One MLB Telecast Will Not Have a Play-By-Play Broadcaster on Friday
The play-by-play broadcaster has been a staple of radio and television for sporting events of all sorts since, well, sports broadcasting began. The Baseball Hall of Fame honors broadcasting excellence with the Ford C. Frick award. Its winners, from Vin Scully to Al Michaels to Joe Castiglione just last month, have all taken turns doing play-by-play.
Given the historical importance of the role in the broadcast booth, the decision by Bally Sports West for Friday’s Angels-Mets game is an interesting one.
The Angels won’t have a play-by-play broadcaster for the game.
The Angels are trying something unique with their broadcast on Friday.
It will be Bobby Valentine and Mark Gubicza in the booth for Mets-Angels.
There will be no traditional PXP broadcaster, but they are planning to have several guests cycle through, & it’ll be more informal.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) July 31, 2024
Analysts Bobby Valentine and Mark Gubicza will handle the game-calling instead. Sam Blum of The Athletic reports other “guests” will cycle through during the broadcast as well.
One reason behind the move is obvious: Wayne Randazzo, the Angels’ play-by-play broadcaster six days out of the week, is returning to his customary Apple TV+ booth for “Friday Night Baseball.” He will be on the mic for the game between the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
Often, in Randazzo’s absence, the Angels will turn to Bally Sports West veteran Patrick O’Neal. O’Neal has filled in on play-by-play duties the last three years. He’s available Friday, but the network is deciding to try something different instead.
Gubicza is in his 22nd year with Bally Sports West, and his 17th year providing color commentary for Angels broadcasts. He’s able to blend humor and insights with a variety of play-by-play partners — some experienced, some less so — and will probably thrive in an “informal” format.
The wild card is Valentine. Valentine managed the New York Mets from 1996-02. Although his tenure ended 22 years ago, he’s still closely associated with the team. Perhaps the Angels’ opponent Friday is no coincidence to Valentine’s assignment.
Chris Coduto/Getty Images
Valentine parlayed his media savvy in the New York market into a national broadcasting job with ESPN in 2009. He was tabbed to manage the Boston Red Sox in 2012, but was fired after one season. His history with the Mets could make for some delicious banter, although Angels fans might be more interested to hear about what’s happening with their own team.
Lately, it hasn’t been great.
More news: Angels’ Mike Trout Suffers New Injury, is Out For The Season
The Angels are 47-61, having long ago fallen out of contention in the American League West and AL Wild Card races. Thursday, they learned star Mike Trout re-injured the meniscus in his left knee and won’t return this year.
Perhaps the Angels are the perfect team to run this experiment with. The banter might be more compelling than the product on the field. Viewers will soon find out either way.
