By Mike Steffanos March 6, 2021
I've been debating with myself on whether to write this post at all since Thursday's game against the Nationals was broadcast by ESPN. I'll admit right at the top that I'm not a fan of either ESPN or FOX baseball broadcasts. Mets fans are lucky because we've been spoiled over the years with our team's exceptional tv and radio broadcasts. From when I first tuned in a Mets game on WOR in 1969 to SNY's coverage over the last few years, I've always felt that the game was always front and center. Bob Murphy, Ralph Kiner, Gary Cohen, Howie Rose, or any of the others calling a game, it was obvious that they saw their job as facilitating a fan's enjoyment of the game. The game itself was always the star of the show.
While there was plenty of humor and lively discussions, these things were always secondary to the game being played on the field. For instance, one of the things I enjoyed most about Ralph Kiner was his terrific stories from a lifetime in the game. Ralph had a million of them, but he would share these anecdotes around that day's game he was calling, never over it.
Tim McCarver may have drawn some criticism his last few years with FOX, but he really was a breath of fresh air when calling Mets games. McCarver, in his prime, was brilliant in being able to interject his own unique take on the game, even criticizing Manager Davey Johnson at times but avoiding stepping on the game itself. I think that's part of the reason those over-the-top FOX broadcasts with McCarver and Joe Buck used to irritate me so very much — I just knew that they could do better. The irritating cacophony that often threatened to drown out the game itself was considered by FOX to be a feature, not a bug.
When I was young, baseball was still considered America's game. If you hear somebody referring to it that way these days, you can rest assured that they're doing it ironically. As I mentioned yesterday, changes to the game over recent decades have created long gaps between moments of on-the-field action. As the public's attention span seemingly grows shorter and shorter, there is concern among the networks that baseball is becoming more boring. That's not a good combination for attracting eyes to commercials, the primary goals of these networks.
I've watched uncomfortably in recent years as networks like ESPN and FOX increasingly rely on gimmicks to "spice up" their baseball telecasts. It's gotten to the point now where I get the feeling that these folks don't have much love or even respect for the game of baseball. I watched with dismay a couple of seasons ago when Pete Alonso hit his rookie record-setting home run during a FOX broadcast with one of their lesser announcing teams calling the game. The announcers were actually doing one of those obnoxious in-game interviews with the immortal Adam Duvall when the home run was hit. Having a guy at the plate with a chance to break an all-time record wasn't reason enough to table that garbage for a single batter.
I had a love/hate relationship when McCarver was calling Mets games. His personality was engaging and he had great knowledge of the game but often came across as if he was a divine entity that the Mets should revere for his prescience. For that reason he bugged me almost as much.
ReplyDeleteI heartily agree about Ralph Kiner doing color, and his stories were a great part of that. However, his partners were what made him shine in that role. Lindsey Nelson (even with his loud sportcoats) and Bob Murphy knew how to call a game. Then the color person was there to add baseball history and playing knowledge. They were there as professional announcers and excelled at it.
The faux outrage was too much. People love to hate bc they want others to play attention to them. If that was the worst part of your week you are blessed. Appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that ESPN does a disservice to the game the way they present it. Mostly I avoid them, but, like you, I'm missed baseball and wanted a look-see at some of the players.
ReplyDeleteOoops, forgot to sign the above comment.
ReplyDeleteJimmy
Reese, I felt the same about McCarver sometimes, but I appreciated him because he would speak his mind at a time when that wasn't something common in broadcasting.
ReplyDeleteRichard, I usually ignore it when you feel the need to leave a dickish comment because that seems to be your thing, but accusing me of faux outrage was out of line. I assure you it wasn't fake, nor was it outrage. I greatly dislike how ESPN and FOX televise games. What bothers me more is that I have no other option to watch a game that they pick up. Their coverage takes something away from me that I really value, and I felt like I wanted to write something to express my opinion.
ReplyDeleteIf you can't disagree with someone without a personal insult or mischaracterizing the point they're making then what does that say about your week?
Jimmy, that's exactly the way I felt, and the point I wanted to make. I was even prepared to put up with some nonsense, but going full-on with the BS at the very beginning of the game was just ridiculous
ReplyDelete