Derek Schultz on Bob Lamey

We recently asked Derek Schultz of XL 950 to give his take on long time Colts broadcaster Bob Lamey. Here's what Derek had to say:

"Lamey is among those that I didn't particularly care for. He is a really nice guy and a passionate Colts fan, however sometimes he lets that bleed over too much into his broadcast.

I find it particularly annoying when he constantly complains about officiating. I hold p-b-p people to a higher standard than color guys because I believe it is there responsibility to be professional throughout. The "fan" in the booth is supposed to be the color guy (i.e. Ron Santo). Actually, a perfect example of an outstanding broadcast team is Santo and Pat Hughes on Cubs' broadcasts. Hughes gives you the meat and potatoes - he's your eyes and ears. Santo is emotional and reactionary - he's your head and heart. That's what I want from every broadcast team.

Also, I don't like Lamey's voice (just my personal opinion), but I know that's something he has no control over. He is also inaccurate at times, especially with gains/losses as well as down and distance (and Vinatieri's FG miss at San Diego last year).

You have to take what I say with a big grain of salt because I am not a Colts fan. I think Hawk Harrellson is the worst announcer ever but I know die-hard White Sox fans that will throw you down a flight of stairs to defend him. Fans tend to love their home p-b-p guy and I know plenty of people that love Lamey. I believe that grading announcers is all a matter of personal opinion. Vin Scully, Marv Albert, and Al Michaels are three of the best ever, and I guarantee that there are people out there that can't stand them."

Big thanks to Derek and XL 950 for helping us out. You can hear Derek on XL 950's Xtra Large Lunch, weekdays from Noon to 1 pm. I'm curious how many of you agree with Derek's take on Lamey.

DZ Comments: I can't judge this at all. I love Lamey because other than that weird stretch with Joe McConnell that wasn't pretty at all, he's always been the voice of my Colts experience. I can remember our dad always hated him because "he yells no matter which team has something good happen". In local announcing, I believe that stability is almost as important as quality. Lamey works great for me because he's a conduit to every great Colts team in my lifetime. I love his work, but am way too biased to judge it. For the record, I love the Hawk's home run call, but I think Ron Santo is human waste when it comes to announcing (and that sound is exactly zero people fainting with surprise).

Links:
The Sports guy rips on new fields citing the Colts Bears game as a prime example about the loss of home field advantage. The Luke (or the Stable as some of our readers were calling last week) can be every bit as loud as the dome. I believe that based on my experience there in week one. Our fans act depressed this year. They are still in shock. I expect them to round into form eventually and make the Luke just as loud as the Dome was.

He also calls 18 the MVP while reinforcing the truly dubious nature of his own heterosexuality. Seriously, given the kinds of arguments Pats fans used for years, surely they would have to recognize the greatness of this season. At least he's consistent.

18 Plays is back this week...but still only in written form. I'm still having technical difficulties. I really do plan on podcasting again some day. Just not today.