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Fans, social media react to passing of longtime Cleveland Cavaliers play-by-play announcer Joe Tait

The iconic broadcaster passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83.

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CLEVELAND — This is one of those stories that you knew was coming, but still hurts the heart.

We found out Wednesday that legendary Cleveland Cavaliers announcer Joe Tait has passed away at the age of 83.

For the better part of 40 years, Tait was an institution as the "Voice of the Cavs." Whether you followed the "Miracle of Richfield" era, the "Price-Nance-Daugherty" era, or the first LeBron era in Cleveland, Joe Tait brought you right to the action on the court with his distinctive style. He was beloved by so many sports fans in Northeast Ohio and beyond.

RELATED: 'Rest In Paradise my friend!!': Cleveland Cavaliers legend LeBron James pays tribute to Joe Tait

Reaction to Tait's death in the Cleveland sports media and with fans was swift and heartfelt. Here's a sample, starting with tweets from sportscasters and sportswriters. The first one from WTAM 1100's Dennis Manoloff reminds us that in addition to his work with the Cavs, Tait was a longtime radio and television announcer for the Cleveland Indians.

“Fly ball, center field, Manning is there...Got it! A perfect game for Lenny Barker!” — my recollection of Joe Tait’s call on Ch. 43, May 15, 1981. @indians (Bruce Drennan in dugout by then.)
— Dennis Manoloff (@dmansworld474) March 10, 2021

RIP to Joe Tait. A man that I emulated in my backyard growing up when shooting hoops, to a man who was so huge in my development in this business. Always honest n sincere to me, and REAL! My heart hurts today as if I lost a family member.
— Andre Knott (@DreKnott) March 10, 2021

Just another incredibly sad day for Cleveland sports media folk as Joe Tait long time Cavs PBP passed away at age 83

I loved Joe and he loved me - it didn’t matter I never called a Cavs game or anything like that - he ALWAYS asked how I was doing - God Bless you Joe pic.twitter.com/i1lukYRTc8
— Matt Loede (@MattLoede) March 10, 2021

The Cavs were frustrating most of my childhood. Joe Tait on the radio made me love them more than any other team, and in turn, love Joe more than any other broadcaster.
— Ken Carman (@KenCarman) March 10, 2021

So sad to hear of Joe Tait’s passing. He was such a pro and someone that gave back .. he took the time to write a critique of my work in college. He didn’t have to do that, but he did. It’s the kind of guy he was. He’s had a huge influence on so many of us. RIP, Joe 🙏
— Al Pawlowski (@AlPawlowski) March 10, 2021

More sadness...Joe Tait has passed away at 83. Thank you JOE for the smiles and class. You were the @cavs to many for years.
— Mark Munch Bishop (@MunchCleveland) March 10, 2021

“Price into the forecourt, on the right wing. Price over to Ehlo, hands the ball to Nance, wham with the right hand!”

The sounds of my youth. RIP, Joe Tait. A Cleveland treasure.
— Jason Lloyd (@ByJasonLloyd) March 10, 2021

Terribly saddened by the passing of the legendary Joe Tait. No one in my 40 plus years as a broadcaster have I respected more, or held in higher regard than Joe. Spent 14 years together calling @cavs. The wonderful memories we shared will live forever. Much love, Joe. Miss you
— Michael Reghi (@MichaelReghi) March 10, 2021

During my first job in Wyoming, Joe Tait used to have me mail him the papers. Not because of anything I’d written, but because of our extensive coverage of trains. He’s undoubtedly among reasons I fell in love with NBA, and kept me believing I’d someday write about it as a job.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) March 10, 2021

RIP Joe Tait, one of my idols growing up and huge reason I wanted to be a sportscaster and in this business. No question the best! This hurts
— Dave Chudowsky (@DaveChudowsky) March 10, 2021

He was gifted, smooth and unflappable. He didn't try to make every play exciting, only the exciting ones. He was witty, unapologetically surly and could paint a picture of the game in your mind so vividly that it was like you had decent seats. He was nothing if not genuine. #Cavs https://t.co/rbQUNFSVlv
— Mike Polk Jr. (@mikepolkjr) March 10, 2021

And there was this tweet from Chuck Swirsky, the voice of the Chicago Bulls:

My friend, mentor and confidant of 47 years Joe Tait passed away this afternoon. I am heart broken. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his millions of fans and the City of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio @cavs what a remarkable run for a remarkable man. RIP.
— chuck swirsky (@ctsbulls) March 10, 2021

Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians paid tribute to Joe Tait on social media:

pic.twitter.com/5dYy80ehAX
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) March 10, 2021

The Cleveland Cavaliers mourn the passing of one of our beloved founding fathers and the original, long-time voice of the franchise – Joe Tait.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 10, 2021

Beloved Cavaliers point guard Mark Price added his condolences on Twitter, along with former teammates Steve Kerr and Craig Ehlo:

RIP Joe Tait....You are loved and will be missed! I will never forget his call when I made a 3... "Price sights it, shoots it, got it!" In the way only Joe could say it!
— Mark Price (@Mark25Price) March 11, 2021

RIP Joe Tait, Cleveland legend and kind, funny soul. You will be missed.
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) March 11, 2021

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and he was the voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers...Joe Tait! The best radio broadcaster and most loyal to the Cavaliers. The man they call Eggs, will have a Omelet tonight in your honor. You done good Joe, enjoy your eternal rest.
— craig ehlo (@eggsehlo) March 11, 2021

Also, Mount Union University paid tribute to Tait, who announced football games for the Purple Raiders for three decades.

@mountunion morns the loss of Joe Tait https://t.co/lc8Z35xmIv @d3Playbook #d3fb pic.twitter.com/vuR1GZTynR
— Mount Union Purple Raiders (@purpleraiders) March 11, 2021

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine put out the following statement on Twitter: "Saddened to hear of the death of Joe Tait, a Cleveland sports broadcasting legend. He was the voice of the @cavs. He also called Len Barker’s perfect game. Fran and I offer our condolences to Joe’s wife, Jean, his children and grandchildren, and all those who loved him."

Here were some tweets from fans:

RIP Joe Tait. Going left to right on your radio dial, wham with the right hand, countless memories of listening to meaningless Cavs games while I worked in a deli or drove around town. A true legend. #Cavs pic.twitter.com/1LJRpddKiQ
— Big Chris Studd (@Chris_Clem) March 10, 2021

Knew it was coming but still a huge bummer, RIP Joe Tait, absolute legend
— Ben Toplek (@bennyt81) March 10, 2021

RIP Joe Tait one of the greatest play by play guys on radio in my lifetime. Joe was one of those figures that you never met but felt as if they were family. #ItsbasketballtimeintheQ
— CJ (@1andonlyCJD23) March 10, 2021

Les Levine, Michael Stanley, Joe Tait.. been a rough few months around these parts.
— Reverend Dizzle (@Dizzle729) March 10, 2021

So sad to hear the news of Joe Tait’s passing. He was a legend and one of the most iconic voices to ever call a Cavalier game. We’ve lost so many iconic names in sports this past year or so 😔
— Zack (@zackstrebler50) March 10, 2021

I used to fall asleep listening to Joe Tait on the radio. Simply the best to ever do it. RIP Joe, thanks for the memories you shared.
— Larry Myers (@walker629) March 10, 2021

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