Leaf announcer's era ends

By JOE WARMINGTON -- Toronto Sun After 1,585 consecutive games at the microphone, it's a day Paul Morris hoped would never come.
But for the 61-year-old legendary voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, that day is today and his consecutive streak is over.
For the first time in 38 years the public address announcer with the distinctive and low-key voice will not be behind the mike to announce the lineup for tonight's season opener.
Instead, a new era begins with Talk 640/Q107 personality Andy Frost, 43, at the helm.
"Nothing goes on forever," Morris said in an interview. "It's new management ... they've got their own people and they don't want you."

FINISHED SEASON
When the Leafs moved over to the Air Canada Centre late last season Morris went, too, and finished out the season. But the contract offer to continue just wasn't worth his while.
At $300 a game "after taxes and expenses it meant about $7,000 or $8,000 for the season. It isn't worth it," said Morris.

NOT OFFERED
At the Gardens, he worked as the sound engineer, thus earning a full-time salary for a variety of duties. But that wasn't offered in the new building and the writing was on the wall.
Morris, however, will be in the Air Canada Centre tonight for a "small presentation" by the Leafs and isn't sure how he'll react.
"It would have been different if it had been at the Gardens, I think," he said of not being there in a working capacity.
"I imagine I will be inside," he said of being choked up. "I often feel it but don't show it."
The big question is what happens to Morris after tonight? Will he come back to see the Leafs as a regular fan?
"I don't know, I'll have to see if I can afford it," he said.

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