Since I don't get Bally Sports I end up listening to a lot of Guardians games on the radio. I have noticed lately that Tom Hamilton has been off a lot this season. I first really noticed it last season, but it seems to me his time off has increased significantly this season, at least one weekend a month, sometimes longer if it's a 4 game series. I'm hoping it's nothing more than Tom just negotiating a really good contract, though Rosenhouse really can't fill his shoes.
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Tom Hamilton absences
- Thread starter Brian K
- Start date
It's possible Hammy goes to more of a Vin Scully schedule.
Remember, in Vin's later years with the LA Dodgers, he stayed pretty much on the left coast and didn't do games east of the Rocky Mountains.
It's not too far fetched where Hammy stays east of the Mississippi River in future years, before hanging them up for good.
I was told his daughter got married Labor Day weekend, so he missed the first half of that homestand. I wasn't totally surprised that he decided to skip this road trip, but I *was* in the respect that he had to make that call when there was a possibility the team would still be in the playoff race. (Technically they are, but ...)
I'm surprised Underwood and Knott don't take a series off here and there, like Manning. I kind of wish they would just to freshen things up.
I'm surprised Underwood and Knott don't take a series off here and there, like Manning. I kind of wish they would just to freshen things up.
Hamilton and Manning are both at that stage where they can pick their spots, Rosenhaus, Underwood and Knott aren't.
I get your point, but you still see a lot of younger announcers and sideline reporters with other teams take time off here and there. Underwood has been with the team over 20 years. I am guessing it's more a factor of he's fine working every game *and* who would sit in for him? Rosenhaus? Pawlowski maybe? Plus, I am not sure if he has a steady gig in the offseason, so maybe he just figures he'll take his vacation time then.
I don't ever remember Herb Score taking off games like Hamilton does at the end of his career. Maybe Hamilton has it worked into his contract now. Eventually Rosehaus is going to become the number 1 announcer. I know the cool thing to do is hate on the guy but he isn't as dreadful as many make him out to be. Give him a good partner to work with and he'll do just fine whether it is a former athlete or another pbp guy. Maybe Underwood switches over to the radio side again? Cleveland Indians/Guardians have had some HOF announcers so we are a little spoiled in this town from Herb Score to Joe Tait, Nev Chandler and now Tom Hamilton.
Any people trying out must be required to announce "Down goes Anderson! Down goes Anderson!" to see if they have the chops.
I personally doubt Underwood goes back to radio. I know I've heard rumors over the years of him and Manning not being best buddies, but the bosses seem to be happy with the current format of those two and the regular/near constant interjections from Andre Knott. As long as that's the case, I don't see it changing.
Whenever Hamilton hangs it up for good, or possibly cuts back to just home games, Rosenhaus should be the guy. Some will dislike that more because he's not Hamilton and not because he's Jim Rosenhaus, but looking down I-71, Reds fans have welcomed a solid hire in Tommy Thrall in spite of his replacing a beloved Hall of Fame broadcaster in Marty Brennaman. It can be done.
I do think the time off is a contractual thing. A lot more announcers young and old work limited schedules. Rosenhaus and Underwood working every game is more and more a rarity.
Keep in mind that in Herb's era -- both as pitcher and announcer -- it was not unusual for pitchers to pitch a complete game or for announcers to do complete seasons (through thick and thin).
Nowadays, pitchers are replaced after so many pitches, or after so many batters who hit/walk off of them (whichever comes first). The main reason is to "protect their product" from injury and overuse. Same can be said for announcers and other on-air talent. Isn't Al Michaels on a less-than "full season" schedule now in NFL broadcasts?
Announcers working less could be attributed to getting up there in age, or avoiding burnout, in order to preserve their talents by a few more years in their careers. Same goes for today's pitchers. Makes it a win-win for them and their employers.
Joe Tait did PBP for the Cavs until he was in his mid-70s. And up until the last few years, he was doing the games by himself. I don't remember him taking any time off unless he was sick.
For the bulk of the 1970s, Tait did radio play by play for both the Tribe and the Cavs, AND was sports anchor on the then 3WE morning show.
And for a good chunk of the 80s, Tait did Tribe TV on channel 43 and Cavs radio
Just a different time back then
Tait doing every game for the Cavaliers is not quite the same as a baseball guy, radio or TV, working every game. The schedule and travel both are a lot more rigorous in baseball.
I personally have no issue with a baseball guy skipping a series here or there. Having very few off days for six months, plus however many weeks you're in Florida or Arizona for spring training, has to be grueling. And that's not counting any steady jobs you'd have in the offseason. Everybody needs some down time.
I personally have no issue with a baseball guy skipping a series here or there. Having very few off days for six months, plus however many weeks you're in Florida or Arizona for spring training, has to be grueling. And that's not counting any steady jobs you'd have in the offseason. Everybody needs some down time.
Yep Joe was a rarity. I enjoyed that about the broadcast. I can't listen to Cavs games on the radio anymore. Jim Chones is trying to get through his thought a lot of times and before you know it they've been up and down the court already. I just don't see the need for an analyst on the radio. When Austin decides to retire they should move Jim on TV (Where he is much better IMO) and let Tim Alcorn do the solo play by play.
Anyone else remember one year the Indians brought Joe Tait and Bruce Drennan back for a game one night? That was a nice little nostalgia night. I think it was the 2nd game of a doubleheader. That could be something they do a few times a year with former announcers. Pair up Bruce with another former announcer for a night (Maybe John Saunders?) It would give the regular guys a break for a game or two. Maybe a former player as well (Pat Tabler Jason Kipinis etc).
Doesn't he work for the Rockies now? He was a good pbp guy. I would've kept him instead of Saunders back when they dumped WUAB.
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