Talking Heads

[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.