August 4, 200520 yr http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/20...-overview_x.htm Announcing baseball's all-stars in the broadcast booth By Steve Gardner and Jeff Zillgitt, USATODAY.com Once upon a time, the crack of the bat was difficult to distinguish from the crackle of static over a tabletop AM radio. Yet baseball fans still tuned in daily to hear their favorite announcers chronicle the exploits of their team. Time and television have altered fans' habits over the last several decades, but with major league games available online at MLB.com and — for the first time this year — on XM satellite radio, local announcing teams are enjoying somewhat of a renaissance. Vin Scully has been the definitive radio voice of the Dodgers ever since the team moved to Los Angeles in 1958. By Paul Connors, AP With the playoff races heating up, USATODAY.com sampled the announcing teams for each of the 30 major league clubs to get an idea of what listeners can expect when they tune in. The concept of ranking announcers is not a new one. Author Curt Smith compiles a list of the top 100 baseball broadcasters of all time in his new book, Voices of Summer. Classic moments in the game's rich history have often been crystallized in fans' memories by a great call in the booth. Indeed, Hall of Famers such as Vin Scully, Mel Allen, Ernie Harwell, Jack Buck and Red Barber (Smith's top 5) are all closely identified with particular games or plays they've brought to life over the airwaves. Even now, history is being made on the diamond. And the voices of this summer are there to chronicle it on the air, over the Internet and on satellite radio. To help identify the strengths and weaknesses of each team, we've broken down our ratings into three categories: The Technical rating evaluates the nuts and bolts of the broadcast, such as how often the score is mentioned and how accurately the game is described. The Fan rating evaluates the excitement and uniqueness the announcers bring to the broadcast, as well as their ability to connect with their audience. The Entertainment rating evaluates how well the announcers interact, the fun they have in the booth and the stories they tell, among other things. Finally, the ratings that follow are based on the announcing teams. Some teams have defined roles, others share the responsibilities. Some teams have members flip over to television during the game. The ratings are the sum of all the parts. As with any rating system, the scores are subjective and are certain to draw both praise and criticism. That's perfectly fine ... in fact, you'll have an opportunity to express your opinions about the announcers and their ratings. We'll also take a look back at some of the great announcers of the past and relive some of their magic moments. So pull up a chair ... it's air time. To see the rankings, click the link.
August 4, 200520 yr QUOTE(Brian @ Aug 3, 2005 -> 07:44 PM) Did you guys know we almost had Griffey? Did you know Frank Thomas is out with an injury? He's likely out for the year according to Bruce Levine. We all know he has the news first on the Chicago White Sox.
August 4, 200520 yr QUOTE(KevHead0881 @ Aug 3, 2005 -> 10:32 PM) Can Ross Gload play 3rd? Gload plays a deep first/third base. All the way into Charlotte. /yes I know he's left-handed and can't play 3rd.
August 4, 200520 yr I don't listen to Rooney and Farmer to often because I'm usually either at the games or watching the games but when I do they're a joy to listen to.
August 4, 200520 yr I don't listen to Rooney and Farmer to often because I'm usually either at the games or watching the games but when I do they're a joy to listen to. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ever think to watch the game and listen to Rooney and Farm..instead of Hawk..
August 4, 200520 yr QUOTE(AnthraxFan93 @ Aug 4, 2005 -> 01:24 PM) Ever think to watch the game and listen to Rooney and Farm..instead of Hawk.. I try to do that sometimes... Like, when ESPN or Fox Sports Detroit has the game, but the delay between the radio and the TV is annoying.
August 4, 200520 yr QUOTE(knightni @ Aug 4, 2005 -> 12:25 PM) I try to do that sometimes... Like, when ESPN or Fox Sports Detroit has the game, but the delay between the radio and the TV is annoying. ^^ I hate that. It drives me nuts to be hearing what is happen about two seconds before I see it.
August 4, 200520 yr QUOTE(AnthraxFan93 @ Aug 4, 2005 -> 06:17 AM) Did the Sox resign Maggs Yet? 9 White Sox players might have taken money to throw the World Series!
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