For sports fans in Maine, there is certainly a sense of comfort any time they hear George Hale's voice.

They've been listening to it for 55 years.

Hale, born January 5, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio, came to Maine in 1953, joining the staff at WABI radio and television. Since then, he has broadcast over 3,000 football, basketball, and baseball games at both the high school and college level, most at the University of Maine.

His clear, soothing voice and knowledge of the game has made him one of the very best sportscasters Maine has ever seen. In 1983, he received the ECAC Media Award, given each year to one media member for outstanding coverage of eastern college sports.

The award is voted on by the nearly 400 colleges and universities that make up the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Hale is the only Maine media representative to ever receive the award.

He is also the only broadcaster to win the George Caren's New England Writers Award, that in 2007.

Over the years, Hale has served as a mentor to some of the very best national sports broadcasters, including Bill Patrick of ESPN and the USA Network; Gary Thorne, ESPN's top hockey play-by-play announcer; and Steve Martin, the voice of the Charlotte Hornets.

He still serves as co-host of a morning talk show on WVOM-FM in Bangor.

In his spare time, Hale has been an active community member. He has been a member of the Rotary Club since 1960. He has served on the staff of several governors and is currently chairman of the Maine Gambling Control Board and chairman of the Maine Harness Racing Commission.

He is also on the board of directors of Bass Park in Bangor and the Bangor YMCA. He is a member of the Maine Broadcasting Hall of Fame and is the only non-graduate of the University of Maine to receive the Black Bear Award.

Hale attended Curtis High School in New York City, then received his college degree from the School of Radio, also in New York City.

Before coming to Bangor, Hale was an outstanding runner in high school and began his broadcasting career in the U.S. Navy while serving during the Korean War.

George is widowed. He has four children, Sandra, Julie, Rick, and Michelle.?