The IronDog Chronicles

 

What an article by Frank Deford!…Yesterday’s SI.com had a special treat for lovers of local announcers.

Deford waxes poetically of his days listening to Chuck Thompson, who was the Orioles’ announcer for years, and he’s right on with mentioning the Brooklyn/LA Dodger legend Vin Scully, but what I love about this article is that Deford taps into the love of listening to descriptions of a game that we can not sometimes see or witness first-hand. 

Here’s my best announcer list…

Vin Scully - Los Angeles Dodgers

Bob Costas - NBC Baseball/NBA on NBC/HBO Sports

Jon Miller - San Francisco Giants

Tim McCarver - Fox Sports

Jim Nantz - CBS Sports

Mike Patrick - ESPN

Billy Packer - Jefferson Pilot/CBS Sports

John McEnroe - HBO/NBC

A lot of people hate announcers that aren’t “homers”, but that’s what I believe makes a great announcer.  The ability to call a game not only honestly and effectively, but also the ability to not get “caught up in a moment.” 

I grew up listening to a wide range of announcers, and the list contains some heavyweights.  Jack Brickhouse, Harry Caray, Marty Brennaman, who I really didn’t like too much, Mike Patrick and Billy Packer.  So, my standards are high.  I’m glad to see that Deford introduced one of the best parts of sports to debate.  “Who is your favorite voice?”

Back, Back, back…

BD