A great broadcasting voice is more than a sound. It’s an instrument and a comforter. It’s authoritative and informative. It takes you places without having to travel. It provides color where there’s none. It’s a playground slide of words that roll smoothly off the tongue.
The Baseball Hall of Fame has its own qualifications for being inducted into the broadcast wing: “Commitment to excellence, quality of broadcasting abilities, reverence within the game, popularity with fans and recognition by peers.” And that’s all well and good.
But my checklist is more specific. It includes a voice of distinction, professionalism and trust.