Overview
Edward Joseph "Ed" Farmer was an American professional baseball pitcher and later a familiar voice in radio broadcasts. A right-handed player who reached the major leagues, Farmer spent his playing career in Major League Baseball and remained active in the sport for decades as a broadcaster and community figure. He combined on-field experience with a long post-playing career covering games for Chicago fans.
Playing career
Farmer pitched in the majors during the 1970s and early 1980s, working both out of the bullpen and as a spot starter at various times. Over his career he played for several teams in the American and National Leagues, including:
- Cleveland Indians
- Detroit Tigers
- Baltimore Orioles
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Texas Rangers
- Chicago White Sox
- Oakland A's
- Philadelphia Phillies
His time in the majors gave him firsthand perspective on clubhouse life and game strategy, which later informed his work in the broadcast booth. Observers remember him for his toughness on the mound and his willingness to mentor younger players.
Broadcasting and later life
After retiring from playing, Farmer became best known to many fans as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Chicago White Sox franchise. As a radio voice he combined game description with personal anecdotes and insight into pitching, helping listeners understand what was happening on the field. His broadcasting tenure kept him closely tied to the Chicago baseball community long after his days as an active athlete.
Personal details and legacy
Edward Joseph Farmer was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois; contemporary accounts note his Midwestern roots shaped his connection to Chicago-area fans and baseball culture (birthplace). He died on April 1, 2020 in Calabasas, California, after complications related to kidney disease (death notice). Colleagues and listeners remembered him for his straightforward commentary, his work promoting the sport, and his long association with the White Sox organization.
For more on his playing statistics, team histories, and broadcasting career, consult dedicated team pages and historical databases that detail Major League rosters and announcer biographies (career overview, player profile, MLB records).