Frank Fixaris facts for kids

Frank Fixaris (born May 6, 1934, in Torrington, Connecticut, died January 13, 2006, in Falmouth, Maine) was a famous American sportscaster. He was also an anchor, reporter, and disc jockey. Frank spent most of his career at WGME-TV in Portland, Maine. After his time on TV, he co-hosted a popular morning radio show called "The Morning Jab" on WJAB with his friend Dave "Shoe" Schumacher.

Early Life and Career

Frank Fixaris went to college in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Emerson College in 1956. Early in his career, he worked at several radio stations. In 1965, he joined WGME (which was then called WGAN) as a sports anchor. He stayed there until 1995. From 1967 to 1992, he was the sports director. Interestingly, Frank's cousin, Jimmy Piersall, who was a Major League Baseball player, also worked as a sportscaster.

A Voice for Maine Sports

Frank was well-known as the color commentator for two hockey teams: the Maine Mariners and later the Portland Pirates. Both teams played in the American Hockey League. He was offered jobs at bigger TV networks, like CBS, and even with the New York Islanders hockey team. But Frank chose to stay in Maine because he loved the state.

In 1978, he received the James H. Ellery Memorial Awards from the AHL for his excellent work. To honor his many years with the Mariners and Pirates, the press box at the Cumberland County Civic Center was named after him.

Honors and Legacy

Frank Fixaris was inducted into the Maine Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2006. His memory is also honored each year with an award from the Portland Fire Department. Plus, two scholarships are given in his name to students studying communication science at Saint Joseph's College of Maine.

The Fix Cup was a yearly high school hockey tournament in Portland. It was named after Frank Fixaris. This tournament was similar to the famous Beanpot tournament.

Mentoring Other Broadcasters

Frank was known for knowing almost everything about sports, especially local sports. Many popular broadcasters, like Mike Emrick, Dale Arnold, Tom Caron, Scott Wykoff, and J.J. Jeffrey, have said that Frank was very important in helping them become successful.

Personal Life

Frank Fixaris passed away on January 13, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and his son, Michael. He is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland, Maine.