Shelby Whitfield, former Senators broadcaster, dies at 77

JACKSON, N.J. — Former Washington Senators broadcaster Shelby Whitfield, who enjoyed a long career with AP Radio and ABC Radio, has died. He was 77.

Whitfield died Tuesday at a rehabilitation center in Jackson, N.J.

Whitfield called Senators games in 1969 and 1970. He later hosted a local radio show featuring guests such as Redskins quarterbacks Sonny Jurgensen and Billy Kilmer.

In 1974, Whitfield became the first sports director of AP Radio. He moved to ABC Radio in 1981 and retired in 1997. He oversaw coverage at the Olympics and Triple Crown horse racing, among many sports.

Whitfield served in the U.S. Army and worked for what became known as the Armed Forces Network. He also co-authored a book with famed broadcaster Howard Cosell titled “What’s Wrong with Sports.”