D.J. Sixsmith
Sports Editor
The best part of watching sports game on TV is the announcers who call the game.
Passion, excitement and delivery are all the keys to keeping fans tuned in as only the best broadcasters can turn a game that is out of reach into a thrilling experience. Having started a broadcasting career of my own, I have looked for inspiration from the professionals in order to make my broadcasts even better. Here are the five individuals that have had the biggest impact on my announcing.
1. Gus Johnson
I first fell in love with the over the top and out of this world broadcasting of Johnson while he was doing a TV broadcast of the Knicks Nuggets game. His incredible call of Jamal Crawford’s buzzer beater displayed the power emotion has in enhancing the broadcast. Gus has become the face of March Madness for his calls that leave him gasping for air and jumping for joy. He has also made a name for himself this year with his call of Brandon Stokley’s thrilling TD catch to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Here are my favorite clips of Gus.
2. Marv Albert
Marv has been the voice of the NBA for the past two decades as his great feel for the game and creative lingo have propelled him into the elite group of broadcasters. While his routine may be seen as tired and dry to some, I still find listening to him exciting as his ability to maintain a conversational tone throughout the broadcast makes you want to continue to listen. Here are some of Marv’s classic moments
3. Mike “Doc” Emrick
While hockey may be one of the least popular sports in the United States, it has provided me with major inspiration as the NHL has one of the best broadcasters in Doc Emrick. The old timer has a knack for excitement as his creativity and smooth pace make for great entertainment. Doc has quickly become the voice of the Stanley Cup Finals on Versus and deservingly so as his style invites fan into the arena. Below you will find some of Doc’s classic calls.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpfaYX11cm0&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOghOAmb0f4&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa2AnzAM79c&feature=related
4. Vin Scully
He has been the voice of the Dodgers for 60 long years yet he remains one of the best broadcasters in the business today. Vin Scully has defined what it takes to be a successful broadcaster as his smooth voice and excellent ability to paint the picture is the reason why he has remained around for so long. He has been one of the biggest influences on my broadcasting career as Scully has showed me how powerful the use of crowd noise can be. Less is more with Vin Scully as he has called some of the greatest games in MLB history. Here is a taste of his illustrious career:
5. Sean McDonough
One of the most exciting games of last year’s college basketball season was the six-overtime thriller at Madison Square Garden between UCONN and Syracuse of the Big East Championship. By the end of the game the players for both teams had nothing left in the tank. Can you imagine broadcasting this game? That was the job of Sean McDonough as he has established himself as one of the most underrated broadcasters in the business today. Working for ESPN he broadcasts college basketball and football for the World Wide Leader in Sports. McDonough finds his success through the passion he delivers in each broadcast as his emotions keep viewers interested and entertained. Here are some of the highlights of his work:
All of these sportscasters have helped me in establishing my own style as broadcaster. Each of the men listed above has been able to make it all the way to the professional level because they are able make even the most boring games exciting. These are just a few of the greats in the business today and the ones that have had the most profound impact on me. Thanks guys for the motivation you have provided me.