Oh, so they have the internet on computers now eh?

[Ryan, Patrick S Maj RES USAFR 439 MSG]

This is a league, nay a pro sports-wide, problem. There are, like anything
else, the spectrum ends of homers and non-homers, but by and large I have
noticed a particular tilt toward homerism in general across all sports
announcing. It makes sense as more and more games went from "national"
broadcast to local broadcast genres. The advent of the "NFL Sunday Ticket"
and other "separated from home" fan initiatives helped even more - instead
of hearing the voice of a stranger it was the dulcet tones of a cherished
friend who understood the trials and travails of being an "insert team name
here" fan. They "felt your pain" in loss and exalted "with" you in victory.
 
As I think I've mentioned here before, I probably could watch games without
any play-by-play or commentary.  Of course listening to them I couldn't, but
on TV I could. My father has always shared that such was the way old time
sports broadcasting was - play by play was simple and to the point, while
color analysis was intermittent, short, and concise - usually just stats and
background versus the droning on and on of color guys today (incl. Heinsohn)
of subjects from officiating to city cuisine.
 
I do love Tommy, but not for his commentating but his undying (and
completely rose colored view) of the Celtics. I too would prefer a color guy
that is more truthful in his analysis and able to balance his homerism with
a touch of critical analysis.
 
 
----------------------------------------
I tend to like Tommy well enough, but lately, he is starting to grate on me.
When your team stinks, admit it,and then find a way to still make the game
interesting.  You need look no further than Jerry Remy to see an announcer
that clearly caters to the home audience, but does so with a modicum of
fairness and honesty.  Last night, Tommy made a couple of his famous, "He
walked!" and "Where's the foul?  They're killing us out there!" remarks,
which caused my wife, who I readily admit knows far more about the technical
and strategic aspects of basketball than I do, to look at me and say, "He's
kidding, right?"