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There’s nothing I enjoy more than watching a big sporting event, can’t get enough of it. Whether it’s the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, World Series, Stanley Cup, March Madness, you name it. If there’s a big game on, you bet your sweet ass I’ll be watching it. So as you can see I’m a big sports fan, but what makes big sporting events so great? It’s a combination of a bunch of different things. You first need two great teams going at one another to go along with great players. You also need awesome plays thrown in here and there. But you know what else you need? A great voice calling the game.
Sports aren’t what they are without the color commentators, whether you like them or not. Are some of them morons? Absolutely (looking at you Phil Simms), but there are also the greats who have made some of the most iconic calls in the history of sports. We’re going to take a look at who I think are the five best announcers we have going today.
Will some of you disagree with my lis? Most likely, but I can live with that. Here are the five guys whose voices I want to hear on my television whenever there’s a big sporting event going on:
5. Mike “Doc” Emrick
Born: La Fontaine, Indiana
Started: 1973
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You’re damn right I’m showing hockey some love. Now I’m well aware that hockey isn’t as popular of a sport as other ones in this country so many of you may not know who Doc Emrick is, but for all of the hockey fans out there like myself, you know it’s a big game if Doc gets the call. He’s incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the sport so he’s giving you great insight during the whole entire game. He’s also probably the only person in the arena that gets more excited for a winning goal than the player who scored the goal. If you don’t believe me, take a look at some of his calls below. I’m a big time Doc guy.
4. Jim Nantz
Born: Charlotte, North Carolina
Started: 1985
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Jim Nantz is one of the most iconic announcers of all time, I don’t think that fact can be disputed. What can be disputed is that I think he’s actually terrible when it comes to calling NFL games, and he almost didn’t make the list because of that. So, why is he on this list you ask? There is absolutely no other voice I want to hear in the world on my television on Sunday at the Masters other than his. Jim Nantz is the Masters. Nothing like flipping on my TV to the Augusta National on Sunday in April and hearing the soothing voice of Mr. Nantz, though he also knows when to get excited after a big shot. He’s also fantastic during March Madness and has had some big calls during his career, including this one from last year:
3. Joe Buck
Born: St. Petersburg, Florida
Started: 1994
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This one may draw some criticism because I think there’s a lot of people out there that aren’t Joe Buck fans, but personally, I think he’s pretty damn good. There’s nobody better when it comes to calling baseball games. I love hearing his voice during the World Series, and I think him and Troy Aikman have a good rapport when calling football games with one another. Has he had some bonehead calls over the years? Yeah, but when you call as many different games as he does, you’re bound to slip up every now and then. I’ve got your back, Buck.
2. Gus Johnson
Born: Detroit, Michigan
Started: 1996
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If you don’t like Gus Johnson you either A.) don’t watch sports, or B.) are just an asshole. There is nobody, and I mean nobody, that gets as excited for a buzzer beater, touchdown, or any other type of big play than Gus. The enthusiasm on all of his calls gives my goosebumps goosebumps. He would be the top guy on my list if it wasn’t for the next and final announcer, but I think Gus still needs a few more big games under his belt. It also pisses me off that he’s never called a Super Bowl, that should be a crime in and of itself. Anyways, listen to some of his best calls here and take yourself on a wild ride.
1. Al Michaels
Born: Brooklyn, New York
Started: 1964
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The best to ever do it. Really, the only thing you need to say when it comes to Al Michaels is, “Do you believe in miracles?! Yes!” I wasn’t alive for it, but the Miracle on Ice call is my all time favorite call by an announcer. He, along with the aforementioned Gus Johnson, have that big, commanding game voice. By that, I mean whenever there’s a big game on, he’s the voice you want to hear calling the game. He’s been doing it for over 40 years (might be over 50… I’m terrible at math), and I hope he doesn’t plan on quitting anytime soon. You’re a national treasure Al Michaels, don’t ever leave me.
I’d feel guilty if I didn’t give shout outs to the few that didn’t make my list: Verne Lundquist & Gary Danielson, Brent Musberger, Cris Collinsworth, Marv Albert, Jon Gruden, and Mike Tirico. I apologize that all of you just missed the cut.