Author: David J. Halberstam

Baseball Broadcast Historian Curt Smith ranks top 5 all-time baseball announcers

Curt Smith, a former White House speechwriter for the first President Bush, George Herbert Walker, was reared on Major League Baseball at a time when the game was a constant subject of conversation.  On summer nights, from his perch in Upstate New York, Smith was enthralled by crackling play-by-play voices; those bouncing from faraway places off his old transistor. He… Continue reading Baseball Broadcast Historian Curt Smith ranks top 5 all-time baseball announcers

Ex CBS Radio CEO Dan Mason Talks Francesa; Legalized Gambling’s Effect On Broadcast Sports

In radio for the most part, management advances to the top through sales not programming. Dan was a programmer who reached the pinnacle. He had a couple stints with CBS, retiring as President and CEO after his second tenure from 2007 through 2017. You would have to search deep to find folks inside or outside… Continue reading Ex CBS Radio CEO Dan Mason Talks Francesa; Legalized Gambling’s Effect On Broadcast Sports

Tears of Appreciation: Costas, Enberg, Glickman, Scully and Joe Tait

My mother, bless her heart, has a love for old classical music. When listening to her favorite composers, mom’s eyes well up today, as they did when I was a child. As I got older, I learned that mom’s tears are of appreciation, not sadness. Her emotions are triggered when classical compositions reach depths beyond my comprehension. … Continue reading Tears of Appreciation: Costas, Enberg, Glickman, Scully and Joe Tait

Verne Lundquist; a Hearty Laugh and Natural Warmth that Might Never be Replaced

Whether he marveled or shuddered, emoted or agonized, Verne Lundquist was never about shtick or fabrication. Emotional, yes, scripted lines, no. Jack Nicklaus’ birdie at the 1986 Masters still resonates, “Yes Sir!” Lighthearted enthusiasm, of course. A hard hit, “How do you do!” Lundquist’s unmistakable hearty laugh has been comforting and reassuring for half a… Continue reading Verne Lundquist; a Hearty Laugh and Natural Warmth that Might Never be Replaced