Salt Lake Bees, Weber State Broadcaster Steve Klauke Passes Away At 69
Jun 11, 2024, 12:27 PM | Updated: 2:12 pm
Steve Klauke at Smith's Ballpark.
SALT LAKE CITY – Longtime Salt Lake Bees and Weber State broadcaster Steve Klauke has passed away at the age of 69.
The soundtrack to 30 years of professional baseball in Utah, Klauke was an anchor in the Beehive State’s sports community. A three-time Utah Sportscaster of the Year recipient (1995, 2014, 2016), Klauke was named Ballpark Digest Broadcaster of the Year in 2014.
“Steve was one of the best voices in sports, and he was a dear friend,” said Marc Amicone, former president, Salt Lake Bees. “I will cherish the countless hours we spent together at the ballpark where I got to watch and listen to him do what he loved so much. We wish Sue, Adam and Lisa peace and comfort during this time.”
RELATED: Steve Klauke Signing Off After 30 Years With Salt Lake Bees
We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved former broadcaster Steve Klauke passed away this morning.
Steve was an incredible broadcaster, amazing friend and devoted husband and father. He will forever be "the voice of the Bees." pic.twitter.com/zpWOWwqnaJ— Salt Lake Bees (@SaltLakeBees) June 11, 2024
“Steve Klauke was a dedicated long-time employee and world-class broadcaster. Steve will forever be remembered as ‘the voice of the Bees’ and holds a special place in our hearts. We will always treasure and honor the immeasurable impact he had on the sports community in Utah and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sue, and their children, Adam and Lisa,” said Gail Miller, co-founder and owner, the Larry H. Miller Company.
The Chicago, Illinois native was the only voice the Bees had ever known until his retirement following the 2023 season. Initially hired as a studio host for Utah Jazz games, the lifelong White Sox fan jumped at the chance to tell the story of a baseball game.
He took up the headset when Triple-A baseball returned to Salt Lake in 1994. Klauke manned the booth for 30 years, 29 seasons, and 4,181 games, spanning affiliations with the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Angels.
RELATED: After 4,181 Games, Steve Klauke’s Legendary Run Ends
“It never mattered if it was an Angels game, Bees game, or a high school basketball game in November; he prepares the same way and treats every game, athlete, and radio producer the same,” Tony Parks said of Klauke’s professionalism. “The game was never about him. It was about the players and the people at home or in the car tuning in.”
Klauke had been the voice of Weber State football and basketball since 2015.
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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering the Utah State Aggies, Locals in MLB, and Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees, Beehive baseball, and Aggie athletics coverage here.
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