Thursday, May 7, 1998
Jim Leahey returns
The legendary local broadcaster
By Al Chase
will be back in the booth for the
San Jose State series
Star-BulletinThe dean of Hawaii broadcast journalists returns to Rainbow Stadium tomorrow night to resume detailing the exploits of University of Hawaii athletes.
Jim Leahey will be back in the KFVE-TV (Channel 5) broadcast booth to call the play-by-play for this weekend's Hawaii-San Jose State baseball series.
It will be Leahey's first broadcast since he called Hawaii's home football game against Cal State Northridge on Sept. 6, 1997. Shortly after that game, he was diagnosed with leukemia.
"I wanted to come back before the end of this athletic season. That was my goal," Leahey said yesterday at the Rainbows' practice. "I looked at the schedule and this was the best possible day for me.
"The doctor said Monday everything was completely normal. The blood counts are back to where they should be, the blood pressure is fine, everything looks good."
The 19-time Hawaii sportscaster of the year said he's a bit uneasy about his return.
"It's been a long battle. I'm nervous about it," Leahey said. "You know when you don't do something for awhile, you probably do more homework than you need, but it's a good feeling to get back to talking with the players and doing the preparation again to celebrate the game."
See: Long-shot 'Bows need a sweep
Kwon: Leahey back at home
