Chuck Swirsky vs. Matt Devlin: Who's Your Favourite Toronto Raptors Announcer?

The Toronto Raptors have had a total of five different TV play-by-play announcers beginning with John Saunders and Dan Shulman in 1995. As is the case for many different teams, different play-by-play guys are on different networks and television stations.

It was not until 2001 that the Raptors had one play-by-play announcer that called every game regardless of the channel.

That man was the beloved Chuck Swirsky.

Chuck galvanized the viewers with his excitement and catch phrases. However, after seven great seasons in Toronto (2001-2008) and becoming a Canadian citizen in 2008, Chuck left for Chicago to become the radio play-by-play announcer for the Bulls. Swirsky cited personal reasons related to his family as the reason for his departure.

Enter Matt Devlin, seasoned veteran and former play-by-play man of both the Memphis Grizzlies and the Charlotte Bobcats. Devlin has been doing play-by-play work for a long time and has even worked on the NFL on FOX, Major League Baseball on FOX and the Big Ten Network. Devlin also served as the Wrestling play-by-play announcer in the 2008 Olympics.

Matt Devlin, as one of the most respected play-by-play men in the league, has served as the play-by-play announcer for NBA Playoff games on major networks in the past couple of seasons(all while the Raptors did not make the playoffs).

Both Chuck and Matt have their followings. At this point in time it is tough to gauge the love for either. Why you ask? Well, Chuck had been with the Raptors for seven seasons, while Devlin has only been here for three.

Moreover, in the last couple of years, the Raptors have not been as competitive as they were during the Swirsky days when Vince Carter was hitting buzzer beaters in the playoffs and the Raptors won a division title. So by default, Swirsky gets the advantage.

However, I believe that this is a good comparison because you are choosing between two completely different announcing styles, two completely different looking announcers and one that focuses on catch phrases, gimmicks and energy while the other is cool handed and poised.

I believe Chuck kind of looks like a really happy alien while Matt looks like your prototypical 45-year-old man.

So I ask you, who is your guy?

I will get the ball rolling, I personally fall into the Swirsky camp. That pea-headed jovial announcer always brings excitement to the games and I do in fact enjoy the catch phrases "Salami & Cheese" and "Onions, baby, onions."

Now let us hear what you have to say.