There are certain writers one reads that have that unique style of projecting their opinions or feelings into words in an article or column. The same can be said about television play-by-play and color commentary voices for sports games on TV and on the radio.
Vin Scully, the long-time Dodger announcer, sounds like he's 95-years old. Joe Morgan and John Miller's laid-back and friendly voices make Sunday Night Baseball easy to listen to, and Bill Walton's verbiage and ability to pick favorites over the course of an NBA game is hilarious.
Anytime I go to a game, the first people I look for are the commentators, especially if it's nationally televised.
From college football sideline reporter Erin Andrews (Marry Me?) to NBA color man Hubie Brown, I've seen some of the best looking and creative play-by-play people of my time.
Any time one listens to ex-coach Brown, this is what he/she needs to listen for:
"Yeah, I like Delonte West. He'll get you the 8-12 points and the 4-6 assists but he also has the ability to hit the outside shots."
Duane Kiper, who works for Bay Area Fox Sports Net, is more known for the Barry Bonds' homerun calls than he is for anything else.(He hits it hiiiiiiigh, heeeee hits it deeeeeeeeeep). This ability to have a voice thaat the fan picks up instantly as that person's is what makes someone either a top analyst or terrible one.
Kevin Harlan of TNT has the best voice in professional sports. Case Closed. End of discussion.
With an emphasis on big plays, Harlan can turn even the most pathetic game into a showcase of beautifully constructed comparisons and over-exaggerations for any fan to enjoy. His work in the NBA Playoffs has been otherworldly.
In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal between the Cavaliers and Celtics, Harlan had one of the greatest calls in the history of the civilized world, although it is very under appreciated.
As LeBron James dunked on the Boston Celtics roster, fans, and front office staff late in the game, Harlan's use of the English language was a sound that could be heard throughout the free world.
"Here goes LeBron...OH! LeBron James with no regard for human life!!"
What human life has to do do with that dunk is not for certain, but the ability for Harlan to reach into the holster and pull out that legendary gem of a call is what makes for great TV and commentary.
Harlan's other in-game regular calls on made jumpers include: "Right beeeetweeen theee eyes!" "He is on FIRE!"
So, listen who you listen to sports fans of America. I'm listening to Kevin Harlan. Why? Because I have no regard for human life!!
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about 1 month ago
Right betweeen the eyes!
I actually think Mike Breen is the best play-by-play man going but Harlan is terrific. He's especially good because he's a natural football guy who comes across as having basketball be his natural sport. Contrast this with Dick Stockton who also works TNT games and comes across as a bumbling alien.
It also helps that Harlan has a really knowledgeable color guy like Doug Collins who's style contrasts Harlan's. Harlan can get very theatrical and Collins is very even-keel. Still, the two have great chemistry working together.
Great article!
from about 1 month ago
erick, i see your argument about breen. the "bang" call is legendary and is so regularly used he has it down to an exact science.
about 1 month ago
Yeah I really like Harlan, and his Right Between the Eyes call is gold.
about 1 month ago
sports fans, god bless all of you. may kevin harlan guide you to the promise land of verbs, adjectives, and pronouns.
from about 1 month ago
And let's not forget exclamations!!!
about 1 month ago
Love him for two reasons:
1. He's the son of former GB Packer CEO Bob Harlan; we cheeseheads like anything relating to the Pack.
2. He definitely has the voice that makes games interesting to watch/listen to. Almost up there with Gus Johnson in March. However, Harlan's magnificence doesn't show that much when he's doing Packer preseason games.
about 1 month ago
I actually listen to Kevin Harlan basketball games. That means something, by the way, because I'm not the biggest NBA fan in the world. But you're right, Mike, he's one of the best. Personally, I'm a big Mike Patrick fan (although he's a college basketball/college football guy).
about 1 month ago
"Fisher....for threeeee.....YES! Derrick Fisher is a flamethrower!" haha that's one of my favorite calls he makes. I am so glad he is the commentator for NBA 2K8 although I haven't heard a "right beeetweeen the eyes call just yet". Another great announcer is Marv Albert. He and Kevin Harlan are the two of the best things about the NBA. "Shaquille O'Neal, dropping the sledgehammer!" haha love it.
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