Glad to have Don Sutton back?
From Carroll Rogers:
Hey y’all. I’m working on a story about Don Sutton for Tuesday’s paper and wondered if a few of you might feel strongly about what it’s been like to have him back, especially in light of the loss of Skip and departure of Pete.
You can comment on the question below or if you’re interested in chatting with me, please e-mail me at crogers@ajc.com with your name, your phone number and your hometown, and I”ll give you a call back.
Thanks much.
Carroll
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
177 comments Add your comment
Ken
August 24th, 2009
1:59 pm
I think it was great to get someone of Sutton’s experience back with the Braves. Not only is he an accomplished major leager and broadcaster, he knows the ins and outs of the Braves. He has been here before. He can relate to when the team was good in the 90’s and early in this decade. He has also helped bridge the gap created by the retirement of Pete Van Wieren and the untimely passing of Skip Caray. Sutton has been great for Jim Powell, who I feel has struggled some this year grasping the team.
Plate Appearance
August 24th, 2009
2:01 pm
Yes! Most definitely!
Brian
August 24th, 2009
2:04 pm
Not happy at all. You can listen for 15 minutes and never hear the score, count, plays etc. He should do talk radio not play by play. Comparing him to Skip is like comparing filet mignon to a hambuger – a hamburger from Uzbekistan.
Patron Saint of the Lost Art
August 24th, 2009
2:04 pm
Sutton is great. His voice is reminiscent of all those summer nights in 90s. Unlike Joe Simpson, Sutton not only has a great voice, but a terrific feel and understanding for the game that is exemplified in his stellar Hall of Fame career. Don Sutton and Jim Powell isn’t quite as good as Skip and Pete, but it is pretty darn close!
Fish Bisch
August 24th, 2009
2:07 pm
I will miss John Madden.
All American Dude
August 24th, 2009
2:13 pm
I love having Don back. Not only because he’s a link to the past, but I just enjoy listening to him. Some may say he rambles on, but I think he does a great job. I just thank God we don’t have to listen to people like Jon Miller, Tim McCarver, & company on a daily basis!!!!
Knuckle Sandwich
August 24th, 2009
2:17 pm
Thought I would be happy to have him back, but have been disappointed. Not descriptive, never updates the score and stumbles over his words. So-so color guy, should never do play by play.
BravesFanLostInOhio
August 24th, 2009
2:19 pm
Don Sutton isn’t just a guy with good pipes behind the microphone, he brings knowledge and helps to educate the fan. Having Sutton during the years Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and company pitched made us appreciate the historical nature of the era, and now he helps to understand where the Braves are growing…and falling short.
Christina
August 24th, 2009
2:20 pm
It’s funny you should say a “familiar voice” b/c that is exactly what I think when I hear Sutton. I was so sad when Skip passed and Pete retired b/c I listen to Braves games on the radio a good bit. So having a familiar voice like Sutton doing the play by play helps me ease into not having good ol Skip and Pete.
kirkinga
August 24th, 2009
2:20 pm
I have always enjoyed his commentary. He is to pitching what Hubie Brown is to basketball. I have never understood why he get’s grief for telling old stories because everyone in baseball tells the same old stories over and over again.
I think any time an announcer can help point out some things that may not be intermediately apparent to an average viewer, or he can teach and instruct (youngsters), during a game, that’s a good thing.
Having heard broadcast teams from around MLB, there are many in the booth who don’t add much value to the broadcast, you cannot say that about Sutton.
and...its...gawne
August 24th, 2009
2:24 pm
Yes, it’s nice having the familiar voice, I just wish he could do play-by-play. Or let Jim Powell do the PBP and let Don do the color. Only maybe tone it down just a little.
Rixter
August 24th, 2009
2:24 pm
Love to have the ole’ Pensacola boy back!
Greg
August 24th, 2009
2:24 pm
The Braves should have never let him go the first time he was with the Braves. Don calls the game with such insight and knowledge that he is great to listen to. I wish the Braves would put him back on TV. Him and Joe Simpson made the best team.
Rixter
August 24th, 2009
2:25 pm
Enter your comments here
Gary
August 24th, 2009
2:26 pm
Sutton has always been my favorite. I’ve learned more about pitching from him as he gets inside the pitcher’s head during an at-bat to let you know what to expect. Nice having a 300-win HOF pitcher in the booth. How many teams can say that?
Darren
August 24th, 2009
2:26 pm
I love having Donny back in the booth. It’s great to hear him call games. I do miss his interaction with Skip though, they were great together.
Ron Little
August 24th, 2009
2:26 pm
Don Sutton is a hall of famer who mingles as well with the common man as the rich. Being from Alabama, he adds touches of the south that someone not from the area would miss. Baseball is and has always been more than just a game of balls and strikes..that’s why I love it so.
Buzzed
August 24th, 2009
2:27 pm
Never should have let him go!
BIOMASS
August 24th, 2009
2:28 pm
Sutton is a horrible radio announcer. He calls the game like the listener is watching television. He give vague references to the action on the field by ambiguous use of confusing pronouns. Half the time the listener can’t tell which team player Don is “waxing eloquent” about. Or someone hits a homerun, and he’ll either go silent (presumably watching the action), or say something like, “He got it!” He got it? What? Caught the ball? Got the HR??? Sutton is a genius in his own mind.
Tune in and want to know the score and inning? Tough luck unless you catch it at the beginning or end.
tale of woe
August 24th, 2009
2:29 pm
For me, he is one of the most knowledgeable personalities out there. I actually wish he was on the TV side again. I think he connects with the viewers and I am glad that he is back with the Braves.
Freddie G
August 24th, 2009
2:30 pm
Sutton is the best, his knowledge of the game and his ability to deliver to us the listener in a clear manner makes it easy to picture what is happening.
Gustopher
August 24th, 2009
2:32 pm
I use to listen to him when he was doing TV with the Nationals. Whenever they were playing the Braves all he would do is trash talk and besmirch the players. You could tell he held a grudge for letting him go.
DHD
August 24th, 2009
2:33 pm
I go all the way back to 1966 with Milo. Don Sutton always brings something new to the game every day. I learn something every time I hear him. He is great and I hope he stays with us a long time. A side note…the very first MLB game I ever saw in 1966, Don Sutton was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers.
DawgDad
August 24th, 2009
2:35 pm
I like Don. Agree, at times he spaces out and forgets to communicate the mechanical components like inning and score. But he’s got a smooth comfortable delivery and a deep understanding and appreciation of the game and the home team. The one that needs work is Chip Caray; I love the idea of having him around, but he’s too much like Tim McCarver in continuously pushing tangential theses to the point of becoming grating and distracting. Let’s give Don a break. Mike Shannon is a great announcer. Mike Shannon was a cartoon clown when first started in the booth. Don is going to be a good flagship man pretty soon.
Christy
August 24th, 2009
2:36 pm
Love listening to Don on the radio, always have. His Play by Play might not be the best as some note above, but I always feel like I’m in the same room listening to him tell a story around a table and it feels right somehow. It may be that it doesn’t suit some people, who want the action reported in detail as it happens; but Baseball to me has always been as much about the stories as about the statistics. It’s because of the stories I hear from the announcers that I care for the players they talk about, otherwise, it’s just numbers and win-loss records and not real.
nemov
August 24th, 2009
2:38 pm
I love Don Sutton. My contempt for the wave started when I heard he talk about how stupid it is. Having a Hall of Fame pitcher in the booth during the run was great.
WH
August 24th, 2009
2:40 pm
Don Sutton is a terrible radio announcer
My Turn
August 24th, 2009
2:41 pm
Enjoy Sutton as an analyst. Not wild about his play-by-play, to use the term loosely. Jim Powell is style over substance. Can’t stand when he rambles on about his opinions. There’s zero chemistry there. Actually, I think Lemmer gets better each year. A little monotoned in his voice but otherwise very solid. Also, a little off subject, but could somebody please give Brian Jordan a little training. Loved him as a player and think he has potential on air but he needs to relax.
Seven Pitches
August 24th, 2009
2:43 pm
I am a dedicated baseball and Braves fan, and I don’t own a television, so I am totally dependent on radio for my play-by-play. The sound of Skip and Pete on the radio each spring was as welcome as the first robin sighting, so I looked forward to spring this year with some misgivings.
Having Don Sutton back has been a true pleasure, and has eased much of the pain of losing Skip and missing Pete. Sutton is a Southerner, so he speaks my language, and his knowledge of baseball, especially pitching, is encyclopedic. He’s a great storyteller, and very good at painting pictures with words. Bringing him back was a great decision by the Braves.
mark
August 24th, 2009
2:43 pm
I have a 9 year old all star pitcher and any time Don Sutton talks pitching we lisiten and we love it ,I hate it he’s not on tv!Tell me more Don i’m listening every night!!
FREAKED OUT
August 24th, 2009
2:47 pm
I missed Don “Jerry Curl” Sutton’s hair. His dome peice is something else. His hair reminds me of Richard Simmons hair. We could get rid of Powell and have the Sutton & Simmons Show!
Batcork
August 24th, 2009
2:48 pm
Don is great to have back as a familiar voice with deep ties to the team. He is folksy in a genuine, natural way. He is a terrific analyst with strong knowledge of the game and a deep pool of entertaining and informative anecdotes. But he is a horrendous radio play-by-play man. His descriptions are slow to develop: “Line drive to left. …and McCann is now 1 for 3″ (Leaving the listener to wonder if it was caught in the air, three-hopped to the outfielder, or in the gap, unless you knew what McCann’s line was before the AB.) His inflections give no clue. He gets loud and excited on routine outs, and is matter-of-fact calling home runs.
On balance, happy to have him back. But he should be slotted full-time where he’s best, at the second mike.
Bob H.
August 24th, 2009
2:49 pm
WH is a terrible plumber
26.2
August 24th, 2009
2:49 pm
I do like ol’ Don Sutton but he needs to learn to add the “S” to the end of his words. Example: we are the Braves – not the Brave ( sounds like a WNBA team name).
monty
August 24th, 2009
2:50 pm
Yesterday when McCann hit that ball trough the infield and the runner on third scores then Sutton says “and they are going to send Kelly Johnson….(I’m waiting to hear if he’s out or safe thinking there is a play at the plate)…and the Braves are up by 2!” Nothing about the throw beng cut off or any detail. But I still like him,because he’s not too technical.
Bryan G.
August 24th, 2009
2:51 pm
He is awful. However, that said, he is not as bad as Jim Powell. Jim Powell is the worst announcer in sports not named Lou Holtz. But…it’s pretty freaking close.
Batcork
August 24th, 2009
2:52 pm
I attempted to say “Line drive to left….(verbiage..verbiage…pause)…and McCann is now 1 for 3″ but you get the point.
Vickie
August 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
It’s been really great to have a familiar voice on the air. With Skip’s passing and Pete’s retirement, I was afraid we wouldn’t have anyone on air that knew the team so well, from every aspect. Chip isn’t bad (and his impersonations of his dad are sometimes spot on), but he is much better on TV. Lemmer hasn’t quite grasped the play-by-play concept yet. He’ll be a good possibility in the future. But Don… Don knows his stuff, which is great. He gives you insight on both teams. Being a pitcher, he knows what those guys go through. It’s very nice to hear him again. And he’s bringing Jim along well, teaching him how to be a Southerner again. Jim still has a lot of Uecker-isms, which are fine, but he’s learning the Sutton-isms now. Jim and Don are a great team!
larocheisabeast
August 24th, 2009
2:56 pm
i love don sutton. he’s a seamless broadcaster and he actually understands the game, giving insight and enough info to know what’s going on during the game without talking entirely too much out of his arse, like some other broadcasters out there who will remain nameless. definitely great having his familiar voice back, without him and joe it just wouldn’t feel right, especially having lost pete and skip.
Brad
August 24th, 2009
2:58 pm
Carroll, I sent you an email with my contact info.
Bert
August 24th, 2009
2:58 pm
When I first heard Don Sutton on TBS, many years ago, I thought, man, this guy really knows the game. Now I would confidently say that he is the best color man in the business. He’ll never be accused of being the best play-by-play man, but his “good ol’ boy” personality, coupled with his baseball knowledge and easy listening voice make him my favorite.
A few years ago, when TBS let Sutton go, I was very upset. In my opinion, they let one of the most knowledgeable baseball people go. Don Sutton could be a good pitching coach, hitting coach or manager, if he so pleased. Anyway, I’m happy he’s back. With the passing of Skip, and the retirement of Pete, the timing couldn’t have been any better.
Mike S
August 24th, 2009
2:58 pm
Don is a phenomenal color guy. Not crazy about his play-by-play though. Powell is great at that though, so I wish they’d just stick to those roles all the time (or at least most of the time. I can understand for when Jim’s gotta take a bathroom break!).
Regardless though, I’m VERY excited to have Don’s voice back on the Braves Radio Network. Don/Jim on the radio, and Joe/Boog on TV, are two great combinations that we should really feel fortunate to hear/watch everyday as Braves fans.
Jeff R
August 24th, 2009
3:05 pm
Sutton has two things going for him that younger broadcasters do not have: 1) He has professional baseball experience stretching back into the 1960s. 2) He has institutional memory of the 90s Braves.
I believe both allow Sutton to bring more to the table in calling or coloring games.
BravesFan
August 24th, 2009
3:07 pm
I just wish that after all these years that Don Sutton would learn that there is an “s” on the end of Chipper’s last name. His name is Chipper Jones and not Chipper Jone.
Joe Simpson the Great
August 24th, 2009
3:08 pm
Don is familiar. He’s no Skip or Pete but he a genius compared to Ron Gant. What I really miss is TBS broadcast. These other networks Fox and ESPN just can’t capture a game the way TBS could. I’m tired of them missing the action.
Gant should work a little more on his broadcasting and a little less on his biceps.
Joe
Dean
August 24th, 2009
3:16 pm
I’m glad to have Don back. But, I admit he and Jim get a bit too wrapped up in deeper issues than the play-by-play. I miss old school radio when the announcer was in the moment of the game.
AustinBrave
August 24th, 2009
3:17 pm
The best broadcaster has got to be Vin Scully. He gives you a history about every player and he is never bias. I learned things about Braves players that I never new after hearing Vin on TV. Don Sutton is very good but could take some lessons from Vin. Glad to have him back.
splitfinger
August 24th, 2009
3:39 pm
#1. Constantly emphasizes the wrong number when the score changes. Man he drives me crazy with that!
#2. Is Captain Cliche. If he says “right down Broadway” or “he’ll make a u-turn” one more time, I’ll throw a brick at the radio. He spews more cliches than Skip Caray, and that takes some doing.
#3. Talks waaaaaay too much. Game often becomes the subplot. It’d be nice if Jim Powell could actually get a chance to gain some experience.
I think Sutton is half decent as an analyst, but terrible as pbp. Powell is decent as pbp, when given the mic, but never gets to talk when Sutton does pbp because Sutton never shuts up. And he actually said this one night, “This one is popped up to right center. If it comes down, there’ll be a Brave under it.” Wha?
Space Monkey
August 24th, 2009
3:44 pm
I wish we had him on TV. The TV crew for the Braves is awful. Simpson and Sutton would be an excellent combination: hitter and pitcher.
charles
August 24th, 2009
3:46 pm
Don brings real baseball knowledge to the broadcast which is why I listen. There is always a game within a game in baseball which makes it so much fun to follow, especially if you played or have been around it.
CaliChopper
August 24th, 2009
3:54 pm
Don makes you feel you are right there with him, just like Ernie, Skip and Pete did. While he still has a way to go to catch Vinny, he’s on the right road and three of the best showed him the way
StingerSplash
August 24th, 2009
4:00 pm
His Jim Gantner story on the radio yesterday was priceless.
Sutton knows the game and really, really knows pitching. Yes, he gabs too much and sometimes it’s hard to discern when, say, an inning-ending double play is made.
But his appreciation and love for the game are evident. And I’ve heard worse call a game (Jon Sterling and Suzyn Waldman, anybody?). Granted, everybody misses Skip and Pete and Pete’s often very subtle contributions really now are apparent. It would be hard to follow those two, even if it were Jack Brickhouse and Curt Gowdy in the booth.
But I enjoy listening to Sutton. He’s very good as an analyst.
Dave
August 24th, 2009
4:02 pm
Overall I like Don being back. Like most have said, he goes too long sometimes without giving updates. You’ll hear the crack of the bat and people cheering and have no idea what is going on b/c he is telling a story. But I like his stories. He and Jim do a good job when Jim his doing play by play and Don is providing commentary.
P.S. Anyone is better than Mark Lemke.
Bobby Coccyx
August 24th, 2009
4:06 pm
Yup.
AtlantaNative62
August 24th, 2009
4:10 pm
Very glad to have him back! He knows the game and adds just enough humor to keep the broadcast light. I think he gets that it is still just baseball and it should be fun. He definitely makes it fun and worth listening, too.
Slee
August 24th, 2009
4:18 pm
Don is a good analyst but not so hot with the play by play. I was liked him ok the 1st time around tho and with no Skip or Pete it’s bee nice to havesomeone familiar. I must say I have been plesantly surprised by Jim Powell. Really good play by play and not all glossy like the awful Chip,
scottbravesfan
August 24th, 2009
4:20 pm
Having Sutton back is great. He knows the Braves and their history and he’s a hall of famer himself.
Chop Chop
August 24th, 2009
4:21 pm
I’ve never been a fan of Don Sutton. He’s a Dodger. Joe falls into that category. Aside from the Dodger issue, Don’s main problem is that his eyes are really bad. He and Chip Caray call a game like they’re viewing it through kaleidoscopic Coke bottles. Nevertheless, Don has some decent stories and reminds folks of the good ol’ days. I guess it’s okay to have him back.
Bill M.
August 24th, 2009
4:24 pm
I’m one of the few that’s not a fan of Sutton. After what took place on a WGST call in show several years back I was always taught to respect older people. During this call in, Sutton lost it and called this old gentleman a bald face liar. It was about signing of balls that he had to pay for and the older gentleman misunderstood that in order to get his signature, he would have to pay for it. The older gentleman was in his 70’s. Carroll ask Sutton if he remembers. It’s on tape but probably been destroyed. I was a big fan of his but no more.
JeanE
August 24th, 2009
4:26 pm
I am happy to have Sutton back but have to echo others’ comments: he never gives the score!! That is the most important thing on radio & he forgets to do it! Otherwise, I am enjoying his being back!
fastasballs
August 24th, 2009
4:29 pm
Don is great & I’m glad he’s back in the booth. Too bad Chip didn’t go to the Nats in return. He & Dibble would be hands down be the most annoying duo since Beavis & Butthead.
The Braves have been blessed with the likes of Ernie, Skip, Pete, Don & Joe Simpson over the years. I think Boog brings a lot too. He has a good sense of humor.
South GA Dawg
August 24th, 2009
4:30 pm
Yes, I am glad Don Sutton is back in the broadcast booth. To me he is for the Braves broadcast what Larry Munson was to the Bulldog broadcast. Listening to either one you can almost see the field in you mind and follow the action without actually viewing it on screen or at the ball park. When watching on ESPN and /or Fox I had rather turn the TV sound down and listen to Don Sutton call the game.
faninva
August 24th, 2009
4:32 pm
Mark Bradley had something similar to this last week and my feelings haven’t changed.
I think he is great as a commentator, but not as a play by play guy. A home run call about a week ago went something like this – “popped up, still carrying, back to the wall, homerun.” I miss Skip’s – “AND THERE’S A DRIVE!” His big play calls are often flat.
Steven Nestor
August 24th, 2009
4:33 pm
Love having Don Sutton back. Any chance he can relace Chip Caray on PeachtreeTV Braves broadcasts?
chip carey's eyebrows
August 24th, 2009
4:36 pm
I actually was not a fan of don’s back in the run. He was always my least favorite for some reason. However, i turned to a game on the radio early on in the season, and like many have said, it took me back to a better time for the Braves. He does ramble but he is a good storyteller and I enjoy him much more the second time around. Maybe its just because everyone else is gone.
Powell seems like a cookie cutter announcer, don’t hear the passion, does a good job getting you from a to b but nothing spectacular.
Boog and Joe are pretty sollid. They have the best chemistry of any of the combos. Boog has grown on me and Simpson will offer criticism, which I like.
Chip is by far the worst announcer of the group. He didn’t use to bother me, but a buddy told me to actually listen to what he says and pay attention. I did and found out that he really says the same stuff over and over. We know you wish the game would get back to speed and defense. We know when the braves are down by 3 a 3-run homer would tie it up. He says obvious things, sometimes in situations that really can become frustrating to listen to. I loved his dad, but Chip is no Skip. Sadly, I think the only reason more fans don’t realize this is because of his last name.
Gant and Jordan were painful at first, but have showed steady improvement. There are times you wish they would just relax and talk, because they seem to have real knowledge.
I like Hickman and Jerome as well. They seem like professionals and do a good job.
Run don't walk
August 24th, 2009
4:37 pm
Something I’m wondering but am too young to answer: Disregarding their completely different styles, is Sutton the best pitcher-broadcaster since Dizzy Dean?
Lew
August 24th, 2009
4:40 pm
Living up here in Vermont, the only way I can see the Braves is on the Extra Innings package, which all too often, broadcasts the other team’s feed. I purchased XM so I could listen to Don (at least when the Braves are home)-even with the delay, it’s well worth it. Glad he came back to Atlanta.
Shamus Thacker
August 24th, 2009
4:50 pm
Sutton knows his bidness. Glad he’s back. Just nice knowing there’s a Skip/Pete/Ernie link still around to wax nostalgic bout those days. Don’s a genuinely nice guy too.
Shamus Thacker
August 24th, 2009
4:51 pm
Lew, Ernie Johnson is from Vermont.
Chuggin'
August 24th, 2009
4:53 pm
Don doesn’t say the score so you will keep listening.
Glenn
August 24th, 2009
4:53 pm
anything’s better than Chip Caray and Joe “Boog” Schambi!
Shamus Thacker
August 24th, 2009
4:55 pm
Hard for me to bash Chip cause of Skip. Summa y’all ain’t got that prob. lol
John Hoar
August 24th, 2009
5:01 pm
Don, has always been about the best around and we are lucky to have him again. I always take the ex-player’s opinion as being pretty good, as compared to the “sports announcer.” The exception would me McCarver and Joe Morgan.
Shamus Thacker
August 24th, 2009
5:03 pm
All announcers say obvious things. That’s because folks besides baseball scholars and rocket scientists are watching. For every Fay Vincent watching the game, there’s 100 williegs…
Larry
August 24th, 2009
5:04 pm
Enter your comments here I have been listening to baseball games for 65 years and I must say Sutton is the worst I have ever listened to. Talks too much, his description of the action is ambiguous, and his stories take away from the game action. He should listen to Vince Scully to find out what a broadcaster should sound like. The Braves should have him do color only.
Raphael "The Witch Doctor" Soriano
August 24th, 2009
5:04 pm
Glenn – How do you like ole’ Jon Simpson?
Roger
August 24th, 2009
5:06 pm
I have always loved Don Sutton’s commentary and insight into the game of baseball and especially the Braves. I live in central Alabama and I can’t pick up a station that carries the Braves on radio. I just wish the Braves would let Don do some of the TV games so I could enjoy his call of the game sometimes.
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
5:06 pm
I’ll listen to ANYONE (even Don Sutton) over Joe Morgan any day!
Dr Hoo
August 24th, 2009
5:09 pm
Sutton sounds good the first 10 or so times you listen to him. Then you have heard everything he has to say and listening to him repeat the same 5 or 6 observations starts to annoy you. I was glad when he left and am glad he isn’t back on the TV side. That said, he is 100 times better than Chip who is pure torture to listen to.
Chipper Murphy
August 24th, 2009
5:09 pm
Don Sutton and Jim Powell are a good combo – keep them together!
Braves88
August 24th, 2009
5:10 pm
Don educates, shares insight, and does a good job. In my opinion, the Braves and their fans are lucky to have him.
ellaguru
August 24th, 2009
5:13 pm
Color, si’. Play-by-play, no no no.
Shamus Thacker
August 24th, 2009
5:16 pm
Don’s a guy I’d love to drink a belly fulla liquor with, and just listen…
M
August 24th, 2009
5:16 pm
You can overcome the lack of a good radio voice if you call the game well. Don does not do that as a play-by-play announcer. He is a good analyst. However, radio this year is not using the analyst as well. Don, when doing play-by-play, has a bad tendency to focus on stories about the players and not on the action of the game. As much as I would like to enjoy him, I just don’t. Jim Powell is much better. For my money, Boog is the best play-by-play man at the moment. Although comparing radio and tv announcing isn’t exactly the same.
Memphis
August 24th, 2009
5:17 pm
Joe Morgan is a racist. He clearly only applauds those accomplishments of black players.
YE19
August 24th, 2009
5:25 pm
I actually prefer Jim POWELL over SUTTON, but anything is better than any television tandem. I turn the volume down on my MLB.TV account and listen to the radio guys with MLB Gameday, because Boog, Joe, Chip, and Ron in any combination flat out stink. Though Ron GANT is my all-time favorite player, he just needs more experience to refine his broadcasting skills. JOE is probably the most tolerable of all the tv guys, but his favoritism is a huge turn off. His relentless riding of superstar-in-the-making Escobar seems personal, while he consistently defends/defended the present and former Golden Boys Jones and Francoeur throughout their struggles.
Mitchell
August 24th, 2009
5:27 pm
He talks funny, he says weird things.
The other week he introduced Jorge Sosa by saying that he was 31 years old and then said, “he turned 32 at the beginning of the season.”
Did anybody catch that? Sort of strange wouldn’t you agree?
Also, before the last game in New York he was going over the pitching match-ups and it took me a second to realize he was doing the pitching match-up from the night before although they probably pre-record it so maybe somebody just used the the wrong tape.
But still… it was very odd.
Ebenezer Snerdberg
August 24th, 2009
5:29 pm
Yo,DHD. Agree I think. I go back that far too. As long as I don’t have to listen to ‘Milo The Mouth’,a legend in his own mind,I can even put up with Boob! None of ‘em give umps,time,attendance anymore like Skip and Pete did. Boob rambles on too. What ticks me off most is his babling about something and dosen’t give double switches etc. Joe and Don wouldn’t be that great I don’t think as they’re both color types!
jack
August 24th, 2009
5:32 pm
i love don sutton, i wish they would put him with joe and get rid of boog alltogether
Shamus Thacker
August 24th, 2009
5:32 pm
Where’s Roman Gal? She must be monitoring (stalking) Rainman Spangler-Flusterbargerburgerburg…
benchwarmer
August 24th, 2009
5:38 pm
My turn is right about Jordan. I’ve heard/seen him on other broadcasts and his pleasant personality shines through. But on the Braves pre game he is just not himself. Don Sutton is one of my favorites. In the genre of veteran ballplayers with good stories and insights he ranks pretty high. I’ll always rank Ol Diz and Pee Wee at the top and McCarver and Morgan at the bottom. Joe Namath is in the basement and wants to kiss you.
Walter
August 24th, 2009
5:50 pm
I enjoy hearing Don very much. I listen to every game on my computer link with MLB. He has great credibility and always makes a point of saying that something is his opinion. Some announcers would have you to think that their comments should be carved in stone. He has always been someone I thought I would enjoy riding down a country road with and talk about being a Southern male over forty.
glove51
August 24th, 2009
5:52 pm
I have always enjoyed Don Sutton’s style, his voice and the knowledge he brings to the broadcasts immensely.
I have always thought that both Morgan and McCarver bring great insight to the broadcasts, but their egos get in the way all too often.
Mitchell
August 24th, 2009
5:54 pm
I’ll give Don and Joe this, they have very natural, unaffected voices. It’s very rare these days to hear people who don’t rely on catch phrases or feel they have to alter their speaking voices when describing something dramatic.
Jim Powell is okay but he definitely has a very generic “baseball announcer” voice. Chip Caray goes a little overboard sometimes and Jon Sciambi, I hate to say, just doesn’t do a very good job.
His voice just doesn’t sound very genuine or distinguishable to me. I don’t excited when listening to him. He’s kind of a downer and his “ballgame!” thing, I really don’t like. It cheapens the moment to me.
Don and Joe and Skip and Pete as well all had and have very relaxed, conversational tones. I guess Skip at some point came to be labeled as a homer but I never thought that. They were always respectful of the other teams and yet completely honest and direct. They don’t overplay the moment overplay and I miss that.
Ernie Johnson Sr. was my favorite though. I’d have to put him at number 1. Great voice.
BravesFAN885
August 24th, 2009
6:07 pm
I have really enjoyed having Don back, and really enjoy Jim Powell, as well.
Chop Chop
August 24th, 2009
6:09 pm
Jim Powell and Boog both have the infamous “vomit” voice. You know, that annoying announcer’s voice that most of us can’t stand. Nevertheless, they both have personality. That’s pretty good. We could be a lot worse off after being spoiled by Skip and Pete for so long.
jerry
August 24th, 2009
6:14 pm
I give could give a f–k less.
Braves Paisan
August 24th, 2009
6:22 pm
Pitchers and catchers make the best analysts. I agree that Don isn’t the greatest play-by-play guy, but hearing him dissect pitch selection, movement, and location is always a pleasure because you know it comes from a true Master.
Roachy
August 24th, 2009
6:23 pm
I’ve always liked Sutton personally. However, since the Braves are no longer on TBS, and I don’t listen to Braves games on the radio, I am not the person to be commenting on the return of Don Sutton..
Doc Holiday
August 24th, 2009
6:26 pm
Did you guys read that stuff about braves chances to win the division and the WC race? kiind of interesting.
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
6:27 pm
I guess because of my DirecTV connection I haven’t been “subjected” to Don that much or something. I just remember in the past, I wanted to scream at him to wuit telling stories about HIS past and ANNOUNCE the game. Like I said…..can’t say that now because I haven’t heard him that much since he came back.
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
6:28 pm
sorry….”quit”…..not “wuit”……
Shamus Thacker
August 24th, 2009
6:34 pm
Frenchy’s out with an injured thumb.
Wayne in Utah
August 24th, 2009
6:36 pm
I like most of the broadcasters out there, unless they get a bit too full of themselves. (Joe Morgan)
Heck, I even like Lemmer! But Don Sutton is one of my favrorites. Even keel, and knowledgeable. All of them screw up on ocassion, but the good ones just keep on plugging.
The game is the draw anyway!
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
6:37 pm
Shamus…….something to do with the unassisted triple play last night?
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
6:39 pm
Wayne…..glad to know we agree about Joe Morgan. Besides his bias against the Braves, get real tired of hearing him talk about himself…..AND repeating himself at least three times about anything he DOES say.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 24th, 2009
6:42 pm
I like Don. I really like the fact that he never toots his own horn unless pushed into a corner. And whether you like or don’t like his radio work, dude was STUD pitcher, thinking man style.
Doc Holiday
August 24th, 2009
6:43 pm
Wow, Lee´s ERA in the NL is 0.68
Doc Holiday
August 24th, 2009
6:43 pm
Hi Wayne,
How are you?
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 24th, 2009
6:48 pm
Shameless plug: Talk Braves tonight with me, the “Chef” on the “Sports Buffet” tonight at 9p ET. Blogtalkradio.com 1-347-324-5735
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
6:49 pm
Hey, y’all…….do you think we’re giving Carroll what she needs for her Tuesday article?
Atlanta born and bred
August 24th, 2009
6:49 pm
if i hear him say, ‘back when i played…’, i swear i will throw my shoe at the screen…
TNbravesfan
August 24th, 2009
6:50 pm
I would welcome Sutton back to the TV booth. I find the team of Joe Simpson and (whatever his name is)boring and dull. I miss the humor of Skip and Pete.
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
6:51 pm
Atlanta B&B…….thanks!!!!! That’s what I was talking about with both him AND Joe Morgan!
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
6:52 pm
I think we ALL miss Skip and Pete.
Wayne in Utah
August 24th, 2009
6:54 pm
Doc
Doing great. How about yourself? Not much time for blogging lately, but still listening to as much of the games as I can.
I had a revelation. Prado and Kawakami in the off season for Ben Zobrist??? Whaddya think?
Doc Holiday
August 24th, 2009
6:55 pm
Did you guys know that Colorado is without the services of:
Aaron Cook——————15 DL 22/08—————–shoulder
Alan Embree——————out for season———————– fracture tibia
Jeff Francis—————– out for season———————-shoulder
Tulowitsky—————-day to day——————stomach flu
some others guy im not sure about their importance for the team.
Doc Holiday
August 24th, 2009
6:56 pm
not much…………..dont know who might that be……….looks like you are more into baseball than myself.
HAL
August 24th, 2009
6:59 pm
listened to a game he did on mlb audio half an hour later i turned to game day to find the score horible!!!!
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
6:59 pm
Wayne……oh……NOT Prado (and I don’t even know who Zobrist IS) but…..Prado has been a shining star for us when he’s played.
BravesFanChris24
August 24th, 2009
7:00 pm
They are showing G-Braves game on MLBN right now.
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
7:06 pm
BravesFanChris24…….can you give me that link? Went to MLBN,com and got an ad to sell that link???????
BravesFanChris24
August 24th, 2009
7:09 pm
It was on TV not a site.
It’s over now, they are showing something else.
Just Pat
August 24th, 2009
7:10 pm
BravesFanChris24……OK…..thanks anyway. I’m at the office…..no TV connection.
Spider29
August 24th, 2009
7:12 pm
Yes Carroll, I am really glad to have Don back in the booth. Since I live in Florida and watch the games on MLB Extra Innings, many times the feed is the other team’s telecast. On those occasions, I turn on the radio and listen to Don and Jim. Don is a familiar voice and one I like to hear. Jim is growing on me and I think I will come to really like him as well.
BravesFanChris24
August 24th, 2009
7:21 pm
No problem JP.
I got off from work a few hours ago ~_~
Doc Holiday
August 24th, 2009
7:21 pm
Enter your comments here
bravesfanforever
August 24th, 2009
7:27 pm
I think that baseball announcers have lost the ability to do radio. It used to be that every subtle aspect of the game was announced so you knew what was going on. I swear, it seems like baseball games have been dumbed down into talk shows. Notice how the radio guys will go on and on with these stories that often times have nothing to do with baseball, and they will go to and fro about the science of the game rather than simply telling you what the heck is going on? I mean, you hear a bit about the pitcher, and that was a strike, or the batter fouled off the pitch, but what about telling us exact where the outfielders are? Where are they positioned? I want to hear about where the runners foot hit the bag and where the swipe from the SS was made that threw him out. I want to hear where the key players are positioned when a play is going to be made at the plate and so on. I want to hear about the emotions that the pitcher is wearing on his face, the sweat dripping off his brow, him pounding the ball into his glove, etc. I realize that baseball has a lot of idle time but there does not seem to be any emphasis on the specifics. Telling us that the guy hit the ball to RF and the runner got thrown at second with a strong throw from the right fielder doesn’t tell us anything.
A perfect example is the difference between basketball and baseball. There is so much going on in a basketball game that there is rarely a chance to talk about nonsense. The announcer has to be on his/her toes to make the game interesting. You have to know where the players are because the game is as much about where the players are who don’t have the ball as the player who has the ball.
I can’t complain too much since I believe a lot of radio guys do a decent job but man, color guys should stick to doing color period, and play-by-play guys really should do most of the talking. If your color guy can’t shut up, there is a problem. Most of the time I would rather just WATCH the game myself rather than listen to all the nonsense. Is this baseball or The View???
Don Sutton? Eh, he’s okay, but as others have said, he needs to stick to doing color only. My biggest beef is about the whole format of radio.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 24th, 2009
7:28 pm
Don Sutton is great to have back not because he reminds me of the 90’s (let that go people), but because he is great at calling games. He knows when to talk baseball, throw in some humor without it being too much (Boog), and call a game as if you were there.
chemdawg
August 24th, 2009
7:29 pm
Sutton was the worst among the old school announcers. That’s why they let him go call the Nationals games but brought him back only when the other old guys left… And “TNbravesfan” you think Sutton is funny? He has the most awkward sense of humor ever.
Shamus Thacker
August 24th, 2009
7:30 pm
Michael Jackson’s death has been ruled a homeycide…
c horton
August 24th, 2009
7:36 pm
sutton is ok but PLEASE dont tell me he is in the hall of fame. I have him say it one or two million times
AdirondackDave
August 24th, 2009
7:36 pm
Wayne in Utah — Zobrist is just the kind if young slugger the braves could use. However, I think Prado and KK may be too much. If I were the Rays I’d take that deal. Prado is a young stud too. A more balanced deal I think would be Johnson and KK though I doubt the Rays would go for it, partially because of the salary imbalance.
mike mangan
August 24th, 2009
7:37 pm
One of the great things about Don Sutton painting the play by play is Like Skip and Pete and even Ernie Johnson before him Don is Folksy and along with Jim who has the Bob Uecker style that Mr.powell picked up in Milwaukee.Don is Don although toned down from when he used to be paired with the late Skip Caray who should be in the baseball broadcasters wing of the hall of fame in Cooperstown Don is what baseball should be an artist with an easel who can paint the perfect picture for everyone listening and lets face it Baseball is a game that was made for radio.Don with his Alabama roots knows the south and relates to all the southeast listeners on the Braves radio network.Despite health problems that we know would slow a lot of Broadcasters to a totriose pace Don is the excitment that Braves fans have known to expect over the years,Although unlike Larry munson who would become part of the team in WE Don sutton describes the game and even makes Jim Powell better with each broadcast,Thank you Don for returning to Atlanta from a station that has carried Braves baseball since 1974 WSTP has given Baseball,Warner Fuselle,Bob Rathbun and MartyBrennaman over the yearsand we are glad to be part of the national sportscasters and sportswriters here in Salisbury where Don like Skip,Pete,and Joe have all been previous Georgia Sportscasters of the year winners and the Braves will always be a winner for bringing back the legendary Hall of fame player who one day will be a Hall of fame voice as well,Thanks Don…Mike
Shamus Thacker
August 24th, 2009
7:43 pm
c horton, hate to tell you this, but Don Sutton, yep, Don Sutton, is in the HOF…
Sorry, had to do that cause of some kinda (as yet undetermined) disorder…
Samuel
August 24th, 2009
7:51 pm
I used to love to watch games having Pete and Don. Joe always annoyed me- he lacks the knowledge and game vision of Don. His recent duo partner Boog is just terrible. When I am watching a game I want to hear baseball talk not pop culture discussion about cartoons, commercials and other tv shows. It is so annoying I stopped listening to games I watch on tv. Also, I have MLB on demand(I live in NY)so I watch Braves games on the oponents station whenever possible.
What’s wrong with having real intelligent baseball people in the booth like Don Sutton or some of the guys that broadcast Diamondbacks or Rockies games.
If the Braves are serious about getting their fans back, playing well is one thing but having their broadcast sound like real baseball tv broadcast is helpful too.
dogsbrekky
August 24th, 2009
8:00 pm
Don Sutton – I love the man, knowledgable, suffrable, quick to add value to a game’s commentary and he is just nice to listen to…
NO MORE BOBBY
August 24th, 2009
8:06 pm
chemdawg – He has the most awkward sense of humor ever.
And that is a bad thing why?
Tami
August 24th, 2009
8:09 pm
You know, I’m glad Don came back to the Braves. It has helped having him back. I have to say when my family and I attended our first Braves’ game in some years back on August 15th, it was sad looking towards the press boxes and not seeing either Skip or Pete. I knew they were no longer there, but just the impact of them not being there any longer kind of sunk in. I’m sure, though, they would be just as excited about the Braves’ resurgence this season as the rest of us. MLB Network aired an episode of “Baseball Seasons” from 1995 “Baseball’s Back” over the weekend. It was nice hearing some sound bytes again they played of Skip from the Braves’ World Championship season.
Anyway, Don’s return to the Braves and rejoining Joe (although they’re rarely broadcast partners), kind of keeps it “familiar” in some ways.
Doc Holiday
August 24th, 2009
8:14 pm
Rockies might lose some games against LAD while we play with SD, so we might close the gap.
Robert Helle
August 24th, 2009
8:15 pm
It is great to have Don back. Too bad he is not on the television crew. He has so much knowledge about the game and is a wonderful announcer.
JEB
August 24th, 2009
8:21 pm
Oh yeah! Glad he’s back!!
Very informative and knows the game – especially the pitching.
Loved it when he and Skip were together – good times!
John
August 24th, 2009
8:34 pm
All the A holes talk too much. Shut your fat kinky mouths so we can hear the game. Sutton looks like a dang freak.
ncgary
August 24th, 2009
8:41 pm
if only i had a telephone. lol
tin can and string no good here i see
Bob Horner
August 24th, 2009
8:44 pm
The Braves got it right this time. Don Sutton allows some of the nostalgia of baseball to return, similar to hearing the voice of Vin Scully or Skip Carey. Don is not the best play by play guy, but he makes you feel right at home listening to the game. I am very impressed with the combination of him and Powell. Powell is better at play by play and Don is able to fill the void of baseball’s past. I would truly love to hear Simpson and Sutton call a game again.
super17
August 24th, 2009
8:44 pm
Enjoy Don’s analysis. He’s able to talk strategy without preaching to the listeners the way the self-absorbed Joe Morgan does. I’d love to hear Don paired with an old school (not one of the new wave of sanitized ESPN-type) play by play guys. Would give anything to hear Skip & Don again, but since that’s not in the cards, how about Wes Durham/Don Sutton?
dgd
August 24th, 2009
8:45 pm
I miss Don Sutton–as a Washington resident and Nats (and Braves) fan. The highlight of the Nats’ brief tenure in Washington was opening night last year (versus the Braves) when Don, dressed in a tux, was the MC of the festivities. He is a classy guy who raises the civility quotient wherever he goes. (And to compound matters, he was replaced by Rob Dibble, exactly his opposite in the class department…)
Buzzmeat
August 24th, 2009
8:48 pm
Suttons the man!!!! I even like his partner, I forget his name. But i would like to have Don Sutton take Chip Carreys Peachtree job!
richbrave
August 24th, 2009
8:58 pm
Never cared much for Mr. SUTTON. Always enjoyed the strained relations between DON and SKIP however. Some of their exchanged barbs on TBS were priceless. Each gave as good as he got. SUTTON has matured somewhat as an announcer, but he has always been a bit too verbose for my taste.
bravesfansince57
August 24th, 2009
9:00 pm
Yes, I’m very happy to have Don Sutton back in the booth. He should had never been kicked out in the first place!
jeffrey d
August 24th, 2009
9:00 pm
Shut your fat kinky mouths so we can hear the game.
Yes, Sutton’s the ONLY announcer who talks during games. Yes sir. When I listen to games on the radio, I don’t want to hear some fancy announcer blabbing it up. Just let me listen to the game.
David O'Brien
August 24th, 2009
9:00 pm
NEW BLOGGAGE IS UP, including wild-card poll and ways to earn free pizzas and fish tacos
ashley
August 24th, 2009
9:00 pm
I don’t like Don Sutton’s PBP. When I’m listening to the game on the radio, I need to know the score and the details, and not “what it was like when I was a pitcher.” As the previous poster described so well, the radio announcer’s job is to provide the detail and nuance that the listener cannot see. Paint the word picture for us, Don.
I think Joe Simpson is awesome and I really like Boog. His sense of humor is priceless, and he and Joe make a good team together.
I can’t stand Chip Caray. He tries too hard, and he must have a book of cliches near his microphone because he uses at least one every half inning.
I was pleasantly surprised by Ron Gant last week during one of the Peachtree games. He had a soothing voice and did not drone on and on, He let us watch the game. While radio announcers often forget to paint us a word picture, TV announcers forget they don’t HAVE to. Announcers do not have to talk every second. Skip knew this and so did Pete.
Doc Holiday
August 24th, 2009
9:12 pm
Giants winning ……………YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 24th, 2009
9:28 pm
COL getting shut down by Zito
John T
August 24th, 2009
9:33 pm
I have stopped listening to Braves games on the radio because I never know what has happened in a particular plan until Don can catch his breath and spit out his words. He’s can be up and down at times, but he tries to hard to add color to the play-by-play. If anyone reads this far down, please tell Don that his voice is very nice to listen to, and he sounds credible. But make sure you get the play in.
Barbara Forest
August 24th, 2009
9:38 pm
It has been wonderful, Don Sutton talks as if he is sitting in your living room and has known you all your life. He is very warm and add a lot of his experience and knowledge to the game. I enjoy him so much that I listen to the radio while I have the game with sound on the TV. I come from New York and was a big fan of Mel Allen and then Phil Rizzuto and I can actually say that I enjoy Don Sutton as much if not better than the great Mel Allen. I thank the Braves for bringing him back . I do miss Pete but I am sure glad we have Don.
iowabrave
August 24th, 2009
9:41 pm
Growing up in Iowa, Skip, Pete, Don & Ernie Johnson were the true faces of Braves baseball. Dale Murphy was great, but in all honesty, most the teams were really bad and hard to watch. But those guys came into my home 162 times a year. It really was like watching a good TV sitcom. Times change and people move on, so it is always good to hold on to those icons from the “glory days”.
Savannah Skip
August 24th, 2009
9:41 pm
Losing Skip, then Pete… well, no one can ever take their place. But at least when I turn on the radio and hear Don’s voice, I can feel for a moment like things are still normal. It’s comforting. That and the fact that he describes the art of pitching better than anyone else around. Hell yes, I’m glad he’s back with the Braves!
Skeezix
August 24th, 2009
9:47 pm
Don’t like him on radio, don’t like him on TV. The man just won’t shut up and his favorite topic is himself. I loved Braves baseball on radio when Skip and Pete were in the booth—but Sutton–forget it!
RC35
August 24th, 2009
10:14 pm
I’m definitely glad Don Sutton is back. He’s a knowledgable former player with a warm, likeable voice, and he actually knows something about the South outside I-285. I’ll never forget when he mentioned going home to visit his folks and having a biscuit down at the gas station. “Clueless Joe” Simpson couldn’t conceive of eating breakfast at a gas station, but it happens all the time in Rural Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
My favorite pairing was Don and Pete, but since that can’t happen, the new guy with him is pretty good–and growing on me.
TF
August 24th, 2009
11:06 pm
DS can’t be bothered to put a final consonant on most words, puts the wrong emPHASis on the wrong syLLABle and wrong word stress: “Chipper and McCann around to score and that’ll put the Braves up Three to ONE”
Thinks you can see everything he sees…more than a little bit pompous…
Powell is dry but professional – always resets, paints a clear picture.
Would much rather hear Chip on radio everyday.
I think while respecting him as a player, PVW has got to hate DS’s work as a broadcaster.
bruce
August 25th, 2009
11:51 am
He does not say the number of outs often enough… XM radio is often off on the out count when Don is broadcasting. I do like him and prefer him over all of the others on radio.
Benjamin
August 25th, 2009
2:52 pm
Don Sutton was 1/4 of the tandem that told my bedtime stories growing up, Carroll. I love the guy. He’s as good a broadcaster as he was a pitcher, which is really saying something.
elias marechal
August 25th, 2009
4:47 pm
I missed Don a great deal when he left, and am very happpy to have him back. I especially like it when he works with Ron Gant because then so much baseball knowledge comes forth.
karl mella
August 25th, 2009
5:17 pm
I don’t get Don Sutton doing the radio, I live in Central Arkansas. However I did like him when he did the Braves games awhile back and when he did the Nationals games. I wish he could return to the televised part of the game along with another new announcer and replace the two “gorgeous” announcers that are doing the television now. those two guys talk mostly among themselves, unless they go on tangent and talk about how good the Mets are.
karl mella
August 25th, 2009
5:17 pm
I don’t get Don Sutton doing the radio, I live in Central Arkansas. However I did like him when he did the Braves games awhile back and when he did the Nationals games. I wish he could return to the televised part of the game along with another new announcer and replace the two “gorgeous” announcers that are doing the television now. those two guys talk mostly among themselves, unless they go on tangent and talk about how good the Mets are.
Brian Payne
August 25th, 2009
5:22 pm
Though I loved/enjoyed Skip, there were times (especially in extra-inning games) that it seemed that Skip didn’t want to be there. Don acts like he actually enjoys the game. He brings extensive knowledge of the game, great stories from yester-year, and even humility for a man who has his accomplishments. I hope he stays a long time and retires in the Braves’ booth. Happy to have him back; wish he could rotate in the tv booth.
Warren
August 25th, 2009
5:28 pm
Listening to Don Sutton is relaxing and informative. When he was terminated, he ran an ad in the AJC thanking the City for giving him 15+ years at the mike. Considering that Chip Caray had (and has) no business taking Don’s spot in the group (a little nepotism, maybe??), it showed a huge amount of class. It’s great to have him back.
For a couple of years, I didn’t care for Boog, but this year he’s grown on me. I marvel at his and Joe’s knowledge of baseball trivia (or at least their willingness to put themselves on the line for the obscure questions).
I never liked Bob Rathbun or the other guy who worked with him. Rathbun had a “golly whiz” delivery that (to me) sounded like chalk on a blackboard.
Jim Powell has a “generic” style that just doesn’t resonate with me, but I’m sure plenty of other fans like him.
My favorite was Dizzy Dean. Every Saturday my dad and I would listen to him call the Game of the Week, before the days of instant replay. I can still remember hearing him sing the Wabash Cannonball, and yelling his description of a play, “All right, you Little Leaguers, you seen it on your camry!!” He knew that baseball’s magic is that it’s just a game for kids, no matter how old they are.
One suggestion — How about picking a family with young children out of the crowd at each game and letting them sit with the broadcasters — and maybe even call a play or two?
curtis jones
August 25th, 2009
6:34 pm
Sutton’s very weak on play-by-play. Can be useful on analysis at times. Full of cliches, master of the obvious. Powell should always do play-by-play. Sutton will never be a true broadcaster. Use him for what he is, an ex-jock.
Driver8
August 26th, 2009
12:32 am
I would love to have Don Sutton back on the team calling Braves games… always liked him as a play caller not a player as he used to beat us too many times. But Don is a good guy to be radio or TV.
Hap
August 26th, 2009
7:49 am
As a long time fan I am glad he is back. I like mixing some of the ole’ regeme with the new! There are so many games with TV and XM(radio) coverage that we really have a chance for a nice variety of announcers who do things differently.
Mark Biles
August 26th, 2009
1:28 pm
I like Don Sutton and enjoy his familiar voice returning to the Braves booth, but I must agree that he does get more carried away with one of his many stories at times than broadcasting the actual game on the field.
I do enjoy his southern accent and being from Alabama myself, I can relate to a lot of the stories he tells about growing up in the Alabama and in the Florida panhandle.
Don is unique, but I guess that’s what I like about him.
Fast Eddie Perez
August 27th, 2009
2:00 pm
26.2 is right on it. I like Don but should have never brought him back, maybe its due to age or something else but if you listen it drives you nuts because he doesnt pronounce the S on words, he makes calls like Chipper Jone due up & he does say the Brave all the time, he was doing it before he left , dont know why they brought him back, & Brian Jordan is a great guy too but he is no announcer, Joe & Boog are the best.
yogi2
September 4th, 2009
12:38 pm
since the braves won’t be getting any playoff rings this year, Bobby Cox is giving everyone on the team sn autogaphed photo of Bobby and Greg Norton kissing. What a friggin Joke
drb
September 4th, 2009
1:03 pm
It is great to have Don back home. He fits like your favorite pair of shoes.
Bill (Ronnie) Ousley
June 28th, 2010
10:06 pm
Wow, very interesting reading about an ‘ole boy’ that I grew up with in Molino, Florida. I met Don when he and I attended Molino School in the mid 50’s. He was in the 5th grade, I was in the 7th. We both graduated from Tate High School and during our early years, Don & I spend many days fishing on the Escambia River in Molino. I’m proud that I’ve had the opportunity to know Don for all these years. Haven’t seen him since he pitched against the Texas Rangers when he was playing for Milwaukee Brewers…..