Clarence Vernon 'Jim' Woolridge

Achievements:

• Cricket Commentator: Bermuda Broadcasting Company (1965-1984), VSB (1984-2012)

• Nicknamed: "The Voice of Summer" for his extensive coverage of County games and Cup Match

• Legacy: Pioneer of full-day cricket coverage in Bermuda

Biography:

Clarence Vernon 'Jim' Woolridge, affectionately known as "Jum," is a figure who truly embodies the spirit of Flatts, Bermuda. Born and raised in this close-knit community, Woolridge has always regarded Flatts as "one of the most attractive parts" of Bermuda.

He attended The Berkeley Institute, where he excelled in track and field and played midfield for the football team. Woolridge often said, "Cricket is the finest character-building sport of all. If you can adopt and master the game of cricket, you are ready for life."

While he played cricket and captained 'The Mighty Flatts,' his most significant contribution to the sport came as a cricket commentator. Woolridge began his commentary career in 1965 with the Bermuda Broadcasting Company. Over the years, he earned the well-deserved moniker "The Voice of Summer" due to his extensive coverage of County games and Cup Match. He said, "It is quite an attractive name and something that stuck. I still get called that in the supermarket."

Woolridge revolutionized cricket broadcasting in Bermuda by advocating for full-day coverage of Cup Match and County games. Before his influence, Cup Match was only broadcast for two hours a day. His first radio partner was Ronnie Evans, and he later shared the microphone with Bunkers Bean, Laurie Pearman, and Sean Tucker.

In his book The House That Jack Built, Woolridge wrote, "Doing a live commentary is not as easy and simple as it may seem. You have no script, as every action is instantaneous. There are times when the game is a little slow, and you are obliged to keep it interesting for the radio audience. Naturally, you have to measure your words continuously because you cannot take back again what has been said - it is all live."

His legacy is cherished by those who were unable to attend games, whether they were at work, in the hospital, or confined to their homes. In 1984, Woolridge moved his cricket broadcasts to VSB, a tradition he carried on through 2012.

Sean Tucker remarked, "He is a larger-than-life person - he is a legend. I can't think of anyone in the broadcast category in Bermuda more deserving than Jum to be in the Sports Hall of Fame."

Legacy:

Clarence Vernon 'Jim' Woolridge's contributions to cricket and broadcasting have left an indelible mark on Bermuda's sports history. His pioneering efforts in providing comprehensive cricket coverage have made the game accessible to countless fans who couldn't attend in person. As "The Voice of Summer," Woolridge's passionate and insightful commentary brought the excitement and nuances of cricket to life for listeners, cementing his place as a beloved figure in Bermuda's sports community. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring commentators and sports enthusiasts across the island.