Should MLB play-by-play broadcaster have college or high school baseball experience???

Question

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Answer 1

probably both thats good

Answer 2

Experience as a player?  Not necessarily.  The player's perspective is the job of the "color commentator," almost always a former player or coach.

The play-by-play announcer's job is to present information and enhance the viewer's (or listener's) experience.  On radio, the announcer must paint a "word picture."  On TV, the announcer must describe and somehow add to what the viewer sees.  On both, the play-by-play announcer will provide details, statistics, and all kinds of informational tidbits to keep the broadcast moving.

For the most part, many great play-by-play commentators have little or no playing experience, even in high school.  One does not have to be a participant to be a good observer!

Now, if you're talking about college or high school baseball BROADCASTING experience, absolutely YES, the broadcaster should have that experience.  They have to start somewhere; if not a high school or college, then perhaps some low-level minor league team.  Of course, just about any minor league team will want a broadcaster with prior experience, so that goes right back to college and high school.

Answer 3

No. It's more important to be able to speak clearly and have coherent thoughts. Some great baseball players are terrible broadcasters because being good at the game doesn't mean you're necessarily good at talking about the game.

Play-by-play guys are different from color commentators, though. I could see more of a case for a color commentator to be a guy with game experience because then he might have unique comments to add to the broadcast while largely staying out of the play-by-play guy's way.

Answer 4

No, not really. You just have to be able to analyze the game and give the viewer information. You don't have to play baseball, to talk baseball.