Older voices

Not all voices 80 or older are still effective, be it play-by-play or as analysts; Others are right on it!

Those aged 80 and still working on game broadcasts. If I missed a few my apologies:

How are they doing?

These octogenarians, aged 80 or older, are still going at it to some extent in number of events, reduced emotion perhaps, and inconsistent energy. (If I missed a few, my apologies. Happy to add or correct.)

Hubie Brown,89, worked for ESPN, Still as sharp as a fresh knife

Lee Corso, 88, this past week, under the assistance of Kirk Herbstreit, is part of the tapestry

Jacques Doucet, 83, longtimer in Canada, first in Montreal and later in Toronto

Gary Gerould, 83, developed a sufficient connection with fans in Sacramento

Ray Goss, 86, Started with D1 Duquesne in 1968, still replays all the losses in his head

Bill Hillgrove, 82, Steelers and U/Pitt football and basketball which says a lot

Johnny Holliday, 85, with a long history. Always a smile, Maryland Football and hoops

Dave Johnson, 82, One of the most respected horse race callers ever

Jimmy Johnson, 80, Ex-coach and still in studio as analyst for Fox/NFL

Jim Kaat, 84, Superb grasp of game and good storyteller, battled with Koufax in ’65 WS

Vern Lundquist, 83, Known for his football and hoops, is still on CBS Golf

Denny Matthews, 80, Original voice of KC Royals in ‘69, most senior in MLB, 55 seasons

Brent Musburger, 84, He’s always had an edge, setting him apart from his colleagues

Bill Raftery, 80, Combines humor, analytical depth and when to say it’s enough

Merrill Reese, 80, After Harry Kalas died and the Eagles won, Reese was Philly’s favorite

John Sterling, 85, has backers and critics. Bottom line is a survivor of 34 seasons

Bob Uecker, 89, Perhaps the funniest man in MLB; With the Brewers since 1971

Dick Vitale, 84, A progenitor at ESPN; He stimulated millions to follow college hoops.

 

 

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David J. Halberstam

David is a 40-year + industry veteran who served as play-by-play announcer for St. John's University basketball in New York and as radio play-by-play voice of the Miami Heat in South Florida. He is the author of Sports on New York Radio: A Play-by-Play History and The Fundamentals of Sports Media and Sponsorship Sales: Developing New Accounts.

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Michael Green
3 months ago

It’s interesting that with age, Denny Matthews’s voice has become more gravelly, and that makes him sound a little less excited or excitable. But from all I’ve heard, he’s still got it.

Uke … is incredible.