RIP Jim Zabel

Jim Zabel's place in Iowa sports history cannot be understated. Those of you under 40 may not understand...and that's cool. But over the next few days..and weeks... you'll hear some stories that will give you perspective.
 
Jim Zabel's place in Iowa sports history cannot be understated. Those of you under 40 may not understand...and that's cool. But over the next few days..and weeks... you'll hear some stories that will give you perspective.

Maybe under 30. I am 33 and I grew up listening to those games in the 80's when very few games were on tv ( at least not network tv). Some of my greatest memories as a boy was running around the house with a football under my arm and listening to Zabel tell the tales of that days games. A buddy of mine had him autograph a Hawkeye hat for my son a few years back, I know it isn't worth anything money wise, but that is one of my sons most prized possessions.
 
Maybe under 30. I am 33 and I grew up listening to those games in the 80's when very few games were on tv ( at least not network tv). Some of my greatest memories as a boy was running around the house with a football under my arm and listening to Zabel tell the tales of that days games. A buddy of mine had him autograph a Hawkeye hat for my son a few years back, I know it isn't worth anything money wise, but that is one of my sons most prized possessions.

Indeed Daddy... that was the essence of what Zabel was to us all.
 
“People say I don’t get along with Iowa State,” was one of his favorite jokes. “As a matter of fact, I do. (Ed) Podolak and I went up there last year and we’re walking into Cyclone Stadium. A couple asked us to tailgate, but I said I had a sore knee and couldn’t bend down to the trough.”

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130523/SPORTS/305230126/1039/ENT/?odyssey=nav%7Chead



“If you want to know what to put on my tombstone, just three words: I HAD FUN,” Zabel said in 1994.


 
“People say I don’t get along with Iowa State,” was one of his favorite jokes. “As a matter of fact, I do. (Ed) Podolak and I went up there last year and we’re walking into Cyclone Stadium. A couple asked us to tailgate, but I said I had a sore knee and couldn’t bend down to the trough.”

This alone...was reason to love the man.
 
I was hoping Jim would go another 10 years, at least. I never wanted this day to come. Jim will be missed by many. Iowa sports will not be quite the same without him.
 
I love it I love it I love it! Hawkeyes win Hawkeyes win!!!!! I will never forget these lines ever. RIP MR.ZABEL. you will be greatly missed.
 
What's the odds of Iowa putting a statue of him outside of Kinnick ala Harry Caray at Wrigley? Or at least name the radio announce booth after him.
 

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