Ball Park Frank Tribute Show, Beloved "Ball Park" Frank will be Missed
He was a radio icon in Las Vegas. He was my colleague, my co-host and more importantly my friend. Not just to me but to everyone he came in contact with. Frank Harnish, aka "Ball Park" Frank died this past weekend from a battle with cancer.
He was a staple on the Las Vegas airways for 30 years, being heard at all hours around the clock in various formats over the years, mostly at Lotus Broadcasting. The one constant for Frank was that he was there. No matter what time, what station or what event, he was as dependable and durable as they come.
Sports talk listeners heard him rant, rave and be passionate about his favorite teams, which would be any team that resided in Chicago and THE Ohio State University. He was not only heard on my show but so many others during the past three decades that most everyone knew the name Ball Park Frank.
In 2018, he received a new handle (VGK Frank) as he was the first radio host of the Vegas Golden Knights, broadcasting his daily show along with anchoring every pregame and postgame show of the first two plus seasons. Having never covered hockey before, he thrust himself into his role and performed flawlessly. He was well prepared each and every day and came across like a hockey aficionado and a consummate pro, which he was.
Frank was in his groove when he was delivering his witty one-liners that could come from any direction or any given subject. His strength was his desire to attack anything and any challenge. Whether it was a debate, an assignment or just to be a contrarian, Frank would be Frank.
I loved working with Frank because I knew what I was getting everyday: a true radio professional who could adapt to any situation and be well prepared no matter what the day would bring. Whether it was game day, an interview, a music show or one of the many spur-of-the-moment breaking news days, he was ready and delivered.
He was more than just a radio personality; he was the best friend one can be. He refused to say no to anything you needed. He was generous, courteous and willing to do whatever you asked. Ball Park Frank was one of kind, a rare breed in our business and our society. One that I loved and will miss dearly. May he Rest In Peace and be remembered for the humble, humorous, dependable and compassionate friend a person could ever have.
