Bob Ridley is seen in his familiar spot as the voice of the Medicine Hat Tigers. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Bob Ridley makes his triumphant return to the broadcast booth

Apr 18, 2022 | 10:55 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – There was a lot to cheer about Friday as Bob Ridley, the legendary voice of the Medicine Hat Tigers, stepped behind the mic for the last game of the season.

And fans were thrilled.

“I love listening to Bob Ridley. He makes my day all the time,” said one fan at the game.

“He brings the game to a whole new level. With his excitement live but most importantly with his relationship with the players,” said another.

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Perhaps the most excited to hear Ridley’s voice again was superfan Stella Dixon, a 26-year season ticket holder.

“Oh, we love Bob,” she said. “Can’t wait to have him back in the booth again. I even brought my radio tonight so I can listen to him.”

Ridley has been the voice of the Tigers for more than 50 years. But this past season Ridley had to step away in order to undergo 26 treatments for prostate cancer. Known for only missing one game in his entire career. Ridley says sitting out an entire season has been hard.

“It was really tough because you felt that you should be there, that you are not doing your job,” he said. “But still, you had to get better and heal and so for someone who has spent all this time doing what you are doing and then you are not able to do it again it is very frustrating.”

It’s not exactly clear whether or not he will be back next season. Ridley says it all depends on his health.

But one thing is for sure. The man, the myth, the legend. Is always in the hearts of Tigers fans.