Aug 5, 1921: KDKA Pittsburgh made history by presenting the first-ever radio broadcast of a Major League Baseball game.

On August 5, 1921, The Pittsburgh Pirates faced the Philadelphia Phillies and emerged victorious with an 8-5 win. This broadcast was significant not only for its pioneering use of radio but also because it featured Harold Arlin as the first play-by-play broadcaster in MLB history.

Harold Arlin’s journey into broadcasting began with a visit to the new radio setup at KDKA out of curiosity. As an electrical engineer at Westinghouse, his rich voice caught the attention of his colleagues, who encouraged him to go on air. Arlin’s description of the game from a box seat at Forbes Field reached a small but enthusiastic audience of shortwave radio enthusiasts, marking the beginning of a new era in sports entertainment.

Arlin’s pioneering work paved the way for the legends of baseball broadcasting who followed. Names like Vin Scully, Red Barber, and Mel Allen became synonymous with the sport, each bringing their unique style to the airwaves. Arlin’s initial foray into radio broadcasting demonstrated the potential of this new medium, forever changing the way fans experience baseball.