Standout voices by sport as broadcasting begins its second century; To another 100 years!

IN HONOR OF THE INCOMPARABLE VIN SCULLY, AMERICA’S ALL-TIME BEST PLAY-BY-PLAYER, (1950-2016)
BROOKLYN AND LOS ANGELES DODGERS, MLB ON NBC TV, MLB ON CBS RADIO AND THE NFL ON CBS TV
A HUMBLE MAN WHO WROTE THE BOOK – THE TRUE FATHER OF PLAY-BY-PLAY
RECOGNIZING OTHER TV STANDOUTS BY SPORT OT OVERALL!
Best analyst – John Madden
Boxing – Don Dunphy
College football – Keith Jackson
College basketball – Dick Enberg
Golf -Jim Nantz
MLB – Vin Scully
NBA – Marv Albert
NHL- Dan Kelly
NFL – Al Michaels
Olympics – Jim McKay
Studio – Bob Costas
Tennis – Dick Enberg
THE BEST OF BROADCASTING’S FIRST CENTURY, local and national
BEST 100 LOCAL VOICES
George Blaha–Detroit Pistons Radio/ TV, Mich State – Rooter, fair, fifth decade, tired
Mark Boyle– Indiana Pacers Radio – Sooth delivery, never hurried
Lyell Bremser–Nebraska football — Four decades of mostly good years, no longer
Marty Brennaman–Reds– Owned Cincinnati. Not afraid to express his views
Jack Brickhouse–Cubs, Bears + — Likely the most popular sports voice ever in the Windy City
Kevin Calabro–Seattle/Portland NBA — Galvanizing voice, Midwest roots, wears team colors
Bill Campbell–Warriors, Eagles Phils — Did everything in town except collect the tolls
Skip Caray–Braves, Hawks — A sardonic grin and trenchant comments
Harry Caray–Cards, Cubs + — One of baseball’s great voices, Can sell anything on-air
Herb Carneal–Twins — Soft spoken, Did his job quietly for decades
Joe Castiglione–Red Sox– When Joe is on and there is a breeze, Fenway can’t be far away
Gary Cohen–Mets — His command of the mic is redolent of the Ivy schools
Jerry Coleman –Padres + Known for his puzzling malaprops and his heroic combat missions
Jack Corrigan –Rockies – TV in Cleveland to radio in Denver, He’s built his people capital
Gene Deckerhoff–TB Bucs, Fl. State – Throaty and a we or they guy. Always honest
Jim Donovan –Cle Brown – Puts his heart into broadcasts, Still, downright honest
Eddie Doucette–Milw Bucs – Alcindor, the ’71 championship and a host of catchy cliches
Jimmy Dudley–Indians, Pilots – Eloquent and respected except by his antagonistic partner
Jim Durham–Chi Bulls, Dal Mavs – Right up there among the NBA’s better radio talent
Woody Durham–UNC Football and basketball – Absolutely admired by Heels fans
Wes Durham – Atl Falcons – Southern drawl and never overbearing – from radio to TV easily
Bob Elson–Chi ‘Sox – The Commander. If you couldn’t find him, check out the wagering houses
Max Falkenstein–Kansas U- KU through and through, 60 years on-air. “A deliberate foul shooter”
Don Fischer–Indiana U – 50+ years, accurate, well oiled machine and moments with Bob Knight
Jack Fleming–WVU, Steelers, Bulls – Big in the hills and three years with NBA’s Bulls
Walt Frazier–NY Knicks — It’s a Ewing doing and Oak’s got the stroke; He’s smiling either way
Hilliard Gates–IU, Ft. Wayne Pistons – As popular in Indiana as they come
Marty Glickman–Knicks, Football Giants – Wrote the book for basketball and superb at football
Eli Gold–Alabama Football – The Alabama voice told me his favorite today is Kevin Harlan
Mike Gorman–Boston Celts TV – Smooth, identified with the Celts and ESPN’s early ABig East years
Milo Hamilton–Houston Astros Full of smoke, strong voice and memorable calls
Merle Harmon–Milw, Tx, NY Jets – Upbeat and resonating, “Joe Willie looks and throws”
Tom Harmon–USC Football – Yesteryear, athlete, actor and play-by-player
Hawk Harrelson–Chi W/Sox- Like Dizzy Dean, he brings his own language and charm to work
Ernie Harwell–Det, Bal, NY, Bklyn – A warm blanket and a soft breeze
Chick Hearn–LA Lakers – Stylized and unique. Jerry West: Like putting a baby in the cradle
Bill Hillgrove–Steelers, Pitt –Pittsburghers love their own and Bill’s been one forever
Dan Hoard–Bengals, UC – Living his dream, UC football, the Bengals and maybe MLB one day
Russ Hodges–NY/SF Giants – Shot heard ’round the world. Say no more
Steve Holman–Atl Hawks – Disciple of Johnny Most, unabashed rooter. Yes, loves what he does
Waite Hoyt–Cincy Reds – Superstitious, storyteller galore. Listeners hoped for rain delays
Pat Hughes–Chi Cubs – Has the pipes, clips his words like a pro, doesn’t miss a thing on the field
Hot-Rod-Hundley–N.O./Utah Jazz – Best ever, ex-NBAer to call games, especially simulcasts
Ernie Johnson Sr.–Atl Braves – A gentleman, son Ernie Junior, a chip off the old block
Chuck Kaiton–Hartford./Carolina, NHL Paints colorful pictures and enunciates names perfectly
Harry Kalas–Phl Phils- Slow, dry, sepulchral. Doesn’t overfill the mic. Words are precious
Michael Kay–Yanks TV – Doesn’t hold back on his talk show or as Yankee TV play-by-player
Paul Keels –Ohio State – Right from the diaphragm -never forgets the score and time left
Les Keiter–NY Giants/Knicks + – Riveting, creative and a mesmerizing delivery
Mike Keith–Tenn Titans- A native. Arrival of the Titans in Nashville was his well deserved gift
Bill King–A’s, Warriors, Raiders: Any sport and a renaissance man are unsurpassed
Wayne Larrivee –Chi, G. Bay, NFL + He explodes with energy and enthusiasm every game
Ralph Lawler–LA, SD Clippers+ The Clippers’ years of losing never tempered his anticipation
Cawood Ledford–Kentucky F/B – Everyne in Kentucky knew his name. Just say Cawood
Ted Leitner–SD Padres – It took time to embrace a Bronxite but he became a fixture
Josh Lewin–Various-MLB, Ftbl + Inexplicably bounced around. He’s on border of brilliance
Denny Matthews–KC Royals – Started with the team its first year – It’s been 53 seasons
Al McCoy–Phoenix Suns – Longest tenured NBA team announcer. It’s his 50th and he’s wonderful
Jiggs McDonald –NY Isles, NHL+ – Started with the LA Kings’ first year in ’67 and on to fame
Arch McDonald –NY Yanks, Was Senators – Through the war and a little more, big in DC
Van Miller–Buf Bills – His Scott Norwood call was heartbreaking and picture perfect
Bob Miller–LA Kings – Grew up loving the NHL. Started as a simulcaster before radio/TV split.
Monte Moore–UK, KC/Oak A’s – Out-survived owner Charles Finley, covered 3 WS on NBC
Johnny Most–Boston Celts – Out of Marty Glickman school, became an iconic Boston voice
Larry Munson–Georgia, Falcons – Throaty, gripping: “The fans are roaring, the stadium rocking”
Bob Murphy–NY Mets “When he hits them, they go” or “We’ll be back with the happy recap”
Andy Musser–Phl 76ers, Phils – Hoops were more his thing, but not bad on baseball
Eric Nadel–Texas Rangers – From Brooklyn with love, a lifelong fan of baseball on radio
Dave Niehaus–Sea Mariners + Got his lessons, sitting near Dick Enberg on Angels
Greg Papa–Raiders, 49ers + Followed the great Bill King and was liked immediately. It says tons
Gene Peterson–Hou Rockets – Still missed, How sweet it is!
Lloyd Pettit–Chi B/Hawks + “Here comes number 9, Bobby Hull, a shot and a goal!”
Bob Prince–Pit Pirates – “Bucs down one. All we need is a bloop and a blast”
Merrill Reese–Phl Eagles- At 79, his passion hasn’t waned. Sounded the same 44 years ago
Eric Reid –Mia Heat – New Yorker by way of Providence, has become a South Florida institution.
Phil Rizzuto–NY Yanks – Yankee fans miss him. Brought a neighborly warmth to the booth.
John Rooney –St. L Cards, W/Sox – Rarely gets attention, yet he is good and dependable
Howie Rose–NY Rangers, Mets – Mets fan as a kid, loved Bob Murphy and admired Marv Albert
Sam Rosen–NY Rangers – “It’s a power play goal! Rosen a NYC kid did the NFL on Fox too”
Spencer Ross–NY-Yanks, Jets, Nets +- Great diction and speed, an original ABA voice in ’67.
By Saam–Phl A’s, Phils – He went back to the days when the A’s and Phils both played in Philly
Gil Santos–NE Pats, Celts – For many years, he did the Pats and the Celtics on TV
Bill Schonely –Port Trail Blazers – Original voice of the Blazers, after doing MLB’s Sea Pilots.
Brad Sham–Cowboys, Tx Rangers – Probably the best known play-by-player in Texas
Gib Shanley–Cle Browns – An institution in Cleveland, Browns plus nighttime TV sports anchor.
Mike Shannon–St. L. Cards – Fifty plus year calling Cardinals baseball
Lon Simmons–SFG, 49ers, A’s – Superb at baseball and football. Worked with Hodges on Giants.
Dewayne Staats –Tampa Rays – Another dulcet toned play-by-player who gets into nobody’s way
John Sterling–NY Yanks, Isles- Fundamentally questionable, still polarizing, 33 years on the job
Chuck Swirsky –Chi Bulls – A steady in the Windy City, Excels on hoops for the Bulls
Joe Tait–Cle Cavs, Indians- Best NBA play-by-player ever and talented on baseball
Chuck Thompson–Bal O’s/Colts – Dulcet toned on baseball, fierce but gentle on football
Gary Thorne–NY Mets, Balt O’s – Mr. Excitement and a former attorney on top of it.
Kern Tips–SW Conf – No TV years, S/W Conference teams relied on radio only, Tips dominated
Bob Uecker–Milw Brewers- Uke took broadcasting seriously and he’s still real good at it at 87
Bob Ufer–Michigan football – Bob lived and died Micheegan Saturday after Saturday
John Ward–Tenn football – Must have done well. When he retired, donated million$ to the school
Bill White–NY Yanks – Made history becoming first fulltime Black play-by-player any sport
Bob Wilson–Boston Bruins – Had the timbre and the call that goes with it.
Jim Zabel –Iowa F/B – 48 year voice, on WHO, station where Ronald Reagan once worked
BEST 100 NATIONAL VOICES
Troy Aikman--Fox-NFL – Always on his game. Chuckles with Joe, a perfect partner
Marv Albert--NBC-NBA – Stylized, Did both NBA and NHL finals
Kenny Albert–Fox-NFL – A workhorse, always there and dependable
Mel Allen–NBC-MLB – A pioneer, the envy of any budding broadcaster in the 50s
Red Barber–CBS, NBC – A bit odd off-air, gave baseball its radio geography and early TV rhythm
Charles Barkley –Turner-NBA – Made everyday humor accepting on TV
Chris Berman–ESPN – Went from offbeat studio man to a repetitive and tired clown
Terry Bradshaw–Fox-NFL – He’s about saying little, and finding the next camera to park his face
Tim Brando–CBS-Fox – One of the very best, equally excellent calling big games or in studio
Mike Breen–ESPN – Bang is not yes, yet the younger generation believes it is. Good for him
Tom Brookshier–CBS – He and Summerall enjoyed a drink before and after games. During?
Hubie Brown–Various – Disciplined and professorial. Great teacher of the game
James Brown–CBS Sports – The perfect gentleman. They don’t come better
Frank Broyles–ABC – A Keith Jackson staple in the 70s
Jack Buck –Fox – Different from Joe, The world changed. Jack spoke his mind
Joe Buck –CBS – In an economy of language, he shares material info
Doris Burke–ESPN – Tough not to appreciate where she is, but she’s no Hubie Brown
Mary Carillo--NBC – If tennis were more popular, Mary would dominate the set
Bud Collins–NBC- Bud and Enberg were must watched TV on NBC. Rest in peace
Cris Collinsworth–NBC-NFL – That giddy delivery will never depress viewers
Lee Corso–ESPN – TV has kept the man alive. GameDay without Corso? Tough sledding
Howard-Cosell–ABC – Fiery personality. Impromptu and brilliantly extemporaneous
Bob Costas–NBC – He’s blessed. Best ever mix of play-by-player, orator and interviewer
Don Criqui–CBS-NBC – That big voice reminds Americans of so many fall Sundays
Dizzy Dean–CBS- Owned baseball on TV in the 1950s, terrible grammar excused
Dan Dierdorf--ABC-CBS- Intelligence made him a commentator on MNF with Al Michaels
Don Dunphy--ABC – When boxing was fashionable, Dunphy was a TV personality
Ian Eagle-CBS — A Marv Albert disciple and son Noah right behind both of them
Rich Eisen–NFLN – From Staten Island, Northwestern, sportswriter onto ESPN and NFL Network
Mike Emrick–NBC-NHL – Eloquent, a deep dictionary and an unrestrained passion for the NHL
Dick Enberg–NBC-CBS – A storyteller sprinkled broadcasts with gripping human interest angles
Roy Firestone–ESPN – Miss him. A magical ability to get the best to relax and tell their stories
Joe Garagiola--NBC-MLB – Joe deferred to Vin on Kirk’s night. Never a better moment
Frank Gifford–ABC-NFL – Arledge gambled, dropped Jackson for Frank. Miscast? Maybe
Curt Gowdy--NBC – Dominated play-by-play in late 60s and 70s. Best at hoops, he said
Greg Gumbel–CBS –Taciturn, reserved and unimposing. Excellent in studio, okay on game call
Bryant Gumbel –NBC- More gutsy than his older brother. Took command in-studio on pre/post
Tom Hammond--NBC – A star who was underused. Think more NFL, NBA and track
Kevin Harlan–CBS-Turner – Has the timbre and emotional investment into every game
Ted Husing--CBS Radio Network – A pioneer, football was his game. Touched Brickhouse, plus
Keith Jackson--ABC – Best college footballer. Sonorous, never shrill. Saturdays meant Keith
Ernie Johnson Jr–Turner – Simple! Barkley, Shaq and Kenny trio wouldn’t work without him
Charlie Jones–NBC -Husky and syrupy, NFL Sundays meant Jones was calling a game somewhere
Dan Kelly--CBS- I’m in Kelly camp, followed by Tim Ryan and Doc Emrick among NHL top three
Suzy Kolber–ESPN – The Philly lady works tirelessly and it’s why she’s risen through the ranks
Tony Kubek–NBC-MLB – No analytics. Give us the fundamentals and nothing too complicated
Steve Levy–ESPN – Three in a booth requires mental timekeeping. Levy makes it look easy
Verne Lundquist–CBS-Turner – Who’ll ever forget those belly laughs? An old-school listen
John Madden–CBS+ – When he surfaced in the late ’70s, the NFL on TV took a funny turn
Paul Maguire–NBC-ESPN – Her liked working with Marv most. A wisecrack turned into banter
Clem McCarthy--NBC Radio Network. Did ’38 Schmeling-Louis, 75% of U.S. listened, No TV yet
Tim McCarver–Various – Cocky and never wrong. Still, survived NBC, ABC, CBS an Fox
Sean McDonough–Various – Silver-tongued with the command of a drill sergeant – Superb
Jim McKay–ABC – “They’re all gone” and “The thrill of victory….,” Jim in perpetuity
Graham McNamee–NBC Radio-Pioneer, no one to follow, Still, MLB, Rose Bowls and the ring
Barry Melrose–ESPN-NHL – A funny man with a chuckling partner. NHL needs him on ESPN
Curt Menefee -Fox – Confident, keeps the room in check, despite egos, like Bradshaw, Long
Don Meredith--ABC- “Turn out the lights the party is over.” Those were fun Mondays
Al Michaels–ABC-NBC – Friend Curt Smith might say, “the cynosure of NFLcasts.” 36 years plus
Jon Miller–ESPN – Why the Bristolites didn’t renew him is as mysterious as Allen, Prince, plus
Joe Morgan–ESPN – Many were critical of him. If I’m Fox, I’d trade dull Smoltz for Joe anytime
Brent Musburger–CBS-ESPN – Reared in rugged Montana, has edge and won’t go down easily
Jim Nantz--CBS – His sturdy voice is inflected with a token touch of firmness, no matter the event
Lindsey Nelson–CBS-NBC -Known for gaudy jackets, college football, NFL and 17 years with Mets
Brad Nessler–CBS-ESPN Soft spoken, a complete pro, right on it
Pat O’Brien–CBS – He dressed the part on the sidelines. Showtime’s Magic, Riley and Hollywood
Merlin Olsen –NBC – There are those who say that Enberg and Olsen were the NFL’s best TV duo
Shaquille O’Neal –Turner -A bear of a man with a heart equally as big
Billy Packer–CBS -Contrarian, enjoyed engaging in polemics, and for decades a Final Four fixture
Dave Pasch–ESPN – If he can handle Walton’s need for attention, he gets an A for the rest
Van Patrick–Mutual – Wonderful delivery, remembered for his years with Tigers, Lions and ND
Mike Patrick–ESPN – Immediately identifiable, rhythmic, in command, should still be on-air
Bill Raftery--CBS-Fox -From ESPN to Fox and #1 on CBS, UCLA open in a 2-3 zone
Ahmad-Rashad--NBC – His relationship with Jordan’s camp made the GOAT easier to access
Tony Romo–CBS – Stormed onto scene. Is he remembered more for his analysis or $17M per?
Tim Ryan–CBS-NBC – Native Canadian can do anything well, from the NHL to tennis and the NFL
Craig Sager–Turner – His interviews and flashy jackets, part of the panoply. See Pop
Lisa Salters–ESPN – Ear and eye for news, played sports at Penn State, comes and goes quietly
Chris Schenkel –CBS-ABC – His mix: An emollient voice, adequate prep and an average delivery
Jon Sciambi--ESPN – Simply different in an unvarying world of baseball broadcasters
Ray Scott--CBS – Got $800 to do Super Bowls in the late 60s. Never used an agent. Should have
Dan Shulman--ESPN – Baseball, yes. Hoops became his thing too. Why not? He’s Canadian.
Phil Simms–CBS – He wasn’t funny and never flew off the handle. But I guess it wasn’t enough
Jim Simpson–NBC-ESPN – The World is a storehouse of wonderful things – always – upbeat
Kenny Smith–Turner – Irreverent Chuck and unpredictable Shaq needy straight man Kenny
Bill Stern–NBC Radio Network- The truth didn’t matter as long as it was entertaining
Dick Stockton–CBS-Fox – No shtick, no patented phrases, just straight forward play-by-play
Hannah Storm--ESPN, NBC – Can’t be better prepared. Pregnant twice while covering Jordan
Hank-Stram–CBS – One of the better analysts on both TV and radio’s Monday Night Football
Pat Summerall–CBS-Fox – In retrospect, he made it big, despite a vapid and empty presentation
Michelle Tafoya–NBC: She: “The distinction between men and women in media is old and tired”
Sam Taub–NBC Radio – Gave the fight game its language on radio when boxing was huge
Mike Tirico— NBC Sports – An iota or two above average, yet dependable at most he does
Bob Trumpy–NBC – Sustained his hoarse voice for years; No mistake who was behind the mic
Matt Vasgersian--ESPN – Just as he was warming up at ESPN, he was inexplicably gone
Lesley Visser–CBS – A spirited pioneer who broke down walls peacefully and others followed
Dick Vitale–ESPN – Will always be remembered for his generosity and popularizing the game
Jack Whitaker–CBS-ABC- Poetic and extemporaneous, saw events from a different perspective
Bob Wischusen –ESPN – In this homogenous announcing world, he puts his heart into the mic
Harry Wismer–Dumont – First NFL broadcaster, Did early title games on network TV
Is anybody arguing yet? What great lists.