rogers park bryan wrote:
Have you guys tried watching it from an Unintentional comedy standpoint?
Its hilarious
I do and I agree. But, I'd like to think that unlike in Ag Bob's broad characterization, I'm neither lowest level Sox fanatic, nor manic depressive. In 2005 I really loved Hawk & Rooney, and almost found Farmer passable. And didn't miss a chance to watch/listen, unlike say in '97.
I will miss Hawk when he's gone, but it won't be a big deal then. However, I think its ridiculous to think that he really affects Sox attendance. Adult fans couldn't/shouldn't care less and kids are more interested in the Jumbotron, food and other distractions at the ballpark, than the broadcaster.
Hawk hasn't had a good partner since Drysdale. Paciorek, DJ and Stone have had nothing to add. Perhaps they all were intimidated by Hawk, but that's more of an indictment of the Sox front office than Hawk. He's needed someone with a strong personality to really engage him (Stone is a failure on so many levels), and the Sox haven't taken a chance doing that, now you have imperious (yet hilarious) Hawk.
And although I'm not quite Ft. Dearborn old, I too remember Brickhouse and his eternal optimism to sell tix, but I certainly don't remember many sellouts at Wrigley before '84. Harry Caray sold a lot of the same bs optimism, which never worked until the Trib learned how to exploit the hell out of Girls Gone Wild-Wrigley edition(which no broadcaster could do again, ever).
The level of anger vented against Hawk amuses and occasionally mystifies me though. With Bernstein, it's just irritating coming from yet another annoying little guy with a Napleonic complex who's gotten the most out of his marginal talent, imo.