OT: American Sportscaster/play-by-play Mount Rushmore

Submitted by stephenrjking on

Prompted by the retirement of Brent Musburger, Mike Hall tweeted this:

 

Here's an impossible task: American Sportcaster Mount Rushmore. You only can put up 4. I think Brent's in there. Who ya got?

— Mike Hall (@BTNMikeHall) January 25, 2017

Someone in response pointed out that one needs to differentiate between "sportscaster" and "play-by-play" guy, which is probably wise.

It's not easy. I don't think Brent is there (he would make the college football mount, along with Keith, Verne, and... hard to narrow down a fourth. Maybe Joe Tess in a few years). 

Focusing on just play-by-play guys, I would list Al Michaels, Vin Scully, Howard Cosell, and Keith Jackson, even though I'm not a big fan of Cosell even granted the generational differences there.

Brent actually has a better case if you expand the field beyond play-by-play, because he was an iconic studio host for CBS for years. Cosell fares well there, too. Jim Nantz becomes a legit candidate, even though I don't like him, as do guys like Chris Fowler.

Who ya got?

Dylan

January 25th, 2017 at 4:53 PM ^

All I know is Keith Jackson's face better be 10 times bigger / higher than anyone else's you are putting on there. League of his own.

Blue Balls Afire

January 25th, 2017 at 4:57 PM ^

I know I'm in the minority, but I think Al Michaels is overrated.  He used to be great, but he gets a lot of calls wrong now.  He constantly misses what is obvious and has to go back and correct himself.  

As for Rushmore, add me to the Harwell, Tirico, Thorne bandwagon.  I also think Musberger back in the day was absolutely fantastic.  He made a big game seem like a BIG GAME.  He brought drama to the proceedings.

As for announcing in general, I loved Josh Lewin and Kirk Gibson doing Tigers games.  They really were like a couple of high school kids who were allowed to talk baseball, but Gibby also brought a lot of insight and Lewin was as professional as they come.  It was such a unique combo.  Every game was fun.

Hotel Putingrad

January 25th, 2017 at 8:48 PM ^

I listen to him every SNF AMD haven't noticed a drop-off in accuracy. Pacing perhaps, but I think he's more on point than Collinsworth. Regardless, the man is an icon. There are very few voices and personalities I would willingly spend a few hours with in this overhyped and oversaturated sports era, but Al Michaels calling a game is like hanging out with your best friend.

Blue Balls Afire

January 25th, 2017 at 9:02 PM ^

I think people overlook a lot, consciously or subconsiously, because of his well-deserved reputation.  I too watch SNF and that's how I came to my conclusion.  I wish there were more SNF games we could both watch.  Anyway, now that I think about it, I guess I still would put him in the pantheon of great announcers.  I just don't think he's as great as he once was anymore.  

Duke of Zhou

January 25th, 2017 at 5:17 PM ^

Some of my favorites in their respective roles include:
Steve Stone, Vin Scully, Dick Enberg, Brent Musberger, Bill Raftery, Vern Lundquist and Cliff Drysdale. I also think Rece Davis is a very good host.

PS Gary Thorne, Doc Emrick and Pat Foley.

NFG

January 25th, 2017 at 5:17 PM ^

Keith Jackson, Gary Thorne (NHL work was incredible), Harwell and Scully.

Al Michaels sounds like a mix btw Kermit the frog and Ray Romano.




Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Late Bluemer

January 25th, 2017 at 5:17 PM ^

Play by Play:  Pat Summerall (GOAT), Keith Jackson, Marv Albert (no one better at basketball), Al Michaels.  Had a hard time choosing between Scully and Albert for the last spot

Color commentator:  Howard Cosell, John Madden, Tim McCarver, Al McGuire (CBB is not the same without him)

Studio hosts:  Jim McKay, Brent Musberger, Chris Fowler, Don Cherry

mjv

January 25th, 2017 at 11:08 PM ^

Madden deserves more love than he is getting.  

By the end he was a caricature of himself, but he was the first one to explain the nuances of the game and what players were trying to accomplish on a given play to the audience.  He did more to educate the audience about the game than anyone before him and most after him.

He may not be Rushmore-worthy, but should have been mentioned sooner.

MadMatt

January 25th, 2017 at 5:25 PM ^

1) Keith Jackson
2) Ernie Harwell
3) Bob Uecker
4) Rowdy Gains

Most outlandish personalities:
1) Myron Cope
2) Johny Weir/Tara Lapinski (team award)
3) The racing sausages
4) Sonny Elliot (weather forcasting can be a sport)

Cdat33

January 25th, 2017 at 5:22 PM ^

Keith Jackson, Verne, and not sure on the 4th spot. I can tell you who isn't there....Tirico. Can't stand his voice and of everyone I've seen mentioned he sounds the fakest throughout the game. Plus he points out way too many useless stats. Can't stand him.

Zarniwoop

January 25th, 2017 at 5:27 PM ^

Kieth Jackson

Brent Musberger

Howard Cosell

Al Michaels

Runner Up: Jim McCay

 

Everyone else mentioned only did one sport. These guys were everywhere, did everything and were in many ways national cultural touchstones for decades.

M go Bru

January 25th, 2017 at 5:51 PM ^

Local Metro detroit:

Play-by-play 

Ernie Harwell (Tigers), Van Patrick (Lions), Bob Ufer / Frank Beckmann (UM), George Blaha (Pistons). Bruce Martin (Red Wings)

Analysts

George Kell (Tigers), Jim Brandstatter (Lions / UM), Sid Abel (Red Wings), 

 

National:

Play-by Play:

Keith Jackson (Football), Gus Johnson (Basketball), Vin Scully (Baseball), Foster Hewitt (Original Hockey Night in Canada; he created the phrase "He shoots, he scorrrres!")

Analysts:

Hank Stram (Football), Hubie Brown (Basketball), Joe Garagiola (Baseball)