Now I've heard it all?

I think they are making up stuff as they go. Its very hard to listen to Oral and not be critical.

All they ever want to talk about is how this player are that player looks like this MLB'r are that MLB'r.

It's college ball let's talk about college player's.
If I wanted to here are see about MLB baseball I'll turn the channel to the MLB network.

EH

Or maybe they were just commenting on how it's very different how coaches use pitching staffs in college versus MLB. Hershiser made the comment that people email him and wonder why the MLB manager used the 5.00 ERA guy over the 1.30 ERA guy out of the bullpen. He went on to explain that they have to use the high ERA guy because the low ERA guy has thrown 3 or 4 days in a row and needs a break. Then the other guy (can't remember his name) made the comment that in MLB it truly takes a whole team to finish a season.

Then they talked about how colleges have it a little easier in how they use their relief pitchers. With the 2 or 3 games during the week agianst non-conference opponents (typically) they can use other guys and save their better ones for the conference weekend. They didn't say (nor IMO) that college was easier because all they did was play games. Never in the conversation was attending classes even mentioned nor was it a factor in the topic.

quote:

Never in the conversation was attending classes even mentioned nor was it a factor in the topic.

Well maybe they should talk about college and how tough it is to be a student athlete.
Rather then talking about individual players and how they compare to Major leaguers.

College ball is a team sport.

EH

College ball is a team sport and so is MLB. The reason they compare these guys to MLB players is to help the casual viewer make a connection to a person they might know. If they get on TV and say Johnny Shortstop for LSU is a Jose Reyes type player then the causal fan now has an idea of how good this kid is.

I agree I would like to hear more about how tough it is to be a college baseball player but you also hardly hear them describe how tough it is to be a college football or basketball player on those broadcasts. Those broadcasts also compare Billy Pointguard and Frank Quarterback to pro players as well.

TV broadcasts have to aim for the middle because that is the bigger audience. It would be nice to have them describe the game for people like ourselves who know and appreciate the game but they would be above the head of the majority of viewers.

If you're that unhappy then hit the mute button. That's what I do most of the time.

They made a comment the other night about a particular player and how dedicated he is to the sport. Something like that the kid's coach has to make him get off the field... he's always working on his own, etc. The announcer (I think Ventura) said "that's a rare player" and went on to talk about how most players have to be made to practice, etc. What player is successful at the college level that has no work ethic? There are colleges full of kids who are dedicated and spending additional minutes towards their game. A good college player wants to improve. It was a stupid comment I thought.

I also get irritated when sports casters talk over a game that is being played. Talk about the game. The last college game my son pitched the announcer came in late and talked right through the 1st inning about the first game in the double header. Talk about the game as it unfolds. I don't mind references about players who are playing but at least cover the game.

Yes I hate those mindless comments. I know its called color commentation.

At least ESPN is smart enough to let Erin do a lot of interviews...

I'm sure those college boys don't even notice Ms. Andrews around...


Yea, right.

I finally broke down and bought a large HDTV. Last night when Erin came on screen for the first time I knew for sure that I had done the right thing.

quote:

Originally posted by hokieone:
I'm sure those college boys don't even notice Ms. Andrews around...


Yea, right.

The LL kids notice her.

OK I'm going to hyjack my own thread.

If Erin was a Baseball player, What would here PG rating be.
And how would you evaluate her Play.

Loose arm action, Athletic body. ECT. ??

EH

quote:

Originally posted by theEH:
OK I'm going to hyjack my own thread.

If Erin was a Baseball player, What would here PG rating be.
And how would you evaluate her Play.

Loose arm action, Athletic body. ECT. ??

EH

WOW
How about a booth with McCarver, Hershiser, and Joe Morgan. That might turn into an HBO/Showtime special on a former MLB'r deathmatch!

GED10DaD

quote:

Originally posted by theEH:
OK I'm going to hyjack my own thread.

If Erin was a Baseball player, What would here PG rating be.
And how would you evaluate her Play.

Loose arm action, Athletic body. ECT. ??

EH

Can't speak for PG, but she'd be an 11 in my book and doesn't have to play a thing!

Erin Andrews...5 Tool Player all the way.

In reality 5 games a week is not that tough, but being a student athlete is. Being a student athlete is tough, no matter what sport you play. I think most know that these kids had two things going on at the same time. I have heard them give out GPA for some players.
I agree with Coach, they have to bring it to the level that most people understand, that would be comparing some players to ML players. Only a hand full of players that reach Omaha each year will become ML layers, so pointing out those with ML tools helps those understand how really hard it is to move to the next level. For some kids, seeing these kids in Omaha and later in MLB helps them to relate. I know that is how son looked at it, he remembers seeing those in Omaha now seeing them on the bigger pro stage, it certainly can be inspiring, and this is what all championship games are about, for me anyway.

Lafmom,
It's hard for us to conceive the fact that some players do not work as hard as others, but it's true, some will just show up when they have to, others will sneak into the cages at night for hours to get better or spend more time in the gym. You will see this on the pro level, in fact I often think the reason some don't make it is because they don't think they have to really "work" at being better players. You'll have some who show up only when they have to and others there early in the morning, seeking out their coaches to help them. Some don't even bother with workouts during season or off season.
Must be me, but I am rather enjoying the commentary keeping in mind these guys only do this once a year.

They don't bother me any more than the local newspaper reporter. I just enjoy these games more than about any all year. They could pretty much say anything they want and I'd be fine with it.

For some reason the guys they get to announce at the CWS always want to talk about MLB. The college football and bk-ball guys don't do this.

Kyle Peterson is the only one on the ESPN crew that has a clue about college baseball; the other guys just access all their MLB comments because they only pay attention to college for the 10 days they are in Omaha.

Worst booth combination possible: Joe Morgan, Hershhiser, Ventura and Jimmy's Dad

When/if college baseball becomes more popular with the general sports public, the announcers will rise to the level you desire trojan-skipper. You are right in noting that they only see the game for ~10 days a year...although Hershiser's son pitches at USC.

The connection to MLB is for the general fan only watching these 10 days a year. Without that connection, it would be less interesting to most of the public.

I still love this event above any other baseball event. The emotion that comes from the college kids is pretty special IMO. The game announcers don't damage that one bit for me.

About the only thing I'm sad about is they're gonna move out of that stadium in 2 years. I love that stadium as I love Wrigley and Fenway. Yes, the aisles, seats and hallways are cramped. But its a special place because of the neighborhood, the atmosphere and even the cramped conditions. If anyone on here gets a chance to go next year (last year)...DO IT! You will not regret it one single bit.

quote:

Originally posted by theEH:
OK I'm going to hyjack my own thread.

If Erin was a Baseball player, What would here PG rating be.
And how would you evaluate her Play.

Loose arm action, Athletic body. ECT. ??

EH

Does it really matter if Erin knows anything about baseball?

Erin reminds me of a receptionist we once had at my office. This young lady was drop dead georgous... the general consensus was it was a good thing she was pretty good at her job because if not I would have to hire her some help.

.

I'm with JBB..

Don't care what they say...the event transcends any issues for me...goofy comments, lack of first hand knowledge, small isles...I don't really care. Along with Erin, the real beauty of this event is that it is so good that they can't mess it up no matter how they might try.

And I will give the network Kudo's on the personal player/coach stories that they bring...ie the player from Fullerton who told the coaches only come recruit during the day, too dangerous at night, and whose parents packed the kids in the van and drove 24 hours to see him throw since they could not afford plane fare.

Erin suprised me last night...besides the view, I loved the way insistently worked Augie in the 4th inning last night and got him to open a little on the background mechanics of the sports psyche he used to inspire his team, not just WHAT he said but how he though the comments "reframed" the situation, changing the teams outlook. Frankly it was great reporting, great insight and fascinating to see what went through Augies head.

Great advice JBB...on making a trip that final year. Currently I'm 0-4...But I've doubled my bet...next year I'm 2/302. Geeze wonder if I should book my trip...

44
.

quote:

Originally posted by 3up-3down:

I think they are making up stuff as they go. Its very hard to listen to Oral and not be critical.

They commented on the proposed new ball park in Omaha that will cost $125 million. Hershiser then commented on LSU's new park that cost $125-$130 million. It actually cost $30 million. He was only off by $100 million, which I guess is chump change to congressmen and ball players.

I'd be happy if they said nothing at all.

EH we might have to give Erin a 10 for that high A$$, as PG calls it. Is she a foot taller than Manieri?

BTW, younger son (age 15 at the time) got some nice photos of himself with Erin last year. All he did was ask, which was way beyond my capabilities!

Since I was in the photographers' pit next to the dugouts, I had the opportunity to watch her work right next to us (stop laughing!) and found her to be kind and professional. A younger girl (college age?) wanted to talk to her about the profession before a game and Erin was very gracious in taking a few minutes to do that. Without complaint.

She's an attractive woman, yes. But from what I saw she was also a professional and gracious despite the gawking that was all around her.

Back to the stadium. I had the run of the place due to my photographer credentials last year. That was kind of cool. I took a wide angle photo from the 1st base side...down the line a little...well see below. Its one of my favorite photos I've ever taken and we have it hanging above the fireplace in our game room. Nearly every member of my family is in that photo ('cept me) either in the crowd or in the dugout...can you find them? (So is Erin) I stare at that photo nearly every day and smile. Everything from the cotton candy guy down the aisle to the right to the Omaha clouds in the background. I love that place!

.
Great picture...

I think one the endearing memories of many HSBBWsters of Omaha...is watching YOU on our TV's last year with your son on the mound. Sent quite a ripple through the threads..

44
.

I was lucky enough to go three years ago - and have it very high on my list of things to do again.

As for Erin - I think she does a really good job - in fact, I would say she is better at her role on the broadcasts than either the color or the play by play guys. (all of whom need to spend more time watching the game and less talking about a hitting streak that ended 20 years ago)

JB,
Great pic, thanks for the memories.
I can't imagine the CWS not being at Rosenblatt. Although an outdated stadium compared to other triple A facilities, you have this special feeling when you enter. Not sure if that can ever be replaced. My fav was the street up and down in front of the stadium, vendors, beer gardens (behind people's homes), just something truely I have never experienced at a baseball game.
For those never there, the stadium is built on a hill, I have a picture taken at night from the back of the stadium, all lit up, it's just awesome. I have my discs packed away, but will try to find them one of these days. JB, would you have one to share?
Win or lose, it's a lifetime experience one will never forget.

Don't get me wrong, I love the the college playoff's and the CWS.
It's just that the commentater's kind of belittle the game for me.
Always compareing it to MLB.
They did the same thing when they were announcing the World baseball classic.
They looked down upon the players that were involved, Like well it's ok ball but not nearly as good as the MLB.
Well thats just condescending to me,
and I wish they knew the game of baseball as much as they think they do??

By the way Erin does a great job.

EH

NICE RACK!

A few years ago at the LLWS my son met Erin Andrews after she interviewed a player he knew. I got a lap dance from Dugout. I wish my son had met Dugout (actually he did) and I got a lap dance .....

If I'm missing after the preceeding statement the lead suspect is 5'8", 135 with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Well, most of them are ex MLB, what do you expect them to compare to. Wouldn't be great if they some long time baseball parent work a game. Bet it would be more colorful.

quote:

Wouldn't be great if they some long time baseball parent work a game. Bet it would be more colorful.

LOL.

Yes, I could hear it now.

How come the coach isn't playing my son Jimmy.
Even if Johnney is going 3 for 5,
Jimmy would be hitting 4 for 5.

EH

What ever happened to Jimmy's dad's post? I only got through part of it.