In the entire history of any sport, can you think of a better sports commentator than Bud Collins?

Question

His insight into tennis is just amazing. I think he does such a good job because he is such a good player himself. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

He was really great back in the 70's through 90's, especially when he worked with JoAnne Russell at Wimbledon for NBC, and when he would interview the players right after they walked off the court. He has a wealth of knowledge about the sport and its history.  But I think old age has gotten the best of him.  He's still very insightful, but not as quick as he once was, and unfortunately not as relevant.  It's almost embarassing hearing him now when he does his courtside observations for ESPN at the slams.  God bless him though, he's a legend in the sport.  I miss his nicknames for the players, like Fraulein Forehand (Graf).

Answer 2

To put it simply, no.  He's a lot more clever than John & Patrick McEnroe (combined), and beats the socks off of Mary Carillo.

Answer 3

You obviously have a passion for tennis, so it makes sense to you.  I don't really care much about tennis, so Collins is just another analysis.  I like baseball, so I think Joe Morgan does a very good job analyzing baseball.  Hubie Brown does a good job with NBA basketball and so on.

Answer 4

He is an amazing person.

He did play,and coach.But for most of his career he has been a journalist.There are other commentators who are better at stroke analysis.But his knowledge of the history of the game is almost unparaleled.

It's really a shame that more people don't make the effort to study tennis history,because it is profoundly rich in great stories.He can put things into a larger perspective because of his long experience,and study of the game.

He also treats the players with real humanity,and warmth.Because of that they trust him.He's become like the beloved,if somewhat eccentric, grandpa.

I think McEnroe,Carillo,and Navratilova all do a great job of getting you into a match.

Collins is really more than just an ex-player,he's really one of those people who keep the heart in sports.

Tennis will never be able to replace the old guy.

He does have a website.His wife's photos are wonderful.

http://www.budcollinstennis.com/

But those pants!

Answer 5

Who?

Entire history of any sport?

Oh really? You know the entire history of sports ALL OVER THE WORLD? You have the languages and the knowledge to compare this Collins with sports commentators from all over the world? Wow! I'm so impressed.

(...and ,yes, given the national context within which he works,yes,he's pretty good! Having been a player himself helps but it's the communication skills he brings  to commentating that make the difference)

Answer 6

John Madden!

Answer 7

Just looked at the website posted above and read some of his notes.  He is a fantastic commentator, storyteller, and historian of the game.  Whenever he leaves the game he will sorely be missed.  Speaking of which, sorry to hijack, but whatever happened to Tony Trabert?  I used to like him too, I thought his commentary was also so spot on.

Answer 8

I love Bud Collins. I have been watching tennis for nearly 30 years. One of my favorite things used to be  Bud interviewing the winners of the Grand Slams. The quintessential and iconic ending to each slam. I was pi$$ed when N.B.C terminated him. Long live Mr. Collins !!!!!!!