Terry Smith began his radio broadcast of the Los Angeles Angels\u2019 spring training game Wednesday with an unusual \u2014 and heartfelt \u2014 greeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel extremely fortunate to be on the air with you,\u201d Smith said, via Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register<\/a>. \u201cThis was a harrowing experience for me and my family, but I am ready to go and give it a test today. A lot of things have happened to me and my family over the last 72 hours and I\u2019m extremely happy to be with you for today\u2019s broadcast.\u201d<\/p>\n MORE: ESPN\u2019s Scott Van Pelt shares candid reaction to NBC hiring Jason Benetti<\/a><\/p>\n According to Fletcher<\/a>, Smith\u2019s car was rear-ended on a local street Saturday by another driver who had been traveling as fast as 90 mph after being pursued by local police. <\/p>\n Smith emerged from the wreck with only a thumb injury. But, according to Fletcher<\/a>, the first officer to arrive at the accident scene told the 70-year-old broadcaster that he was \u201clucky to be alive.\u201d<\/p>\n The 2026 season marks Smith\u2019s 24th season with the Angels. He joined the team in 2002 after serving as the radio voice of the New York Yankees Triple-A affiliate Columbus Clippers for 19 seasons.<\/p>\n Smith was recognized three times by the Ohio Associated Press for his sportscasts and WBNS AM was named the Outstanding Sports Operation in Ohio six times by the Associated Press.<\/p>\n In February 2002, Smith made his on-screen debut as a broadcaster in the baseball movie A Little Inside, which aired on HBO and Showtime.<\/p>\n \u2014 Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead <\/a>\u2014<\/p>\n NFL: 5 most overrated NFL free agents hitting the market in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n MLB: What drug did Jurickson Profar take? MLB announces PED use<\/a><\/p>\n SPORTS MEDIA: Stephen A. Smith bashes underwhelming NBA star as \u2018food addict\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n VIRAL: NBC delivers epic nostalgia with \u2018Throwback Tuesday\u2019 NBA broadcast<\/a><\/p>\n WORLD CUP: Will Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup? Donald Trump weighs in<\/a><\/p>\n