Sports Radio Meatball Callers

I can honestly say that I love my job and there is pretty much nothing else I could see myself doing in life.  I have a job that allows me to express humor, sarcasm, be arrogant at times, as well as giving me the opportunity/blessing to watch sports even more intentley. 

With that said, I am an associate producer for various sports talk shows.

As there are many perks to this job and I look forward to coming in whenever I am scheduled but my goodness, some fans just do not get it. 

I hate to be someone that claims to know more than anyone else because in all honesty I do not.  I understand that sports radio relies as much on callers and listeners as anything in order to succeed. 

However, as there is with any kind of talk radio, whether it be news, entertainment, or music talk, there are some people that have no business calling in.  Here are five ways to make sure you do not turn into "that guy" next time you call in:

1. Don't Give Your Credentials
I'm not talking about what your profession is, I'm talking about why you claim can be considered logical. 

You are calling, that makes what you have to say worthy. I nor anyone else do not care to know you have owned season tickets for ages. These callers don't immediately make their points.

Instead they let all the listeners know they have held season tickets for 12 years and based solely on that fact their opinion matters more than anyone elses.  Hearing the "I've been a fan since I was nine" is a great sign a dumb point is likely coming.

2.  Love with Over the Hill Players
It doesn't matter what city you are in or what station you are listening to. All stations have these fans that will defend a vet who is batting .179 in September to their death. 

These callers usually start with a: "You are out of your mind in your judging of _____________" or something along those lines.  For the majority, a caller who begins a conversation that way is going to be a tough one to stomach.

3.  Insane Trade Proposals
I hate it, but I don't have a night of work where this does not happen, no matter which of the four major sports is the center of focus. 

An example would be the baseball fans across the nation are convinced Brian Roberts will be traded in the middle of April to their favorite club.  Just because these your team may be interested in the leadoff man doesn't mean he's coming.

Please think rationally and realize the Orioles are playing very good baseball and not even considering moving their second baseman anytime soon.

4.  Made Up Caller Names
Anytime I, along with the majority of people, hear "Sports Guru" or "Wise One" when referring to who a caller identifies themselves as I want to close my ears. 

Why the dislike?  Because nine out of 10 times the caller is going to say something absurd and likely wait far too long before making their point.  In my book you have to earn a nickname.  If a host begins calling you "Wild Andy" or the "Boy Wonder" then feel free to use that name. 

If you are giving yourself a nickname though just quit because it only makes you sound illogical.

5.  Passion
I am not entirely positive, but I am fairly sure there is nothing that makes me want stick my hand in a meat grinder more than when callers talk about the passion of their team's players. 

Don't bring this up. Just because a player doesn't have a smile on his face doesn't mean they are a team cancer.  Just because an injured quarterback is laughing on the sideline when his team is trailing early in the first half of a game doesn't mean he wants his team to lose.

Get out of here, don't talk about someone lacking passion or how important their passion is if you want to be considered a smart caller.  This also works the other way with people thinking .230 hitters are great because they dive for fly balls and run into fences.  Get over your passion and extreme heart comments, please!

The next time you call into a sports radio talk show remember these five pointers.  If you follow them I promise you will automatically be viewed as a wiser caller.