Indians awful announcers

[Xman95]

I have already given several reasons why I think Tom Hamilton is not good, although I forgot to post about one of the most classless things I have ever heard from an announcer. After an umpire blew a call a week or so ago, Hamilton went on about a 5-minute rant on what an awful ump the guy was, he was only there because he crossed the the lines during the umpire strike, he was a scab, blah, blah, blah. I'm not saying announcers can't disagree with calls (and this one was pretty bad), but "Hammy" went on and on like a little girl that just had her dolly's head ripped off. The guy is a joke of an announcer and his inflated ego has given him the belief that his word is golden. He's an arse.

Speaking of, Matt Underwood is just as bad calling games. He mentioned during yesterday's Indians/Yankees game that the Yankees were taking advantage of the short porch in right after they hit two HR in the 4th inning. Um, Matt, when Damon's home run lands about 15-20 rows deep and Giambi's is a towering shot into the upper deck, they aren't "taking advantage of the short porch." Friggin' idiot.

But, unfortunately, people here in Cleveland have come to accept such hacks in the booth and now believe these guys are good, simply because they are broadcasting for the beloved Tribe. Oh well.

[Frank D.]

I personally like Tom Hamilton as an announcer, but I realize that some like him and some don't, so I'm not going to get into an argument with you.

As far as Matt Underwood, there are times that he is a bit boring, and I also question things he's said during games, but the example you gave from yesterday is not a good one. I don't know which Johnny Damon home run you were watching, but it looked like a lazy fly off the bat and it landed about 4-5 rows deep. And Giambi's was crushed, but it was down the line and sort of wrapped around the foul pole, so if the wall was deeper, it might have gone foul. I don't think he was way off base with his comments.

[Xman95]

I personally like Tom Hamilton as an announcer, but I realize that some like him and some don't, so I'm not going to get into an argument with you.

As far as Matt Underwood, there are times that he is a bit boring, and I also question things he's said during games, but the example you gave from yesterday is not a good one. I don't know which Johnny Damon home run you were watching, but it looked like a lazy fly off the bat and it landed about 4-5 rows deep. And Giambi's was crushed, but it was down the line and sort of wrapped around the foul pole, so if the wall was deeper, it might have gone foul. I don't think he was way off base with his comments.

The only one really thinking it might have gone foul was Byrd. And "hoping" is probably a better word than "thinking" in that case. Also, down the line at Yankee Stadium is 316 ft. Do you know what the RF line was at Municipal Stadium (Indians' old home)? 320 ft. I don't know what the Jacobs/Progressive/More Money Field is, but I don't think it's much more, if any. I'm tired of hearing about the short porch when balls would get out of any yard.

I thought Damon's went further into the stands. I realize he didn't think he got it and it seemed like a lazy fly ball, but if it did go 15-20 rows deep then it would have been out anywhere. Just because Damon didn't think he hit it well doesn't mean it was only a HR because of the short porch.

It's just something Cleveland baseball announcers do. They tend to lessen the accomplishments of the opponents while hyping up the Indians' feats. I have heard Hamilton and Manning both claim that an opposing team has had HR's because it was a fly ball that was aided by the wind blowing out, then, in the same game, claim an Indians player hit it well to the same area but the wind held it up and it didn't get out. Same spot, different result. Hmmm. I realize wind can shift, but those two have done it enough times that it's not likely the wind is always shifting.

They're bad. But Cleveland fans got attached to Hamilton because he was the announcer for the comeback years, Underwood because we were forced to watch him grow up on Ch.5, Manning because he was a fan favorite during his playing days. Herb Score was awful too, but at least he was entertaining. Our version of Harry Caray. Hegan is decent, but too many years next to Jack Corrigan ("the ball took a bad hop on the turf, it must have hit a seam") started to bring him down.

If only all announcers were as good as Ernie Harwell, Vin Scully, Michael Kay, etc.

[DC Muskie]

95-

I don't think you actually realize the dimensions of baseball parks. The RF of Yankees Stadium is the second shortest in baseball at 314. The average RF is around 227. Angles park is 330, while Safeco field is a whooping 347. So yes, that right field you are looking at, certainly helps left handed hitters, especially light left handed hitters, say like, Johnny Damon.

I don't mind Hamilton and Hegan. I didn't realize there were Indian fans who didn't like them.

[Frank D.]

It's just something Cleveland baseball announcers do. They tend to lessen the accomplishments of the opponents while hyping up the Indians' feats. I have heard Hamilton and Manning both claim that an opposing team has had HR's because it was a fly ball that was aided by the wind blowing out, then, in the same game, claim an Indians player hit it well to the same area but the wind held it up and it didn't get out. Same spot, different result. Hmmm. I realize wind can shift, but those two have done it enough times that it's not likely the wind is always shifting.

They're bad. But Cleveland fans got attached to Hamilton because he was the announcer for the comeback years, Underwood because we were forced to watch him grow up on Ch.5, Manning because he was a fan favorite during his playing days. Herb Score was awful too, but at least he was entertaining. Our version of Harry Caray. Hegan is decent, but too many years next to Jack Corrigan ("the ball took a bad hop on the turf, it must have hit a seam") started to bring him down.

If only all announcers were as good as Ernie Harwell, Vin Scully, Michael Kay, etc.

God forbid the announcers - who, mind you, are announcing to mainly Indians fans - actually show some bias towards the Indians. If you are announcing on a national scale, there is no place for outward bias, but I see no reason why local announcers cannot announce the game with a little fan in them. And there are many local announcers farrrrrrr more outwardly biased than these guys (Hawk Harrelson and Tommy Heinsohn come to mind first). I don't mind if a local guy just wants to call the game neutrally, but I certainly don't take offense to guys who do.

[vee4xu]

95 is obviously not a Tribe fan. But, be that as it may, I like Hammy. He is consistent and keeps the fans well informed. I heard that rant that 95 was talking about, but hey so what? The ump really screwed up that call and was lazy doing so. Last night Hammy heaped praise on the home plate umpire for calling a good game. So, at least he is balanced in his opinions. As for Underwood, Rick Manning keeps him afloat. Manning is candid, fair and knows the game. On the other hand I think Mike Hegan is a stiff. I have hoped for years that the Indians would replace him. On another note I have heard Marty be as critical as Hammy on of everything, including the Reds' players and managers.

[AdamtheFlyer]

I'll trade you George Grande, his man-love for Cardinals players, and cash considerations for Tom Hamilton.

Every time I hear "Hi, hello, and welcome to Great American Ballpark" I just cringe.