LOS ANGELES – Longtime Southern California sportscaster Gil Stratton, a TV and radio anchor who at one time announced races at Del Mar and who became the voice of the Rams and Santa Anita horse racing, has died, his daughter said. He was 86.
Stratton died at his home in Toluca Lakes, Calif., of congestive heart failure on Saturday, said Laurie O'Brien.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Stratton became known to Southern California audiences for his hallmark line “I call 'em as I see 'em” during his 17-year tenure spanning the 1960s on KNXT-TV 2, which later became KCBS, and on KNX 1070 News Radio.
He was also the announcer for the Rams and hosted horse racing from Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar.
In a statement, the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists called Stratton “one of California's most distinguished sports journalists” and “the voice of excellence” in LA sportscasting for more than 40 years.
Stratton started his career as an actor, appearing on Broadway stages and in the film “Girl Crazy” in which he sang a duet with Judy Garland and acted alongside Mickey Rooney and Elizabeth Taylor.
After serving in the Army Air Forces during World War II, he settled in the Los Angeles area to resume his acting career. He appeared in “Stalag 17” with William Holden, “The Wild One” with Marlon Brando and “Monkey Business” with Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers.
He also worked as a radio actor and as an umpire for the Pacific Coast League. He had also umpired for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Stratton is survived by his wife Dee, and children, Gilda Stratton, Billy Norvas, Gibby Stratton, Laurie O'Brien, and Cary Stratton, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services are pending.
