If there's one thing I know (and there is - in fact it is documented that there are thirty-seven things I know), it's sports talk radio. Here are my top three and bottom three sports talk show hosts...
BEST
3) Andy Pollin (WTEM 980, Washington D.C.) - A friendly voice, Pollin is an excellent mediator, but has great opinions of his own. He's also co-written a book called The Great Book of Washington D.C. Sports Lists. (Hey, where do you think I got the list idea?)
2) Brandon Tierney (WEPN 1050, New York) - The most passionate sports host there is, Tierney does a fun show and meaningful and enjoyable interviews. To me, his show is the pulse of NY sports.
1) Steve Czaban (Fox Sports Radio) - Czabe is simply the man. Fresh, intriguing, and entertaining opinions, can't-miss show segments such as "The Daily Czabe" and "Lock It Up," and a blog that has it all. If I could listen to only one show, it would be his. He also co-hosts a local show in his native Washington D.C. with Pollin. Czabe's sports commentary is bar-none, yet his non-sports commentary is even more fun.
Honorable mention: Max Kellerman - Until March 9th, Kellerman made middays a lot more enjoyable, with his 10AM-1PM show on 1050 WEPN, New York. His "gunslinger" skits about Brett Favre were hilarious, and he always brought fresh perspective and insight to sports.
WORST
3) Jim Rome (Premiere Radio Network) - If you've known me for an extended period of time, seeing Rome on the "worst" list seems unheard of...but it's because I have listened for so long that I know he belongs here. His analysis is shallow, vague, and predictable. And he has the tendency to beat subjects and jokes to death.
2) Colin Cowherd (ESPN Radio) - Condescending and in love with himself, it doesn't take long to get tired of hearing him. And he's just not that interesting.
1) Ron Wolfley (KTAR 620 AM Phoenix) - Thanks to ESPN television, we've seen that you don't need to have facts or be astute in sports if you can simply be loud enough. This guy takes annoying to a new level.
And a special category for best local fill-in hosts who should have shows of their own
Joe Huizenga and Luke Lapinski. I've often said that Phoenix has got to be the worst market in the nation for sports radio. But there is not a lack of talent. If local sports radio host jobs were given out on merit, rather than...however they're given out now and in the past (Gambo and Ash...Jeff Dean...the aforementioned Wolfley...uggghhhh), these two would be surely have seats at the table.
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6 comments:
I don't listen to Rome because he's so unbelievably mean-spirited, and I don't listen to Cowherd because...is "douchey" a word? To me they both represent the current climate of sports, in that: you MUST have an opinion. Even if that opinion is extreme, and you misdirect your false indignation at whoever you please. I don't however, share your opinion of Wolfley. I actually don't mind him at all. Maybe I give him too much slack...I always take former athletes' opinions on things with a grain of salt, because they're so biased. Anyway, great subject! I need to get satellite radio...
As annoying as Wolfley can be he is not even the most annoying guy on his own show. That Doug guy is significantly more irritating than Wolfley.
Well I'll say this...I've never listened to Doug and Wolf. Wolfley is as extremely nice guy behind the scenes though...as are both Gambo and Ash. I've never met Doug...so I can't say much about him. I actually like Wolfley as as a color commentator for Cardinals games.
I don't listen to much sports talk radio these days. When I was back in Ann Arbor I listened to a couple local guys religiously. They've both moved on to Detroit now.
I like Gambo and Ash at times. I don't think they're vanilla.
At times I like Rome...at times I'm bored with him. I like ESPN radio's night guy Jason Stewart...he's not bad.
I also think Bruce Jacobs is pretty dang good when he does sports and not news/talk too.
As far as me...your comments are very flattering Bill. I haven't hosted a show in over a year now...that seems crazy...but it's true.
I follow a lot more news/talk than sports these days as well...but I can still talk with the best of em. I'm just less informed than I used to be...but what's that ever mattered ; )
I'd love to have a show again some day...we'll see if it ever happens.
I still hate Luke though.
- Joe -
Thanks for the feedback, friends. After three straight comments that Wolfley isn't that bad. maybe I was too hard on him. I'll have to listen to him again, focusing a little more on his co-host in the process...and see if I don't change my mind. Well, I'll listen for as long as I can stand anyway. :)
Joe, thank you for mentioning Bruce Jacobs! I can't believe I forgot him. I haven't heard him in a while - perhaps a case of "out of ear, out of mind." I rarely hear his KFYI show, but I know that when he's talking sports, there aren't many better than Bruce.
Mike, I don't know if "douchey" was a word before two days ago, but it certainly is now, as it does indeed describe Cowherd quite well.
I just wanted to clarify that my statement is not pro Wolfley but more anti-Doug. I also agree that Bruce Jacobs was great.
While I am in no way qualified to comment on sports radio, I would like to say two things:
1. Douchey is definitely a word.
2. I'm glad you came to realize you were wrong about Jim Rome. I only saw/heard him a couple times (and I think those were because you played stuff for me) and it was hard to stomach.
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