IL1 International League

Indy's Howard Kellman Honored by International League

Published on June 11, 2018 under International League (IL1) News Release


Today, the International League announced that the 2018 recipient of the Spirit of the International League Award is long-time Indianapolis Indians radio and television broadcaster Howard Kellman. The Award, created in 2010, is designed to recognize the essential role filled by individuals who are dedicated to helping make sure League fans have the most enjoyable experience possible. Howard's Award will be presented by International League President Randy Mobley at a special ceremony on July 27 between games of a doubleheader for Indianapolis against Buffalo at Victory Field.

Howard Kellman is in the midst of his 43rd season behind the microphone for the Indianapolis Indians. He joined the Tribe in 1974 and has been the play-by-play voice of the team every year except for the 1975 and 1980 seasons. He has been a staple in the International League since the Indians came over from the American Association during the expansion and reallignment of Triple-A Baseball in 1998. After calling his 6,000th game for the franchise last summer, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett declared July 1, 2017 as "Howard Kellman Day" in the city.

Honors have been plentiful for Kellman throughout his distinguished career. He was the 2002 Indiana Sportscaster of the Year, and has been inducted into the Indiana Sports Writers & Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame (Class of 2009), the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame (2015), and the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2018). Ballpark Digest named him the 2017 Broadcaster of the Year. Kellman has also called games for the Chicago White Sox (1984), the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers (1988-90), IHSAA football and basketball on local television and Yale football on the YES Network (2012).

One of the industry's most respected voices, Howard has been the broadcaster for three Triple-A All- Star Games and three Triple-A National Championship Games. He currently manages his own professional speaking service which features life lessons drawn from sports-related stories. He published the book 61 Humorous & Inspiring Lessons I Learned in Baseball in 2010. Indians President and General Manager Randy Lewandowski said, "Howard has become synonymous with Indians baseball to all our listeners in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. His passion, enthusiasm and dedication have shined through each and every one of the 6,000+ games that Howard has called over his illustrious career."

The Spirit of the International League Award was created to help recognize individuals who work tirelessly to enhance the fan experience and significantly contribute to the overall success of the production that is today's Minor League Baseball game. International League ballparks are an integral part of their team's communities, and each season thousands of individuals dedicate themselves on a nightly basis to helping fans have the most enjoyable experience possible. While some are in more visible roles than others, each and every one of them is vital to the success of the operation of their team and the League.

Previous Recipients - Spirit of the International League Award

2010: Frank Gilhooley, Toledo (Broadcasting Icon)

2011: Fred Costello, Rochester (Team Organist)

2012: Frank Mooney, Buffalo (Account Executive)

2013: Bill Law, Durham (Team Ambassador)

2014: Lois Estridge, Louisville (Customer Service Representative)

2015: Rick Medeiros, Pawtucket (Director of Security)

2016: Don Waful, Syracuse (Team Advocate & Former President)

2017: Blaise DiNardo, Rochester (Director of Security)

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