Talking Heads

[Andy]

It has been my observation that, for the most part, they do know the game. The strategies, the techniques of playing certain positions, the art of calling pitches in certain situations, etc....

They have very little to no correct knowledge of the rules....

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Andy

It has been my observation that, for the most part, they do know the game. The strategies, the techniques of playing certain positions, the art of calling pitches in certain situations, etc....

They have very little to no correct knowledge of the rules....

Welcome to TV sports coverage. That is exactly how it normally is in just about every sport. Some are better than others, but most do not even try to know the rules and talk about things they know from their limited knowledge.

Peace

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Andy

It has been my observation that, for the most part, they do know the game. The strategies, the techniques of playing certain positions, the art of calling pitches in certain situations, etc....

They have very little to no correct knowledge of the rules....

I think you are being too kind. I have found that most are aware of what affected THEIR game, not the entire game. IOW, an outfielder knows about what directly affected them as a player, not what necessarily goes on in the infield or between the battery.

[hit4power]

When did it become "de rigeur" to have a former player in the booth? I remember listening to baseball growing up in Pittsburgh and it was Bob Prince and Jim Woods and neither was a former player. I know Rizzuto called the Yankees for a while, but I don't think players doing broadcast duty was widespread until more recently. Did "Dandy Don Meridith" start this trend on MNF?

[nopachunts]

Originally Posted by hit4power

When did it become "de rigeur" to have a former player in the booth? I remember listening to baseball growing up in Pittsburgh and it was Bob Prince and Jim Woods and neither was a former player. I know Rizzuto called the Yankees for a while, but I don't think players doing broadcast duty was widespread until more recently. Did "Dandy Don Meridith" start this trend on MNF?

Because it gives the broadcaster instant credibility. I have found that Joe Morgan and Tim McCarver have very little knowledge of or correct application of the rules but Morgan knows the nuances of the game much better that McCarver.

I have heard it said that McCarver is the one of the only broadcasters not welcome in the MLB umpire dressing rooms.

Sorry, talking baseball on a softball board.