Election Day: How fans can vote for a Braves announcer
Starting today and continuing through Dec. 31, baseball fans can vote via Facebook for a broadcaster to be placed in nomination to receive the Ford Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame. I mention this because there are a few former Braves’ broadcasters who would seem to merit consideration, and I’m not talking about Boog Sciambi. (Not that there was anything wrong with Boog Sciambi.)
Familiar names are on the ballot: Skip Caray, Pete Van Wieren, Ernie Johnson, Don Sutton, Joe Simpson, Chip Caray and Jim Powell. The tough part, at least for me, wouldn’t be in nominating one in good conscience. For me, the tough part would be in choosing just one.
But you don’t even have to do that. You can vote for two, three or all seven. You can vote every day until New Year’s. (The ballot can be found here on Facebook.) The top three vote-getters will join seven other candidates chosen by a Hall of Fame “research team,” and from that 10-person list one will be chosen to receive the 2010 Frick Award, which goes to an active or retired broadcaster with 10 years’ continuous big-league service. (For a full explanation of the award and its procedures, you can click here.)
Down to decisions. I’ve always had a tough time separating Skip and Pete. They were a pair both exquisitely matched and matchless. I don’t know if I could vote for one without turning around and voting for the other. And I consider Ernie Sr. a prince among men, and I consider Don the best analyst I’ve ever heard. But that’s just me. I leave your choice between you and the sanctity of the ballot box. (Or the laptop, as the case may be.)
Still, I will offer this gentle nudge: If you care about the Braves — and I suspect one or two of you do — I urge you to go to Facebook and exercise your franchise early and often. I just voted twice.
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52 comments Add your comment
Braves Friend
December 1st, 2009
10:58 am
Skip & Pete should go in TOGETHER !!!
Braves Friend
December 1st, 2009
10:59 am
Oh, yes…
FIRST !!!!!
JSS
December 1st, 2009
11:06 am
Finally, Ernie Johnson, Sr., Pete Van Wieren, and the late Skip Caray who did more to keep baseball relevant in the 70’s, 80’s and the 90’s should get in….
Sonny Clusters
December 1st, 2009
11:07 am
Some of the best combovers ever belongs to announcers. Coach had a combover, ear to ear.
Bryan G.
December 1st, 2009
11:11 am
Jim Powell makes my ears bleed.
I Run This State
December 1st, 2009
11:16 am
30-24!!!!!
Sorry it hurts so bad Mark Bradley!!!
We all know you cried yourself to sleep after your beloved yellow jackets and their high school offense got run all over by your most hated team.
Will you write another article on the geniousness of Paul Johnson again soon!?!?
Nestle Butterfinger….. official sponsor of Demaryius Thomas and the Georgia Tech Yellowjacket football program.
Steve
December 1st, 2009
11:21 am
Just threw down a vote for Skip. He deserves this award as an incredible broadcaster over the course of his lifetime.
Brian
December 1st, 2009
11:21 am
Just for the record for the one who said that Skip and Pete should “go in” together…announcers are not (are at least they have not been) inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Ford C. Frick award is an honor given by the Hall of Fame, but the honorees are not “in” the Hall. And they also can’t go “together” because only one person can be honored with the Frick award each year. I suspect that each will eventually be honored, hopefully before we have lost both.
Gator bait
December 1st, 2009
11:31 am
wow you mean this ballot is open to other people besides DAWG fans..according to them, they are the ones they know everything..but be careful if the wrong one is chosen, they will form a mob and come after you with a rope..especially the ones over 40 years of age and haven’t leaned over and touched their toes in 20 years…that doesn;t matter to them..all that does matter to is to mock their own players and the GT players, so they can feel better about who they are now, some angry hatemongering unedcated, unemployed fatso WHO’S YOUR DADDY? GATORS
I Run This State
December 1st, 2009
11:36 am
“unedcated” ????????
how embarrassing!!!!!
30-24!!!!!!!!
I am sure there is a Newspaper Website in the state of Florida for you to go discuss the Gaytors, chief.
PVW Belongs
December 1st, 2009
11:48 am
What sucks about the Frick Award is it a substitute for putting ANY announcer into the Hall of Fame. Vin Scully should be in the HOF and they won’t induct him because they have the Frick Award instead.
RIP SKIP
December 1st, 2009
11:50 am
I think “I Run This State” and “St. Simons” are really just the same person who jumps to the winning team. Both are equally embarassing to their respective teams and fan bases. (has anyone ever seen them together? Hmmm???)
This article is about showing some support for some fantastic Braves announcers and giving them the national respect that they deserve. Please vote early and often for Skip, Pete and Ernie! -and leave the college football banter for its own blogs!
Innocent Bystander
December 1st, 2009
12:02 pm
Skip & Pete should be an exception. They ought to have some “buy one get one” deal where they can both go in together.
Benjamin
December 1st, 2009
12:37 pm
I only vote once on such things. Skip Caray deserves my one vote.
Rodster
December 1st, 2009
12:47 pm
I hear the leading candidates are two mannequins and a voice synthesizer.
MitchC
December 1st, 2009
12:57 pm
I’ve been watching Braves baseball since 1983, and I loved the old TBS format in the 80s where you had John Sterling, Ernie Johnson Sr, Skip, and Pete, and they alternated 4 1-2 inning stints. To me, Ernie Sr, Skip, and Pete all belong there, as they were such a part of baseball broadcasting for so many years.
I couldnt choose from the three of Skip, Ernie, and Pete. I think they all belong in the Hall, but maybe I’m biased, because I’ve been a Braves fan for 27 years.
collegeballfan
December 1st, 2009
1:03 pm
Skip & Pete.
But Joe Simpson is the best baseball announcer out there.
James
December 1st, 2009
1:05 pm
“I hear the leading candidates are two mannequins and a voice synthesizer.”
Is that suppose to relevant or funny? If so you need to try again.
SimpleDawg
December 1st, 2009
1:09 pm
I miss Skip…..
John Sterling was a disaster….he’s right where he should be – the bloated, hated Yankees.
DHD
December 1st, 2009
1:20 pm
Ernie Johnson!!!!!
Wes Craven
December 1st, 2009
1:28 pm
Smarmy know-it-all Joe Simpson shouldn’t even be employed, much less on an award ballot. I wish he’d follow Chip Caray right out the door.
Hillbilly Deluxe
December 1st, 2009
1:54 pm
My vote would be for Skip and Pete but Ernie, Sr. should be there too.
As for John Sterling, “Thu-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh Yankees win” has got to be the lamest tag line in broadcasting history. Thank God and Greyhound he’s gone.
Chris Broe
December 1st, 2009
2:26 pm
Can we vote for Vick? I heard that Vick is marketing xmas songs of the barking dogs.
Jingle Bells is the best cut on the album, man.
Chris Broe
December 1st, 2009
2:31 pm
The Saints may have peaked too soon. Arizona last year went to the superbowl because they peaked at the right time. Nobody called it. Right now everyone’s jumping on the Saint’s bandwagon. Why, because of four or five blown defensive coverages by the Pat’s secondary?
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
December 1st, 2009
2:35 pm
Pete is an all time great, and Skip was very good in the early years. Skip doing the Hawks was great. I miss his “Cocktail Time” after a win. As for the worst announcer, John Sterling, both sports. “Those goofy, daffy, wacky Hawks” and “Dominique is Monufique”. What a D-bag.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
December 1st, 2009
2:39 pm
Pete was a great color guy and Skip was great in his earlier years. Especially when he did the Hawks games. As far as the worst, John Sterling, hands down on both sports. “Those goofy, daffy, wacky Hawks” or his personal favorite “Dominique is Mon-u-fique”. What a D-bag.
JB
December 1st, 2009
3:17 pm
Chip Caray gets my vote.
Ya’ll just drinkin’ the Haterade on Chip. Chip is da man!
Sincerely,
Helen Keller
Skeezix
December 1st, 2009
3:59 pm
Skip gets my vote.
Greg Norton Is HOT!!!
December 1st, 2009
6:14 pm
Skip was my favorite announcer of all time in any sport….his son on the other hand…not so much.
Michael
December 1st, 2009
7:57 pm
I’ve thought for years that Pete was the best, most professional announcer the Braves have had since they arrived in Atlanta, and that the best humor guy was Bob Uecker (sp?) for the short time that we had him. I’m going to vote for Pete right now.
Michael
December 1st, 2009
7:59 pm
Oh. You have to be a Facebook member to vote on a Facebook poll. Never mind, but I love you anyway, Pete.
Scottbravesfan
December 2nd, 2009
4:14 am
It’s a joke that Skip and Pete aren’t already in the hall.
Mike C.
December 2nd, 2009
11:06 am
I grew up listening to Ernie. He was by far the best. Joe Simpson is the best announcer in the game right now. I’m going to miss Boog and hope and pray Chip doesn’t get Boog’s spot on Fox.
bobby
December 2nd, 2009
1:08 pm
Chip is no Skip and that’s for sure.
Brooking 56
December 2nd, 2009
1:34 pm
God Boog stunk up the place. Didn’t even know he was gone till now. Best news all day
John
December 2nd, 2009
9:27 pm
Pete was the best. Please get someone that knows how to take a breath. Joe, I have to watch with the mute button turned off. Shut your mouth Joe.
ynot
December 3rd, 2009
11:57 am
Moved here in ‘87. I liked Pete the best. Skip’s humor grows on you on; such a dry wit. I looked forward to listening to Pete’s notes before the game along with his call of the game. They were a good duo. I also like Don. He should get some play-by-play duties.
James
December 3rd, 2009
9:21 pm
I go back farther than most, I guess…but, jim woods of the old
Atlanta Crackers was da bomb…I’ll neva forget…..going, going, oh he double l its gone.Joe and Don
deserve recohgnition.
James
December 3rd, 2009
9:28 pm
Dizzy Dean was another grea one…
Al Michaels started here in Hawaii with the triple AAA islanders, he has been influenced to much by
Cosels (sic)
James
December 4th, 2009
10:46 am
Ernie Johnson, hands down!!! With the Braves in the 50’s and moved with them to Atlanta where he was their voice for 30+ years… He’s the best!
Augusta Jack
December 4th, 2009
7:21 pm
I’ve been a Braves Fan since my days in Atlanta watching Dale Murphy and listening to Ernie Johnson. He was one of the best but Pete has to be the most professional announcer I’ve ever listened to over the past 30-40 years. Wish he would come back. Somehow Boog and Chip just didn’t fit in here and I’m not sorry to hear they are both looking elsewhere. Of our current group I like Don followed by Joe. Hopefullly, the Braves can come up with someone interesting to listen to and knows baseball instead of a warm body whose main interest is listening to themselves talk. Lets have some maturity in the broadcast booth.
Dave
December 4th, 2009
7:35 pm
I am in favor of a three man booth, Chip, Joe, & the newest John Smoltz..
Mitchell (now in Dallas!)
December 6th, 2009
8:20 pm
What about Ernie Johnson Sr.? My all-time favorite broadcaster.
I miss that guy. He just sounded like every game was the first game he ever saw.
I remember a game in September of ‘93 when Ron Gant hit a game winning homerun off of Rob Dibble (it was a Wednesday game on the old Sportsouth channel) and he was going crazy.
It was awesome.
Mitchell (now in Dallas!)
December 6th, 2009
8:21 pm
I realize he’s not dead. I just miss him not being with the Braves.
John K.
December 7th, 2009
9:15 am
The recipients of the Ford Frick Award are NOT displayed in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Their pictures and names are PROUDLY displayed in a wing of the National Baseball Museum in Cooperstown which is adjacent to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Hall is only a small part of the National Baseball Museum. There are three floors open to the public with an unbelievable display of baseball memorabilia. Would make most collectors weep. The main curator told me that only 7% of what is on hand is on display. The rest is held in storage within the building. A must see if you are a serious baseball fan. Getting to it can be a challenge..especially on induction weekend.
Birddog'n
December 7th, 2009
3:57 pm
Boog Sciambi what a joke! Ernie Johnson most definately, Sutton knows baseball but just doesn’t know when to put a lid on it. Simpson sometimes gets so far out in left field he’s on the other side of the fence
G-man
December 8th, 2009
10:11 am
Didn’t anyone ever listen to Skip on the radio pregame shows? OMG – he insulted nearly everyone that called in. They finally had to take him off of that show and replace him with Don Sutton. He wasn’t just a prickly pear, he was an arrogant, self indulgent know-it-all. The time a caller made comments about his sympathy for the passing of Harry Carey and Skip went off on the caller, it showed me that the man was an insensitive jerk. And if you listened regularly, like I did, that was not the only time he insulted callers. I wouldn’t vote for Skip for dog catcher. Oh sure, he kept it clean and pure while doing the games because he knew he could not stand up to the criticism if the real Skip was uncovered.
Don
December 9th, 2009
11:24 am
Is there any way we can vote to get Bobby Cox into the broadcast booth – Not that he would be any good – But anything to get him out of the dugout. And after all, his view of just being a cheerleader is more applicable to being a broadcaster than being a manager.
reason
December 11th, 2009
12:23 pm
Skip Caray is the only broadcaster that was worth anything, he had the ability that made him the talent he was, Second would be Pete Van Wieren, and third Ernie Johnson. Forget about the rest. Don Sutton feels like the has to talk every single minute and won’t shut up for one second he’s on the air, nerves won’t take to much and have to mute the volume, and Joe Simpson shows when he doesn’t like a player, showing how basis, he can be. Chip Caray lack the talent that his father and grandfather had, he trys to show how smart he was, but fails. Don’t remember Jim Powell.
Whoever TBS, or Sport South, put in there I hope that they don’t feel like they have to talk every single second, it’s television the fans can see what going on. While correcting mistakes stop showing player picking their nose or scratching themselves, or the color of their eye ball. The fan wants to see what’s going on the field, not the drugout.
santa cruz dawg
December 13th, 2009
11:58 am
Ernie Johnson was the best. Along with Pete who is also awesome, and Milo Hamilton wasn’t to shabby either. I never understood why they let him go?