THE NOISE OF SUMMER

New York Post ^ | May 2, 2004 | Phil Mushnick

[TBP]

May 2, 2004 -- CURT Smith, author of "Voices of the Game" and chronicler of all that binds baseball to broadcasting, had a frightening thought. "What if the next Vin Scully is out there and no one will hire him? What if he can't find work because his audition tape isn't loaded with screaming and shtick and hyperbole? Look at it this way: When's the last time 'SportsCenter' chose to replay a classy, dignified call of a team announcer's call?"

[TBP]

God, how I miss Red Barber!

[codyjacksmom]

Don't ya' miss the good ol' days when every announcer wasn't trying to get his play by plays noticed by Sports Center? I do...

[Bobby Chang]

Agreed. I don't want a guy wearing a matching sweater and slacks, holding a megaphone, hoisting a girl high in the air (a cheerleader) in that radio booth. I'd rather have a mild-mannered modest gentleman in that booth calling the games. They have to keep you at attention and call each play fairly. Sense is needed in the booth. Partisanship is NOT permitted in the press box. That's one of the biggest concerns I have when I hear certain broadcasters doing games in the booth.

I yearn for the days of mild-mannered regular play by play men who know to be calm and remember they are not the show, the game IS the show. Describe it in a civilised manner.