Shame on the Networks

Now that we've reached the Championship Series in each league, the networks take over for both TV and radio broadcasts.

Baseball has long been known for great local announcers ... from Mel Allen for the Yanks, Red Barber for Brooklyn, Harry Caray for the Cardinals and later the Cubs, Bob Prince for the Pirates .... the list goes on and on. Players come and go, but it's the continuity of the broadcasters that helps you develop a relationship and affection for your team.

It just so happens that this year, the NLCS teams have two of the greatest broadcasters ever.

Since 1971, Harry Kalas has been the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies. Besides his deep voice that you may recognize from his NFL Films work and many commercials, he's coined many catchy sayings over the years that have endeared him to Phillies fans. The team itself has named a restaurant at their ballpark in his honor.

And then there is the legend. For 59 years, yep... 59, Vin Scully has been the voice and the face of the Dodger franchise. He called games in Brooklyn, and has been in LA as long as the Dodgers have. He was voted Sportscaster of the 20th Century. He was named Dodger of the 20th Century, yet never threw a pitch, scored a run, or even donned a uniform. I've written enough about my affection towards him that I won't repeat it here.

My point is that it's such a shame that these legends will be spectators next week. They know their teams intimately. They have the unique perspective that nobody else does. The Phils and Dodgers battled it out several times in some great playoffs during the late 70's, and both were there for it all.

It's probably all about money and contracts, like everything else these days. But, why not do something for the good of the game, for the benefit of the fans. How great would it be for Dodger fans to hear Kalas' great voice ... to hear his unique perspective. Older Phils fans know Vin from the 80's when he was the voice of NBC's Game of the Week, but wouldn't a newer, younger group get a kick out of his knowledge?

Baseball is about history and tradition ... If you're reading ESPN and Fox, let these legends be a part of it!