CHICAGO -- Harry Caray, giving up the Chicago White Sox because of their commitment to cable television, said Monday he has signed a contract to broadcast Chicago Cubs games.
'I would lose my people -- cab drivers, bartenders and others who can't afford cable TV,' Caray said.
Caray signed a two-year contract with WGN television and radio. Details of the contract were not disclosed.
The announcement was made by Jack Brickhouse, retired Cubs broadcaster.
'It was a delightful assignment,' Brickhouse said in making the announcement at a news conference.
White Sox co-owner Jerry Reinsdorf said he 'was not surprised' when he heard about the signing.
'I just hope the White Sox fans realize that we made an effort to keep Harry. It was his choice,' Reinsdorf said. 'We wish him well and we'll be disappointed to lose him.
'Caray was, indeed, concerned about losing exposure on cable TV,' he added.
Caray said he was still negotiating with the White Sox when Stanton R. Cook, publisher of the Chicago Tribune which recently purchased the Cubs, visited him in his apartment during the weekend and 'swayed me.'
'I have never looked more forward to a baseball season,' Caray said. He predicted 'it will be a lot of fun on the North Side.'
Cubs spokeswoman Debbi Waterman, confirming Caray will no longer broadcast White Sox games, said the Sox were talking to Caray and several other people about the broadcaster's job.
'Apparently Harry didn't feel that he was in their plans for next year and signed with us,' she said. 'I understand he's very excited about Dallas Green and the new Cubs, so he came over to our side of town.'
Asked what he will say when a home run is hit, Caray responded with his famous 'Holy Cow!'
Cubs general manager Dallas Green said he hoped Caray's enthusiasm and flamboyant style would spill over to the players on the field.
The Cubs could use 'a little pizazz, a little juice, a little drive,' and Caray might help provide that, the new front office man said.
