BALOGH, HARRY SIGNED PHOTO

Harry Balogh (Public address announcer. Born, New York, NY, 1891; died, New York, NY, Aug. 16, 1961.) As a boxing ring announcer, Harry William Balogh had few peers. During his early years, Balogh was known as “the Voice of the Armories” in the days when nearly every major armory in New York and Brooklyn staged a fight program at least once a week. Balogh worked nearly every night, moving from one armory and one borough to another. Balogh actually began his career at the famous old Grupp’s Gym on Eighth Avenue, where many famous fighters and trainers (including Whitey Bimstein and Ray Arcel) also got their starts. Balogh began at a time when the fabled Joe Humphreys was the most celebrated ring announcer in the country and handled all the major New York fights. But when Humphreys (who worked without a microphone) retired in 1933, Balogh became the principal voice of the sport. Balogh, the first ring announcer to work in a tuxedo, began a tradition that endures to this day. But he was also a relentless speaker against racism when black boxers began to come to the fore. He frequently addressed the crowd on allowing the fighter’s talent and not his skin color to be the principal way in which he was judged. After starting professionally in the Queensboro Arena, Balogh did many fights at Yankee Stadium, the Polo Grounds and in Madison Square Garden following Humphreys’ retirement. Balogh retired in 1957. Offered here is a very scarce signed photograph of Harry Balogh.
This is an original studio portrait of Harry Balogh in period dress. Boldly signed in fountain pen, "To my dear friend & pal Arthur Nowell All my best wishes Harry Balogh." Bold, clear image. Not creased or torn. Clean front and back. Edge and corner wear. 8" x 10."