I would put Curt Gowdy at the top of your list. And add Joe Morgan.
WHAT?!
I, um, er... :: deep breath :: respectfully disagree.
Morgan did last year's World Series on radio for ESPN and offered up this little gem about Rangers' manager Ron Washington.
"He likes to get his pitchers to fake a bunt and swing away with runners on. He does this all the time."
Unmentioned is that Washington manages an American League team so hit pitchers are only asked to bat 2-3 series a year when they are playing in National League parks. Then you have to question how often the pitchers are up there in a bunting situation with which to fake a buntto begin with.
Morgan's co-hort Jon Miller left the comment unchallenged.
Not long afterwards, ESPN announced that Miller and Morgan would not be back for another season on Sunday Night Baseball, which they had worked for almost two decades.
Although only vague reasons were given for the change, those in the blogosphere openly wondered if Morgan's comment and Miller's indifference to it had something to do with the change.
I can’t comment about Joe Morgan’s announcing ability, however I do have story showing how much he is loved as a player. About 19 or 20 years ago I was at Riverfront for a Sunday night ballgame. The game was being called by Morgan and Jon Miller.
Between innings they ran some video of Reds greats of the past including footage of Joe Morgan. Suddenly the crowd started to applaud, and it turned into a standing ovation that lasted until he stood up and waved to the crowd.
I remember this thickly accented immigrant behind me pointing at the radio booth and telling his kids “That’s Joe Morgan!”.