One of the most amazing stories in sports broadcasting appears as if it is about to end.

Barry Jackson writes in the Miami Herald that Jack Ramsey, 88, will miss the rest of the playoffs to undergo a medical treatment.

Ramsay, 88, declined to discuss the nature of his medical condition. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999 and received treatment, several years ago, for melanomas “all over my body.”

Ramsay said Thursday that the looming treatment will prevent him from working the remainder of the NBA playoffs, including The Finals, for ESPN Radio. He had been scheduled to announce Game 3 of the Heat-Bulls series on Friday. And he said he’s not planning to do broadcast work next season, barring a change of heart.

“I’m going back to Naples and will start the treatment on Monday there,” Ramsay said by phone Thursday. “I have a specific time period where I must have this and cannot do it if I’m traveling around. I’ll miss doing the broadcasts.”

Of his spirits, he said, “I’m fine. I’ve been through all this many times.”

Earlier this year, Dr. Jack said he intended to retire after the season. From Jackson:

“I’m not enjoying it like I used to, and travel is difficult,” he said. “Before this season, I did the games mostly with Jim Durham, and then he passed away after the first game this season.

“I enjoyed working with him, which is why I extended my [stay with ESPN]. I will miss the association with the players and coaches. It has been a great ride.” 

Indeed, it has. It staggers my mind that a man in his late 80s could withstand the grind of calling all those games, let alone the travel that comes with it. Dr. Jack did it at such a high level.

When you look at his work as a coach and then as a broadcaster, well, it is quite a combination of quantity and quality.

Thanks, Dr. Jack, and be well.