Joe Nuxhall, long-time radio broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds, will always be remembered as being the Reds' -- and baseball's -- biggest fan. A fan just like us. He was as much a part of our summers as the sport itself. Joe died last night after a long battle with cancer. He was 79.

Joe's career in baseball started in 1944 as a relief pitcher for the Reds and as the youngest player to reach the majors. Following his retirement, he moved to the broadcast booth and was joined by Marty Brennaman in 1974. The "ol' left-hander" will always be remembered for his down-to-earth style, and for his excitement during the game when things were going well.

In early 2005, CET recorded a series of intervews with the longtime voice of the Cincinnati Reds. CLICK HERE to watch those interviews. Also, the first of these interviews will air on CET: Friday, November 16 at 7:30pm. The ; and the entire series

The images below are from Joe's personal collection.

Joe and long-time Broadcast Partner Marty Brennaman in the booth	Joe at age 15 as a pitcher	1955 All Star game - Joe with Gene Conley and Stan Musial
All Star game: Joe, Bell, Lawrence, Ted Kluzewski, Tebbetts, Bailey, and others	Johnny Bench and Joe Nuxhall	Joe in the broadcast booth high above the field
Joe interviews Norm Charlton	Two baseball legends: Waite Hoyt with Joe Nuxhall	Joe in Birmingham in 1944 with Walter Evans & Bobby Mattick
Jim Maloney, Ken Walters, and Joe in San Diego, 1963	The 1946 Team	Joe in the booth in 2003
Joe standing next to his plaque in the Reds Hall of Fame	Marty and Joe at a photo shoot at the Cincinati Zoo	Joe on September 19, 2004 at Great American Ball Park
Joe and Marty in the booth during a Reds game	Joe and his wife Donzetta next to Joe's statue in front of Great American Ball Park	Marty behind Joe as he talks to the crowd during Joe Nuxhall day at Great American Ball Park
Marty Brennaman & Joe Nuxhall	Marty Brennaman & Joe Nuxhall	Marty Brennaman & Joe Nuxhall