The MLB Postseason features numerous individuals who can deliver television play-by-play in a brilliant manner.
When you flip on your television and let your butt sink into your living room couch, reaching for your snack in a newfound state of comfortability, which voice do you want to hear on the broadcast of your preferred MLB postseason game?
Which voice soothes you and aids the appreciation of the biggest stage of America’s National Pastime? Which individual is able to correctly dramatize a moment, bringing about chills and excitement in the latter stages of any playoff game?
Whether it is FOX Sports, TBS, or ESPN (one-game playoff), there are broadcasters who have the undeniable ability to make us feel like we are nine-years old again, watching our favorite team with that cherished anticipation.
While they all are on this stage for a reason, some are better at framing a moment than others. Some have the amazing ability to say less when there is the urge to shout more. Some earn every single penny they are handed.
In an area of tremendous subjectivity, here is Elite Sports NY’s top five current MLB Postseason play-by-play broadcasters, two of which are responsible for the league’s two championship series.
5. Kenny Albert
Sure, the guy is talented — he would not have broadcasted Nats-Dodgers on FS1 if he wasn’t.
With that said, if you had to pick 10 guys in baseball broadcasting to play with your nerves in a huge game, Marv Albert’s son would certainly be left out of the fold.
His fundamentals are sound. In fact, no one can complain with his ability to call a ballgame, even though it is probably his weakest sport.
However, the NLDS five-game tilt was intense because of the play on the field. If the booth had been eliminated from the equation, many would not have noticed.
ESPN’s play-by-play man does not receive nearly enough respect.
Many complain about numerous aspects of their production, ranging from the ludicrous animated strike zone to the subpar color commentators.
Putting all of that aside, Dan Shulman — known more for his brilliant work on NCAA basketball — is the lone constant. To go even further, he deserves more than the one playoff game (wild card game) he is assigned on national television each year.
Those who listen to the later rounds on radio can truly appreciate his greatness, as the Toronto native paints the picture perfectly on a different stage.
If he had more of a MLB postseason TV sample size, Shulman would be higher on this list.
Ernie Johnson is one of the best at his craft, but lacks that “wow” factor that would place him in the top two.
His work extends far beyond the major league baseball playoffs, but his greatness in this sense cannot be denied.
He is arguably the sole reason TBS is not scrutinized more for their postseason coverage. Back in the earlier stages of the decade, ratings for their playoff telecasts were at an all-time low, bringing about questions as to whether they would continue with their division and championship series role.
Ever since the decrease in action, giving FS1 two division series, the general conception of TBS has been downplayed to indifference.
Vasgersian’s mix of a cool, calm stature and a delivery of unmatched excitement in big spots makes him a fixture in the playoffs. Working his way onto the postseason map with the FOX Sports 1 broadcasts, he can now be completely appreciated.
His voice inflection? Impeccable. His true baseball knowledge and connection with the game? Incredible.
If Joe Buck left FOX tomorrow, people would be able to savor Vasgersian on an even bigger stage.
For now, giving him a division series is fair enough. It will simply draw ratings to that clash, whether it has spice or not.
Fine, bring on the hate. Just do it. Continue to under-appreciate the best there is.
Here are the constant remarks:
1. “He hates my team”
2. “He is biased”
3. “He is over-utilized”
Here is the brutal truth: if you think someone on a national broadcast is biased, they are doing their job. If your team was winning, your perspective would be flipped.
Buck’s swagger in the most important of moments is something you cannot teach. His quality of saying less and letting a hyped up crowd take over is something everyone should take note of.
Simply put, there is no one more qualified to be doing what he is doing. Why is he utilized so much? He is amazing.
When the Fall Classic rolls around this year, do not play into the general mold. Do not hate.
Be unique and value Joe Buck for what he is. Play-by-play guys like him do not come around very often.
NEXT: Biggest Disappointments For Every MLB Team In 2016