There is a reason that they call baseball a pastime and not just a sport. It's because baseball is a game where the spaces in between the action can be just as important as the hits, runs and errors that take place on the field. Each inning, each at bat, each pitch is a build up to drama, a carefully orchestrated dance that starts with a windup and might just finish in a play you've never seen before in your life.
And as the song goes, it's the men at the mic who make the game come alive. It's because of their passion, their knowledge, their storytelling and timing that we can sit back on a Sunday afternoon, have a beer and truly enjoy a ball game for a few hours.
With that in mind, here's our list of ten of the best that ever sat in the cat bird seat and colored the world of baseball with the sound of their voice.
10. Harry Kalas
Also known as the long time voice of NFL films, Philadelphia fans are no doubt familiar with Harry's baritone delivery and signature 'Outta Here!' home run call.
He was the play-by-play man for the Phillies for 28 years starting in 1971, including the 1980 World Series run when they went all the way. Unfortunately, because of rules in place by the MLB he was not allowed to broadcasts his home team's series victory. But in 2008 Kalas got a second chance to call a series winner during Phil's World Championship run (clip included below). Sadly, he passed away the following the April.
9. Jon Miller
Miller is the long time play-by-play voice of ESPN's Sunday Night baseball and during the week he's the main man for the San Francisco Giants. He's known for his smooth delivery, wit and frequent candor. A textbook example of that unflinching honesty is also one Miller's all-time best calls (featuring the glorious base running of Ruben Rivera). Take a listen.
8.Russ Hodges
Russ Hodges made what is probably the most famous call in the history of baseball. His euphoric eruption after Bobby Thompson's 'shot heard round the world' is one of the most iconic broadcasting moments in all of sports.
Next: The Middle Innings
