Emotional CBS Sports legend Ian Baker-Finch breaks down in tears over retirement following 30-year TV stint
CBS Sports icon Ian Baker-Finch was left in tears live on air after a heartfelt tribute.
Baker-Finch, 64, will retire from broadcasting after this week’s PGA Tour regular-season finale.
CBSIan Baker-Finch (center) was in tears during a tribute from Trevor Immelman (left) and Jim Nantz (right)[/caption]
He has been with the network since 2006 but announced his decision to call it a day.
The Wyndham Championship later this week will be the last tournament he works on for CBS.
He appeared on coverage of the 3M Open at the weekend.
Baker-Finch was seen in the broadcast booth with Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman on Saturday.
And Nantz took a break from calling the action on the court to pay tribute to his colleague.
“Well friends, it’s going to be emotional and nostalgic over this weekend and next,” Nantz said.
“We conclude our season series at the Wyndham Championship and we say goodbye to Ian Baker-Finch, our colleague who announced earlier this week, his retirement from the booth, effective after next week’s tournament in Greensboro.”
Nantz added, “What a stud, look at this rockstar.
“The things that he did.
“Here’s a win a Colonial. Of course, he won an Open Championship.
“Always family first. The Claret Jug, his name is on it.
“He then made the transition to go from a great player to a great broadcaster.
“A legend in the booth. Finchy, you’re our man. Our colleague, our friend.
“It’s gonna be tough to say goodbye to you this week and next week.
“This gives us a chance to go through one dry run, so to speak, before next week.
“Because I know we’re all going to be a mess.”
Baker-Finch began tearing up during Nantz’s tribute.
“Thanks Jim, I’ll miss all of you,” he said.
“It’s been a great run though. Not only the 19 years at CBS, but 30 years in total.
“I had to get some injuries fixed in 96′ and I stopped playing. Went home and did the TV back home in Australia.
“Did 12 events straight with four different producers, four different teams. I was actually quite competent.
“And then Jack Graham here in the states said, ‘Hey, if you don’t come back to golf, we would love for you to come work for us.’
“So it’s not been 30 years I’ve been doing the television. I love it, I love the game.
“You guys now, guys and girls and the whole team here at CBS.
“I think Colt says it all the time. Nobody loves the game more than Finchy. And I do, I really love it.
“I love the team here. It’s not just a team, it’s not just a network, it’s a family here at CBS.”
Baker-Finch continued, “I’ll miss everybody. And I really will miss calling those moments to the fans at home.
“Because the fans is what we are here for. We are here for you. We’re here to entertain you.
“We’re here to bring you the pictures that sell us shy. We bring you live golf from all of these beautiful venues around the country, around the world.
“That’s what I will miss. That’s what I will miss. I’ll miss being in your homes every weekend.”
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