On The Air
by Laura Nachman
Bucks County Courier Times
December 8, 2006

Two familiar voices on the Philadelphia sports scene were silenced this week.

The Phillies announced that 15-year veteran Scott Graham will not return to the broadcast booth next season. Also, afternoon talk show host John Mozes was taken off the air by ESPN 920-AM.

The Graham news wasn't a total shock because word leaked a couple of weeks ago that his contract would not be renewed. However, the big surprise was that former Phillies outfielder Gary Matthews will join returning announcers Harry Kalas, Chris Wheeler, Larry Andersen and Scott Franzke.

Though Graham was given more responsibility at the beginning of last season, the strong performance of newcomer Franzke probably made Graham expendable.

Kalas, 70, signed a three-year contract with the team.

“I'm very disappointed,” Graham said. “I worked very hard at improving as a baseball announcer, and I appreciated the Phillies giving me the opportunity. I'm disappointed on a number of levels. I enjoyed watching the ballclub, especially the development of Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, and I'll miss spending time talking and arguing about baseball with the fans.

“My family's entire life has been wrapped up with the Phillies. When you live a baseball life, your life becomes engulfed with the season. I wish the Phillies the best of luck.”

Mozes was the victim of budget cuts at Nassau Broadcasting, owner of ESPN 920-AM. He co-hosted “Philly Sports Live” for three years. Perhaps he can hook up with the Phillies, who might need a new pre-game and post-game host this season because Franzke will be doing more innings.

“I enjoyed my tenure here,” Mozes said. “I've made wonderful friends in the sports world, I got to travel to the Super Bowl, and do many fun things.''

Kincade goes national

Atlanta sportscaster John Kincade, who grew up in Broomall, will be filling in for Colin Cowherd, on “The Herd” on ESPN radio Dec. 14 and 15 and Christmas week from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Kincade's own Sunday morning ESPN radio show returns Jan. 7 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

A graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School and Temple, Kincade co-hosts afternoon drive (3-7 p.m.) on Atlanta's 680-AM “The Fan” with former Georgia quarterback, Buck Belue. He also is part of the Atlanta Thrashers television broadcast.

Before moving, Kincade, who is as comfortable talking about classic game shows and “General Hospital,” as well as sports, was a frequent caller to the WIP morning show. He credits WIP hosts Angelo Cataldi and Howard Eskin for helping his career.

“I feel like I am getting the absolute best of both worlds,” Kincade said. “To have my own national show on the top sports network in the country and to get to have the Eskin time slot in Atlanta is outstanding. Having stolen everything I can from the acts of Cataldi and Eskin, I am glad to have carved out my own niche in the industry.”

No sportscast

There will not be a regularly scheduled sports segment on the upcoming 5 p.m. newscast on Fox29, beginning in January.

According to station spokesperson Jennifer Best, Don Tollefson or Bill Vargus will contribute if a big sports story breaks. NBC10 also does not have a sports segment on its 5 p.m. show. CBS3 runs sports at 4 p.m. and 6ABC run sports at 5 p.m.