Keep it Posi: Best Announcers, Non-Mets Division

by Matthew Callan on Mar 10, 2011 12:00 PM EST

I'm sure you'll agree there's enough negativity surrounding the Mets. Not that some (or even most) is undeserved, but this is just baseball we're talking about, right? It's supposed to be fun! So let's think positive for once. Just like this guy.

In the spirit of spring training and for the benefit of my mental well-being, I am going to make an effort to think good thoughts, both about the Mets and the sport in general.

I've griped about terrible baseball announcers on this site and elsewhere plenty of times, and there's no shortage of bad ones to choose from. Then again, as Mets fans, we're all spoiled by having the best TV crew in the whole sport to listen to for 162 games a year. Plus, on the radio side, we get Howie Rose, who's among the best at what he does. And Wayne Hagin, who...well, I'm sure Wayne is very nice man.

Let's not dwell on the bad guys. Let us celebrate the good ones. Of all the non-Mets announcers, which ones do you enjoy the most? I won't dictate what constitutes enjoyment, so if you genuinely like to listen to the antics of, say, John Sterling or Hawk Harrelson, that is your prerogative. Ideally, though, we're looking for announcers who bring a lot of knowledge to the table and are a genuine treat to listen to.

I have a few candidates, but I'd rather hear what readers have to say first. Who are the best non-Mets announcers? Comment away with your submissions, plus reasons why these guys are awesome. We'll present the most beloved candidates up for a vote next week.

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Vin Scully.

That is all.

"I bet you'd lobby her, you horny 15 year old!" -Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Double-Bobby-Jones/137806699125

metsguy234

by metsguy234 on Mar 10, 2011 12:01 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

This.

by MetsFan4Decades on Mar 10, 2011 1:20 PM EST up reply actions

Vin Scully

What Would Matt Szczur Do?

Fact on Villanova Sports

by Hoyadestroya85 on Mar 10, 2011 12:02 PM EST reply actions

Jerry Remy & Don Orsillo

Really enjoy listening to the Red Sox announcers, Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo. They are especially entertaining if the Sox are winning (or losing) by over 10 runs.. Very funny combo, and do a good job calling the game also.

by lseamans on Mar 10, 2011 12:04 PM EST reply actions

I grew up watching Red Sox games with Jerry and Don

And while they may be no GKR they are definitely knowledgeable and entertaining.

by SheoawnnGreen23 on Mar 10, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

Scully

The best in the business, bar none.

I also agree with lseamans that the Red Sox team is pretty good.

by dcmetsfan on Mar 10, 2011 12:17 PM EST reply actions

Bob Uecker

I rarely get to hear him, but he is entertaining.

"The Mets are gonna be amazin'!" - Casey Stengel
"Bounding and astounding!" - Clyde Frazier
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on Mar 10, 2011 12:18 PM EST reply actions

Bob Ueker

Announcing for a franchise with all intents and purposes who’s inception was inspired by beer and he’s also the voice of the Major League movie franchise to boot. Whats not to love?

"Intelligence is not a genetic predisposition. Think stupid!!"

by Wright of passage on Mar 10, 2011 12:19 PM EST reply actions

And he was on Mr. Belvedere

by The real Julio from Paterson on Mar 10, 2011 1:16 PM EST up reply actions

And the Major League trilogy.

Proud supporter of a New York baseball team and a Boston football team. Yeah, deal with it!

"We don’t listen to the hype. I don’t think we ever have. We really take after our coach and he says ‘When you win, say little. When you lose, say less.'"--Tom Brady

The 2011 New York Mets: At least we don't have Omar and Jerry anymore

by R_Adragna on Mar 10, 2011 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

Oh wait, that was already covered.

My bad!

Proud supporter of a New York baseball team and a Boston football team. Yeah, deal with it!

"We don’t listen to the hype. I don’t think we ever have. We really take after our coach and he says ‘When you win, say little. When you lose, say less.'"--Tom Brady

The 2011 New York Mets: At least we don't have Omar and Jerry anymore

by R_Adragna on Mar 10, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

What?

Tim McCarver, anybody?

by Dan VA on Mar 10, 2011 12:20 PM EST reply actions

15 years ago

What Would Matt Szczur Do?

Fact on Villanova Sports

by Hoyadestroya85 on Mar 10, 2011 12:26 PM EST up reply actions

25 years ago.

by LeiterMilnerFasterStronger on Mar 10, 2011 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

200 years ago

Mets 2010 slogan; "a whole new level of stupid you were unprepared for."

by scott from peekskill on Mar 10, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah

I don’t bother with sarcasm font. But I was watching Game 6 of the ’86 NLCS this past weekend, and he looks exactly the same as he does today. Equally bad calling hte game though.

by Dan VA on Mar 10, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions

Vin Scully is a given, but there are other good ones out there

Dan McLaughlin of the Cardinals is very good, and I also like the Giants and Twins broadcasters.

There is no hope.... there is no future....there is only GRISSIONZ

The 2011 Mets- Rock bottom: We haven't reached it yet

by Syler on Mar 10, 2011 12:21 PM EST reply actions

I've been an Extra Innings subscriber for 10 years

I’ve heard pretty much all the local TV guys. My favorites (off the top of my head) are Vin Scully (obviously) and Orsillo and Remy in Boston. Of the national guys, i’m partial to Boog Sciambi, who is not only a saber-friendly guy, but also went to my high school. And I know nobody wants to hear this, but Michael Kay is head and shoulders above a lot of the local TV guys around the country. The Yankee crew actually plays things pretty straight compared to some of the obvious homerism that goes on in most broadcast booths around the league. Seriously. I’d rather watch the YES broadcast of a Subway Series game than the telecast of ANY of our NL East rivals. I haven’t had as much exposure to the radio guys around the league, but a couple of standouts include Tom Hamilton in Cleveland and Joe Angel in Baltimore.

by xnumberoneson on Mar 10, 2011 12:26 PM EST reply actions

Michael Kay would be good

if he was not a total homer. His over the top bravado for Yankee players is ridiculous. While not as bad as Sterling, he pales in comparison to everyone else listed here.

Is he better than the local guys around the country, yes probably. But this is like saying oral surgery is better than a colonoscopy. The standard for announcers around MLB is quite horrible and being ranked amongst them is not a recommendation.

Mets 2010 slogan; "a whole new level of stupid you were unprepared for."

by scott from peekskill on Mar 10, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

Bob Uecker and Vin Scully

Loved Uecker since I first saw Major League and Sully, well, what really needs to be said?

"I reject your reality and substitute my own"
-Adam Savage

by blueandorange4life on Mar 10, 2011 12:27 PM EST reply actions

Walt Clyde Frazier

by Sokojoe on Mar 10, 2011 12:30 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

Stylin' and Profilin'!

"The Mets are gonna be amazin'!" - Casey Stengel
"Bounding and astounding!" - Clyde Frazier
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on Mar 10, 2011 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

Dishing and Swishing!

by LeiterMilnerFasterStronger on Mar 10, 2011 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Vote for Clyde....

Or you will pay for your transgressions….

by The real Julio from Paterson on Mar 10, 2011 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

Astounding with the Rebounding

I hate Philadelphia so much.

by the caveman on Mar 10, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Postin' and Toastin'!

"I reject your reality and substitute my own"
-Adam Savage

by blueandorange4life on Mar 10, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

The precocious neophyte is off to an auspicious start

by Sokojoe on Mar 10, 2011 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Swishin' and dishin' in transition!

I also like when a player is called for an offensive foul: “[Player name] called for driving under the influence.”

by CTRefJay on Mar 10, 2011 5:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I kind of wish Dickie V would do a Cyclones game now and again

I get pretty excited about our diaper dandies.

by Pack Bringley on Mar 10, 2011 12:32 PM EST reply actions

I like Sciambi.

Also, as far as TV goes, Kuiper/Krukow (SF) is tight.

I like what I’ve heard from Dan Shulman; my expectations are almost too high for the Hershiser/Valentine booth on SNB this year.

by LeiterMilnerFasterStronger on Mar 10, 2011 12:35 PM EST reply actions

that's the new team? Nice.

When I’ve seen Hershiser, he’s been really good.

by hotspur on Mar 10, 2011 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

Jim Brockmire

A true legend of the game
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/7d1f3b33e7/gamechangers-ep-3-a-legend-in-the-booth-with-hank-azaria

by The Apple on Mar 10, 2011 12:39 PM EST reply actions

I don't care what anybody says....

John Sterling truly is the most entertaining. All my boys are yankee fans and we speak in Johnibonics all day…. A ribby, for robbie, dahhhhhhhhh Yankees WIN!!!!

by The real Julio from Paterson on Mar 10, 2011 12:43 PM EST reply actions

Sterling would be tolerable as...

just a color guy on TV. My main problem is their radio team is entirely incapable of painting the word picture for you. Whenever I put a Yankees game on in the car I have no idea what is going on.

by The Apple on Mar 10, 2011 12:46 PM EST up reply actions

A pop it in the infield is called as a potential HR

It is high, It is Deep, it is caught by Pedroia in front of the mound!

by The real Julio from Paterson on Mar 10, 2011 12:57 PM EST up reply actions

Can only comment on TV guys

but lived in Boston area for many years and as many above have already noted I found the Remy/Orsillo team quite enjoyable. Gave up Extra Innings after ‘09 season but when I had it I found the Giants team of Kuiper/Krukow to be a great listen. I can’t recall their names but I also found the Cleveland Indians guys to be good. Prior to his passing I enjoyed Dave Niehaus in Seattle and I found his mates Mike Blowers and Dave Sims enjoyable. Scully of course in LA.

I hope the following qualifies as “keeping it positive” when I add that while I can’t truly say I enjoyed listening to the Astros TV guys they never offended or insulted me.

by Jay_What on Mar 10, 2011 12:46 PM EST reply actions

Scully is the best of all-time

The Giants’ booth is also very good. Krukow can match up to Ronnie any day.

"It’s like being in love with an alcoholic. It’s like, you constantly defend her, and people are like, ‘Dude, your alcoholic friend is a mess,’ and you’re like, ‘Nah, you don’t know her like I do."- Jim Breuer

by spaceboy761 on Mar 10, 2011 12:46 PM EST reply actions

When I was a kid...

I learned alot from Tim McCarver but now he comes off like a boring know it all sometimes and the Bob Gibson stories have worn thin.

by The real Julio from Paterson on Mar 10, 2011 12:55 PM EST reply actions

sigh This, unfortunately.

You know who was a surprisingly good guest announcer? Jon Lovitz. I heard him do three innings of a Cubs/Mets game back in 2009 in Wrigley. He was funny, he was entertaining, and he coined a new baseball term on the spot. (For those who care, a ‘flowel’ ball is a foul fly.)

by Curtis3331 on Mar 11, 2011 1:13 AM EST up reply actions

"And his name is DAAAAAN UGGGGGGLLLAAA!"

Let’s not dwell on the bad guys.

But they are so bad, even GKR were mocking them, and it sort of becomes a meme.

In lobby for: Jaime Cevallos, Zack Lutz, orange unis
The Unwritten Rules of AA

by Michkin on Mar 10, 2011 1:04 PM EST reply actions

do you do play by play for the Atlanta Braves?

no? Well your are automatically not horrible.

I hate Philadelphia so much.

by the caveman on Mar 10, 2011 1:40 PM EST reply actions

Jon Miller is one of my favorite play-by-play guys

I think he gets unfairly tainted by his association with Joe Morgan, I think he has a great broadcast voice and really knows how to call a good game.

I also like Orel Hersheiser and Harold Reynolds color commentary.

Lastly, Vin Scully is the best in the business, noone does a 1 man booth better.

by SoCal Metfan on Mar 10, 2011 1:48 PM EST reply actions

Jon Miller has done a LOT of heavy lifting for 20 years

Very underrated.

by spaceboy761 on Mar 10, 2011 1:50 PM EST up reply actions

Carlos

Bel——-TRON

Enjoying what may be the final season of two of my favorite Mets in Blue and Orange: Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran

by EMSfan9 on Mar 10, 2011 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

I like Orel Hersheiser. And Bob Costas.

Jon Miller made everything that happened sound like he was devastatingly surprised. “And he… popped to short?” I did not like him.

by Curtis3331 on Mar 11, 2011 1:19 AM EST up reply actions

Kruk & Kuip are great....

As is Orsillo and Rem Dawg. I know not many like him but I get a kick out of HAwk Harrelson and John Sterling as well. They may not be good nuts and bolts announcers but they are entertaining.

so far so good no one has mentioned Joe Buck as a fave

by SISHAMROCK on Mar 10, 2011 1:52 PM EST reply actions

Scully and Uecker are tops for me.

Gary Thorne is another great one. Especially in hockey with the call on Jason Arnott’s game winner in the Stanley Cup.

I know people will gripe on me for this, but I’ve always enjoyed hearing Harry Kalas’ voice. Loved everything except for whenever the Phils make a great play. Love him even better when he did work for NFL Films.

Overall, even though he doesn’t do baseball, Doc Emerick is the best all-around. He entertains and educates us at the same time. To me, the ideal announcer.

Proud supporter of a New York baseball team and a Boston football team. Yeah, deal with it!

"We don’t listen to the hype. I don’t think we ever have. We really take after our coach and he says ‘When you win, say little. When you lose, say less.'"--Tom Brady

The 2011 New York Mets: At least we don't have Omar and Jerry anymore

by R_Adragna on Mar 10, 2011 1:59 PM EST reply actions

Vin Scully, obviously

The guy from Seattle, Niehaus (Sp?), I liked. I’m not sure who the main TV guy is for the Orioles, but I like him too.

"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!"
Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.

AA Gamethread Embiggening Record Holder- 453 posts (10/03/10)

by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Mar 10, 2011 3:02 PM EST via mobile reply actions

That's Gary Thorne.

He also used to do the Mets games on WOR back in the ’90s. I remember getting the games down in South Jersey before ~~the Nazis~~ Comcast bought my old cable company out and decided to force-feed me this Phillie nonsense.

Proud supporter of a New York baseball team and a Boston football team. Yeah, deal with it!

"We don’t listen to the hype. I don’t think we ever have. We really take after our coach and he says ‘When you win, say little. When you lose, say less.'"--Tom Brady

The 2011 New York Mets: At least we don't have Omar and Jerry anymore

by R_Adragna on Mar 10, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions

Aha

I always though the voice wad really familiar, but I could never place it. I never really bothered to do too much research either, but…

"Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O! Wretched mortals, open your eyes!"
Gil Hodges IS a Hall of Famer.

AA Gamethread Embiggening Record Holder- 453 posts (10/03/10)

by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Mar 10, 2011 3:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Thorne was also in the radio booth with Murph

immediately before Gary Cohen (circa 85-87).

What's the score, boys?
What did Bugs Bunny do?
What's with the Carrot League baseball today?

by StorkFan on Mar 10, 2011 9:09 PM EST up reply actions

Looking up...

Goodbye!

What's the score, boys?
What did Bugs Bunny do?
What's with the Carrot League baseball today?

by StorkFan on Mar 10, 2011 9:10 PM EST up reply actions

Oh, I forgot about Thorne!

He does a nice job on the O’s telecasts on MASN. Of course I’ll never forget his “stunned disbelief” line at the end of game 6 of the 1986 World Series. He and Murph made a phenomenal radio team.

by xnumberoneson on Mar 10, 2011 3:44 PM EST reply actions

I'm a big Jon Sciambi fan

He does a great job on ESPN Radio’s Saturday games, frequently highlights saber concepts, & when he was on the radio hosting a show, he put the torch to RBIs & Runs Scored as being meaningful offensive stats, which made me smile.

Gary Thorne & Josh Lewin are awesome too.

What's that about?

by Brian. on Mar 10, 2011 4:05 PM EST reply actions