I love baseball in the radio and I consume a lot of it.
During the playoffs, I’ll be pulling for the teams in the following order based on how much I like their radio broadcasts:
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS: Nobody calls a better game than long-time Guardians radio man Tom Hamilton.
There is a reason he was this year’s Ford Frick winner.
Tom is so good I’ve been known to listen to the Guardians feed when they play my White Sox.
What I wouldn’t give to hear Tom call a Guardians World Series winner.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS: The job Jeff Levering, Lane Grindle and Josh Maurer are doing this season in the wake of Bob Uecker’s passing has been nothing short of admirable.
This trio is enthusiastic and knowledgeable and — in the spirit of Uecker — really funny.
SEATTLE MARINERS: Southsider Rick Rizzs is Seattle’s version of Tom Hamilton.
I am pulling for a Mariners grand slam in the playoffs so I can hear Rizzs’ trademark “Grandma, get out the rye bread and mustard, it is grand salami time!” like it’s never been delivered before.
DETROIT TIGERS: Dan Dickerson is just so good.
The 25-year veteran is poised and informative and really easy on the ears.
If TV were part of this list, of course, the great Jason Benetti, who just completed his second season with Detroit, would be at the top of the list.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS: Rick Monday is more than just a great voice.
Behind the dulcet tones of the flag-saving first ever draft pick is a no nonsense old school first-class analyst.
Tim Neverett, his partner, is excellent at prompting Monday. As for Neverett’s play-by-play skills, the fact that I still tune in despite the absence of the ailing Charlie Steiner should tell you all you need to know.
CHICAGO CUBS: I know, I know, it’s the Cubs and listening to Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer get all excited is maddening BUT …
Hughes is a Hall-of-Famer and his knowledge of the game and recall is impressive. Having worked with Uecker in Milwaukee, Hughes knows how to work humor into a broadcast which he does with impeccable timing.
CINCINNATI REDS: My go-to for straightforward analysis is “The Cowboy,” Jeff Brantley.
SAN DIEGO PADRES: It’s worth tuning in to the Padres just to hear Tony Gwynn Jr.
Not only is he an excellent analyst, he sounds just like his Dad!
If I had written this four years ago, the Padres would be at or near the top of this list because of legendary play-by-play man Ted Leitner.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES: Larry Andersen is a personal favorite and one of the most colorful analysts around.
Unfortunately his airtime will be limited at least at the outset of the postseason. The 72-year old former slider specialist will only work home games in the National League Division Series.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS: The best thing about Blue Jays radio is the way they incorporate the sound of the home environment into the broadcasts.
Hearing the public address announcer introduce the batter during the broadcasts really makes you feel like you are at the Rogers Centre.
BOSTON RED SOX: These broadcasts haven’t been the same since Joe Castiglione retired though I do love me some Sean McDonough.
NEW YORK YANKEES: It’s always good to hear Dave Sims even if it is for the hated Yankees.