Carl Beane, R.I.P.

Carl Beane, the voice of Fenway Park since 2003, was killed this afternoon in a car crash in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. He was 59.

The Red Sox are currently on the road in Kansas City but are scheduled to return to Fenway tomorrow night to start a four game series with the Cleveland Indians with heavy hearts. Beane's last game at Fenway was the 17-inning marathon against the Baltimore Orioles last Sunday.

Beane had a rich, booming voice that enveloped 4 Yawkey Way. Before getting the gig at Fenway, Beane was a radio announcer at WBZ Radio in Boston. Here's a short interview Beane did last year prior to a Cape Cod League game. During the interview, Beane was asked how much longer he expected to continue to be the Red Sox PA announcer. He replied, "I can do this until I'm on the other side of the grass." Sadly, that day came too soon.

UPDATE: The Sox will pay tribute to Beane tonight in a pre-game ceremony and by keeping the PA microphone silent during the game.