Bob Costas--A Nation Turns Its Lonely Eyes To You

Of all the hatreds in the world, the one (and only one) I've never understood is anti-Bob Costasism. It's rampant within my own social circle and prevalent within the larger society too. Back in the days when when Costas used to do baseball play-by-play I always looked forward to his broadcasts. He had a solid mastery of the English language, knew how to use it for the purpose of description (a lost art among current broadcasters) and he endeavored to use his knowledge of baseball history, and of history in general, to help him tell the story of a baseball game. Not always succeeding, but usually he did. His delivery was smooth, it had a recognizable meter and flow, and his lexicon was relatively free of cliché and gross exaggeration. He reminded me of a young Vin Scully (who in turn reminded many of the WWII generation of a young Red Barber). John Miller, the current SF Giants broadcaster and the play-by-play man for the Oakland-Twins ALDS series' games in Oakland has a very similar style and delivery too.

NBC used to pair Costas with Bob Uecker, and listening to them was like listening to a classic comedy team from the 50's, with Costas assuming the role of the unflappable, nonplussed, Bud Abbot-like straight man and Eucker acting as the foolish and outrageous Lou Costello-esque clown. It was funny and interesting and moved the game along in a sprightly manner, even if the action on the field was lackluster. Contrast this with the bombast and mindless chattering of characters such as Joe Garagiola or John Gordon or Steve Lyons and the true quality of a Costas call is clear.

I'm not sure what the source of anti-Costasism is, but like all irrational hatreds, it's probably based in one of the deadly sins--my guess is envy. However that doesn't mean that the hatred itself can’t be well articulated. And so it is, on the Tony Pierce blog. (Check out the posting for Tuesday, October 8). This is so well written that despite my own feelings on the matter, I'm prepared to start hating right along with this guy. (I've really got to work on my critical thinking skills or next thing you know I'll really start believing that Norm Coleman "supported a tax break for Enron!!!") Plus you've got to love the picture of Harry Carey inhaling the left half of Hillary Clinton's face with his sloppy smooch. No doubt her nasal passages are being marinated with Harry's Budweiser infused breath as well.