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!

Dodgers marketing

Guy just showed up at my office from the Dodgers... wanted to sell tickets for the last stretch of the season. He was a Dodger employee so he was legit.

Dodgers are also giving an incentive to send in a deposit for 2009 season tix by not having any price increase.

Is it marketing, the economy, or both?

I know, I know.. I should have told the guy once they start beating the Washington Generals...er...Nationals of the world maybe his job would be easier.

Baseball Trivia

If you know me then you're probably surprised I went this long without a baseball post. Well, the wait is over my friends.

Trivia Time:

What team will have 4 Future Hall of Famers in uniform but none of them will be inducted wearing that team's uniform?

(Jeopardy music playing)

Answer: The 2008 Dodgers.

With the recent re-acquisition of one of my favorite players ever, Greg Maddux, they now will have Manny Ramirez, Jeff Kent, and Joe Torre joining Maddux, all future Hall of Famers, but none will go in wearing Dodger Blue.

Speaks to what baseball has become, which is sad.