I have been a loyal Philadelphia Phillies fan since 1993, listening to Harry Kalas' broadcasts and taking for granted his ability to broadcast in a way that let the games tell their own story. He was a master of knowing when to be quiet and just watch the game. He was a fan of the players, the players were a fan of him, and he was always focused on the game. He was a treasure that Philadelphia continues to miss.
Then comes along Tom McCarthy, nowhere in the same realm as Harry Kalas. He took the reigns the day that Harry Kalas passed away in Washington, broadcasting the game like business as usual. I vividly remember that game; Tom McCarthy seemed in high spirits about the passing of Kalas, like he was happy about his fortunate promotion. That day bothered me, and still bothers me to this day.
I guess you could say that I haven't liked Tom McCarthy from the start, that the Mets sent him packing and he returned to Philadelphia as an outfield correspondent before his eventual promotion as broadcaster. Even as an outfield correspondent he appeared uneducated on the sport of baseball. Many of times he would talk before he would think, and I remember a time that Harry Kalas had to correct one of his comments. He seemed "wet behind the ears," in my opinion.
Now the Phillies have sellouts every night, and Tom McCarthy is SELL SELL SELL $$$. Every night he talks about the promotions like it's the main event. His commentary during what I believe are important times in the game is simply annoying. He asks really ignorant questions. He gets excited about certain things that need no excitement. I once heard a person say this about Tom McCarthy. He said "baseball is a sport to sipped, not guzzled." I agree strongly with that statement, and I believe Tom McCarthy has nothing to contribute to the Philadelphia Phillies. He has done good work in broadcasting basketball, especially Atlantic 10 games, but with the Phillies I believe he has become a talking head. He simply enjoys listening to the sound of his voice. The only problem, is that we don't. I'm kindly asking as a true Philadelphia Phillies fan that Tom McCarthy be fired.
