Angels announcer ‘lucky to be alive’ after terrifying hit-and-run incident: ‘Harrowing experience’
The Angels endured a huge scare in recent days when longtime radio announcer Terry Smith was a victim in a terrifying car crash.
Smith was involved in a hit-and-run collision when he was rear-ended in Phoenix during spring training, according to the Orange County Register.
Fortunately, Smith only emerged from the accident with just a thumb injury.
The first police officer on the scene told the announcer that he was “lucky to be alive.”
The crash left Smith’s car destroyed after another vehicle traveling at about 90 miles per hour hit him. The driver of that vehicle is being pursued by police.
During the 70-year-old’s first radio broadcast back Wednesday, he discussed the “harrowing” accident.
“I feel extremely fortunate to be on the air with you,” he said, per the Register. “This was a harrowing experience for me and my family, but I am ready to go and give it a test today. A lot of things have happened to me and my family over the last 72 hours and I’m extremely happy to be with you for today’s broadcast.”
Smith has been the voice of the Angels since 2002, just before the franchise won its first World Series trophy that same year over the Giants.
Prior to his time in Los Angeles, he spent nearly two decades as the play-by-play voice for the Yankees’ former Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers.
He was also the voice of the Ohio State football team and the Basketball Radio Network for 11 years.
