ST. LOUIS – Oklahoma resident Jerry Mefford visited St. Louis on Friday to watch the St. Louis Cardinals play. 

He grew up in the St. Louis area and was shocked to learn that a consolidation of St. Louis Blues broadcast crews will result in play-by-play announcer John Kelly’s contract not being renewed.  

“The Kelly name is a legend in St. Louis Blues history,” Mefford said.

He recalls listening to Kelly’s father, legendary St. Louis Blues broadcaster Dan Kelly.

“I can remember bugging my parents all the time so I could listen to Blues games just to listen to Dan,” said Mefford.  “John is just an extension of the legacy of St. Louis and St. Louis Blues history.”

Kelly shared a letter expressing his gratitude for being the television voice of the St. Louis Blues for 21 seasons. 

He called following his father’s legacy “one of the greatest honors of my life.”

Fans who were at Ballpark Village before Friday’s St. Louis Cardinals game expressed disappointment.

“I think it stinks because I think in St. Louis we’ve had a lot of really iconic sports announcers,” said Emily Brame. “John Kelly was one of those people.”

In addition to thanking the St. Louis Blues, alumni, coaches, players, his family and fans, Kelly also thanked the FanDuel Sports Network, his former broadcasting crew, and the people of St. Louis.

“Broadcasting and hockey are far more than a career to me,” Kelly’s letter stated. “They are a passion. My journey is not over, and I’m looking ahead with excitement about what’s next.”