The Meadowlands has issued a statement on Hall of Famer Sam McKee, who was recently hospitalized after suffering a stroke.
The statement from The Meadowlands is as follows.
As many of you have heard, the longtime Hall of Fame voice of the Meadowlands and director of television, Sam McKee, suffered a major stroke on Thursday. He is out of surgery, but still in critical condition at a New Jersey hospital.
There will be a challenging road ahead for his emotional and physical recovery. Sam will most likely require months of physical rehabilitation.
Many of us have had the privilege to work with Sam since he first came to the Meadowlands in 1998. His knowledge, devotion and love for harness racing is simply unmatched. Anytime he walks into a room, his energy and excitement is infectious. Sam is a tireless worker and gives all of himself to promote his beloved sport. There is no fan, horsemen, or even bettor that has not felt goose bumps while listening to one of Sam’s signature “charging hard” calls as the horses come storming down the Meadowlands stretch.
While Sam has touched and influenced countless people in the industry, his character and reputation stand above all else. He is the most kind, genuine person you could meet and is tremendously generous to all that know him.
The McKee Family would like to invite everyone to continue sharing their thoughts and prayers with Sam. A GoFund Me account has been established to help his family during the long road to recovery.
While the family continues to appreciate the outpouring of support from so many people, they ask that their privacy be respected during these challenging times. More updates will be provided as necessary.
Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing Sam McKee a full recovery.
Turned on the races last
Turned on the races last night and onto the Meadowlands, as I always enjoy Sam's wisdom and thoughts before each race.
Perplexed as it wasn't Sam calling.
Now reading the news I feel the stabbing pain of Sam's misfortune.
I don't know him personally yet, he always felt to me like a man of good residue of design.
Wishing the Biggest Prayer of Healing I can muster for Sam and his loved ones.
From the Canadian North... we'll keep a Light on for You Sam.
STAY STRONG!
Praying for God's direction
Praying for God's direction on the Dr's and nurses care for you Sam. Thanks for your great contribution to Christian Harness Horsemen's Association. Prayers also for you Melissa, Chris and the rest of the family.
Because "HE" lives!
Ann and family
Such a wonderful announcer
Such a wonderful announcer and even a better person. Our thoughts are with you Sam and your family.
Ed and Cheryl Sayfie
I was shocked to read this.
I was shocked to read this. Sam McKee is the best race caller in the game and I hope he makes a full recovery. When you read something like this, it is a reminder to embrace life and not to take your health for granted because your life can be turned upside down quickly.
As great a race caller and
As great a race caller and pedigree reader as Sam McKee is, and I fully believe him to be the best I have ever heard in both endeavors, he is an even better human being. Get well Sam. Harness Racing needs you, and you are beloved by all.
Shocking to hear of this Sam.
Shocking to hear of this Sam. Great announcer and even better person.
Got to know Sam well back in the '80s when he was announcing at Raceway Park in Toledo. Had a lot of good times and memories after the races at the track bar.
Wishing you a full and speedy recovery, hope to see and hear you back soon.
All the best my friend,
Bev and Dianne Heywood.
Sam McKee, Gabe Prewitt, and
Sam McKee, Gabe Prewitt, and Bob Heyden, the best in the business. I am looking forward to a 2017 Lexington Ky meet, where Gabe, (Prewitt) asks the trainers the tough questions, and Sam (McKee) calls the races, and senses the end result.
The incomparable Sam
The incomparable Sam McKee.
Goosebumps for sure.
Knowledgeable, fantastic voice, knows when to say what. Love his chit chat during my always fave Little Brown Jug broadcasts.
In videos, with music playing over his calls, he just sounds sensational. Giving you that kick !
It's an honour to be able to shake his hand, twice.
C'mon Sam ! Harness needs you. Get better as soon as possible.
In my opinion the best in the
In my opinion the best in the business. Sam can make a 5k claimer exciting and I love listening to his race calls.
My prayers are with Sam for a full and speedy recovery.
God Bless