) November 24, 2023
We met just once, but I watched him countless times on TV. RIP Tom Larson, the man who helped grow my love of the Bruins and was an incredible role model as I began my TV career. https://t.co/ByPeCvNUTM
— Frank Carpano (@NBC10_FrankCarp) November 25, 2023
