Top ten lists, top 50 lists, top whatever lists are a sure fire way to get people talking. And arguing. And cursing the person who wrote the list.  Get ready to curse, because this list will make you mad.  It’s not my list. I’m just issuing the first curse.  This list belongs to David Halberstam and he has ranked his Top 50 Sports Announcers of All Time.

My first complaint comes in at # 2: John Madden.  Madden? Really?  The guy who says things like, “If the other team has the ball, you’re on defense.” And other gems like, “when you have a 3rd and 4 situation, you really need to go for the 1st down.”  If this was a list of the masters of the obvious, then Madden would be on top. All time list of Sports Casters?  Not.

Complaint number two is directed at Jim Gray (#49).  This is the guy who asked Wayne Huizenga if he was going to move the Marlins only minutes after they won the World Series.  Did I mention the interview was pumped through the stadium public address and on TV? Years later Gray ambushes Pete Rose about gambling at a very inappropriate moment.  Gray is classless.  Not on the list.

Mike Tirico over Chris Berman?  What a tool! Bryant Gumbel anywhere on the list.  Oh, hell no! Bud Collins?  Has this guy ever covered a real sport?

I’m going to watch the Super Bowl now, so talk amongst yourselves.  And when you have a chance, let me know what you think of the list.

Carry on, Citizens!