In Chicago, Colleen Kane reports White Sox broadcaster Ken "Hawk" Harrelson is one of 10 finalists for the Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually for "excellence in baseball broadcasting" by the Baseball HOF. The winner of the award will be announced Dec. 11. Other finalists are Joe Castiglione (Red Sox), Jacques Doucet (Expos, Blue Jays), Bill King (A's), Duane Kuiper (Giants), Eric Nadel (Rangers), Eduardo Ortega (Padres), Mike Shannon (Cardinals), Dewayne Staats (Rays) and Pete van Wieren (Braves). Broadcasters "must have a minimum of 10 years continuous major league work for a team or network to qualify for the award" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/3).
OFF THE SIDELINES: In Houston, David Barron reported Univ. of Texas football sideline reporter Rod Babers resigned from the position, citing a "'simple conflict of interest' between his duties on the university-licensed radio broadcasts and his job" as host of a show on Austin-based KVET-AM. Babers made his announcement via his Twitter account ahead of tonight's Texas-Iowa State game. Babers said, "There have been reports that I was fired or forced out, but that is not the case. I decided to resign. It was clearly a conflict of interest. I couldn’t do that (sideline) job to the best of my ability and do a radio show and express opinions every day" (CHRON.com, 10/2).
THOUGHTS FROM THE BOOTH: ESPN soccer analyst Taylor Twellman said of his foray into broadcasting, "My favorite part is watching game tape, and analyzing tendencies of teams. ... The least favorite part is, well, I was told this by some great broadcasters, the moment you start a game, 40 percent of the people hate you. Because no matter what I say, there are a portion of fans against it. It took me a little while to understand I’m not going to please everyone, but that’s part of the gig." Twellman said of the reaction he has gotten from players and coaches since he started broadcasting, "The one thing I’ve heard, whether they agree or disagree, is that they respect how I say things. I am frank, to the point and I have no agenda" (MLSSOCCER.com, 10/2).
LEAVING EARLIER THAN THOUGHT: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram columnist Randy Galloway is retiring from ESPN Radio 103.3 Dallas "after he signs off his show Monday, a couple of months earlier than a previously announced year-end date." Galloway yesterday said that there "will be no big fanfare or special on-location party." He will "explain why he’s leaving and sign off with a 'goodbye,'" but otherwise it is "just another 'regular show.'" Galloway said that it is a coincidence his retirement "comes at the same time that Cumulus Media will take over operations" at the station (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 10/3).
