Courtesy San Francisco Examiner

(March 9, 2009) Last Monday was a great day for local flamethrower KNBR (680 AM). The station celebrated the 25th anniversary of “The Razor,” Ralph Barbieri, broadcasting at the station. When you come to think of it, this is quite a feat.

How many people do you know that have been at the same job in any walk of life for a quarter of a century? Not many, that’s for sure.

The media world is very unstable because program directors and producers are always changing, and with that turnover comes a change of format, especially on radio. But Ralph has survived and blossomed during his tenure.

The amount of respect he commands was obvious by the quality of people that called in to the show Monday to wish him the best.

From Steve Young to Billy Beane, from Larry Baer to Brent Jones, the list of Bay Area celebrities that participated was endless.

The broadcast group of the Giants — Kruk, Kuip, Jon Miller and Dave Flemming — all chimed in with kind words. But the ultimate compliment came from Mayor Gavin Newsom, who took the time to go to the KNBR studio and sit and visit on air with Ralph and partner Tom Tolbert.

Now, I know Newsom also did this for political reasons, because of the vast audience the show commands, but at least he was there. I thought he had a good dialogue with Ralph and Tom about the future of the 49ers’ new digs, among other things. Gavin Newsom is one slick dude!

About 12 years ago, KNBR boss man Tony Salvadore and then-program director Bob Agnew decided to add the outspoken, but entertaining Tolbert to the mix by adding him as Ralph’s partner.

I’m sure there were skeptics at the time, but if nothing else, it has blossomed. “The Razor” is still a great interviewer who will always give his unbiased opinion on any subject matter. Tom is more the hip-hop generation, bringing a great mix of sports knowledge, gambling opinions and modern-day views. This is why the ratings are so high and this show is a must-listen. Not every listener is in love with Barbieri, but every listener wants to hear what he has to say. Remember this guy was the voice of the public in getting the Giants to build a new ballpark. I think that worked out pretty well!

Here is a hearty congratulations to Ralph for sitting in the same chair for 25 years. His raspy voice is easily recognized and has become a Bay Area fixture. The legendary Herb Caen is credited with giving him the nickname of “The Razor.” After graduating from Mills High School, Ralph attended USF and earned a degree in political science. That degree has obviously assisted him in his interview techniques and his extensive vocabulary. After a few jobs here and there, Ralph joined KNBR in 1984 and later became the permanent host of “Sportsphone 68” in 1989. Tolbert came aboard in 1996.

Ralph was very classy on Monday, modestly sharing his success with Tolbert and station VP-GM Salvadore. Mr. Salvadore chimed in from Palm Springs while humorously discussing his golf game. Ralph made a great point, while talking to Tony, about the stability of KNBR which has allowed the format to basically stay the same.

P.S. — Hey, Ralph, I hope all the grammar and spelling in this article is correct. I was a P.E. major!