Unlike the Mariners, San Diego keeps their Radio announcers separate from TV. I am not entirely sure why this is, but to be honest, I prefer it. Maybe I’m biased (no I AM biased), but the Pads announce teams just aren’t up to par. The radio team is Jerry Coleman and Ted Leitner. Coleman is like everyone’s favorite old uncle. He can be fun, and he tells great stories, but he loses his point every so often and never seems to remember anybody’s name. As an announcer, he’s definitely the excited type, much like Neihaus but lacking the flair. He does have a nice catchphrase (Hang a star on that one!) and enough goodwill built up that I bet he eventually wins the Ford Frick Award. His partner Leitner, on the other hand, is utterly unbearable. Long-winded, endlessly opinionated but never informed, utterly charmless; Mrs.Frinklin says he’s some sort of San Diego institution, but I can’t tell why. More than anything, he seems like every bad stand-up comic’s idea of Radio Guy. The TV side is bearable, but nothing special. Matt Vasgersian handles play-by-Play. He practically screams ESPN anchor: blandly handsome, endless pop culture references, and the occasional mediocre impression. Mark Grant is his sidekick, and I like him. I’m not sure why, but I do. He’s very likable, somewhat goofy, and hardly ever throws the “I’m a former athlete” at his viewers
Posted by Frinklin at April 8, 2004 05:55 PM