Berry Tramel was born in Norman and is a lifelong sports fan and newspaper reader. He entered the newspaper business at the age of 17 at The Norman Transcript. He Joined The Oklahoman in 1991 and has served as beat writer, assistant sports editor, sports editor, and columnist. He is heard five days a week as a guest commentator on WWLS Radio in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Tramel and his wife, Tricia, live in Norman near their daughter, son-in-law, and three granddaughters.