Comments on: Announcers and Bias

By: Stephanie Liscio

Stephanie Liscio — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:14:25 +0000

The blackouts drive me nuts. Here’s a weird blackout scenario – I was in Las Vegas and the Indians were in Anaheim. Even though it’s four hours away, it’s still up for blackout rules since it’s the closest team. What was so weird was that I could watch the game on my computer in the hotel room…I wasn’t blacked out from that. Yet when I went to watch on my phone when I was out and about, I was blacked out.

By: thirdsaint

thirdsaint — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:43:00 +0000

I’m unfortunate enough to have to deal with the White Sox crew often since I live near Chicago. Unfortunately, despite my buying MLBtv to watch my Tribe, I’ll be blacked out from listening to the Cleveland crew. The mute button is naturally worn out and my best friend. If it ever broke I think I’d cry. Those Sox announcers are so unbelievable putrid it’s not even funny.

By: nikki

nikki — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:59:09 +0000

Glad I’m not the only one who mutes the White Sox announcers! Unless the Indians are winning that particular game, and then, I find sick pleasure in Harrelson’s bitter tone.

By: Swift

Swift — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 23:14:29 +0000

Actually, I’m quite fine with some bias for local broadcasts, and honestly wouldn’t want to hear Tom Hamilton get as excited for visiting team homeruns. As long as they are fair and point out when “our” team does something bad, and the visitors do something really good.

National broadcasts are a completely different thing.

By: Chris Burnham

Chris Burnham — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 21:51:48 +0000

Yeah, I ended up stuck with all three of their games last year in the interleague series. Bob Walk should be called “Sleep-Walk.”

By: Stephanie Liscio

Stephanie Liscio — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 01:18:32 +0000

I think one sin is when announcers are painfully boring. I like the Pittsburgh Pirates, despite their 20+ years of futility. There are times when I watch their broadcast, and it almost lulls me to sleep. There are long, awkward periods of dead air, and then some monotone, bland comments. I joke that they should prescribe that to people rather than Ambien.

By: Mike Vernon

Mike Vernon — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 18:41:10 +0000

It’s always enjoyable to watch the Indians on a national broadcast to see what the world thinks of our team but I want my local broadcaster to be biased. They’re a part of the team in my eyes and that’s why we love them.

By: medfest

medfest — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 18:28:23 +0000

The Hawk has been the biggest homer for years.

This study validates my utter disdain for Underwood.Not only is he a homer, he’s a third class broadcaster constantly making mistakes and stumbling over names.
What passes for Underwood’s witty repartee reminds me of listening to kids talking on a little league bench during a game.
When Al Pawlowski fills in for Underwood it’s a breath of fresh air time.

Manning has become much more critical in recent years,after spending a long time being Mike (the players’ apologist) Hegan junior.

Hamilton is a real pro that sometimes lets his personal feelings intrude on the broadcast.He really hates some umpires and makes no attempt to hide it(as noted by another respondent). And woe be the Cleveland fan that boos Jim Thome,that will set him off every time.

By: joey

joey — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 07:13:21 +0000

you can put it on the board…i call bull crap!manning does a fine job of being neutral… hawk is the biggest homer,other than the mlb network,espn,and the yes network…(red sox,yanks)now this year watch out for the dodgers guys,cuz actually the mlb owns them,so they will be the big homers from now on!i do like scully tho.

By: Chris Burnham

Chris Burnham — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 07:02:00 +0000

I must admit, I’m not surprised concerning Underwood, who always seemed a bit too much of a cheerleader for my tastes. But I always thought Archie was the one who kinda reined Matt in.

Every time I end up with a White Sox telecast on Extra Innings, I have to fight serious temptation to not mute the game. Otherwise, I like hearing the other teams announcers that we don’t get to listen to much. Believe it or not, one of my favorite pairings was Texas’ Josh Lewen (I don’t think I spelled that right, but it’s too late to bother) and Tom Grieve. They had a neat rapport with each other with humorous little anecdotes that made them a fun listen.

Speaking for me in Jays country, Buck Martinez and Pat Tabler aren’t overtly homerish, because I’m not even sure they’re alive when they’re on the air. Rogers Corporation has all this money and they can’t get these guys some Red Bull or something? Sheesh.