On
The Air
by Laura Nachman
Bucks
County Courier Times
August 3, 2007
Here’s an updated scorecard of the announcers for our four major sports teams in town.
Merrill Reese – Reese enters his 31st year as the Eagles’ radio play-by-play announcer. He is also the co-owner of WBCB 1490-AM. Reese is a graduate of Temple University and also enjoyed a long run at WIP. Trademark call – “It’s Good!”
Mike Quick – The former Eagles’ wide receiver enters his 10th year as the Eagles’ radio analyst.
Harry Kalas – The Hall of Fame announcer joined the Phillies in 1971. He also provides voice-overs for NFL Films and announces NFL games for Westwood One Radio Network. Trademark call – “Outta Here!” Nickname: Harry “The K.” A restaurant is named after Kalas in Citizens Bank Park.
Chris Wheeler – The graduate of Marple Newtown Senior High and Penn State University joined the Phillies broadcasting crew in 1977. He began his career with the team in the public relations department. Nickname: “Wheels.”
Larry Andersen – The former Phillies’ pitcher joined the broadcast team in 1998. He is attempting play-by-play for the first time this season. Nickname: L.A.
Scott Franzke – The radio play-by-play announcer is in his second year with the team. He worked for the Texas Rangers prior to joining the Phillies.
Gary Matthews – The former Phillies’ outfielder joined the television crew this season. His son, Gary Matthews Jr. plays for the Los Angeles Angels. Nickname: “Sarge.”
Jim Jackson – Jackson will enter his 15th season with the Flyers. Jackson followed the late Gene Hart in the role. Jackson added Phillies pre and post game show duties to his resume this season.
Steve Coates – Coates has been with the Flyers in some capacity since the 1980’s. He joined the television broadcast crew in 1999. Nickname: “Coatesy”
Keith Jones – Jones replaced Gary Dornhoefer on the television team last season. He also appears on WIP.
Tim Saunders – Saunders quietly enters his 11th year with the team as the radio play-by-play announcer.
Brian Propp – The former Flyers is the color analyst for the radio broadcast. He enters his eighth season in that role.
Marc Zumoff – Zumoff has been the television voice for the Sixers for 13 years. The contract of his partner, Steve Mix was not renewed for this season. A replacement has not been named yet. Zumoff, a Northeast Philadelphia native, is a graduate of Temple University. Many remember Zumoff from his years at PRISM sports.
Tom McGinnis – McGinnis has been the radio voice for the Sixers since 1995. McGinnis announced the games solo for many years. He is married to Channel 3 reporter Robin Reiger. Trademark call: “Are you kidding me?”