The Phillies Say Goodbye To Scott Graham - What a Missed Call!
I ran into Scott Graham, the Phillies play-by-play man, at the Lenape Trail Classic in Atlantic City between Temple and Cincinnati, where he was doing the CN 8 broadcast of the game. Scott is one of the most versatile sports broadcasters around.
That makes it even more of a surprise that the Phillies have dropped Scott from their broadcast team. It is an unfortunate decision, because Scott brought youth and vigor to the Phillie’s broadcasts.
As a broadcaster, I appreciate the announcers who broadcast sports, especially those who can give you that visual picture, even when it is on the radio. Outside of Harry Kalas, no one did it better than Scott Graham!
The best play-by-play man in town is Merrill Reese. There is no one even close. In a way, Graham was becoming to baseball what Merrill became to Eagles football in his early years. Graham was the natural successor to Harry. But that will not happen, because the Phillies have made a bad decision.
For some reason, the Phillies fail to interpret what is good and bad in this town. The rehiring of Manager Charlie Manuel was a big mistake. The beating of a Philadelphia cop by player Jason Michaels in 2005 was handled badly, along with the domestic dispute involving Brett Myers.
Now Scott Graham has been given his walking papers.
Gary Matthews will join the team. Good get. He’ll add excitement.
But Graham should have stayed. He was hardly the weakest link in a Phillies broadcast team that can, unwillingly, put you to sleep on some nights.
Scott will be sought after for his talent and energy. And with his loss the public face of the Phillies will suffer again.
In recent years a whole new breed of game announcers has made an impact, led bv Graham and Sixer’s star Mark Zumoff.
It is too bad the Phillies didn’t understand the impact of Scott Graham. The fans do.
Couldn’t agree more! The poor decisions this organization makes on an annual basis is merely astonishing!
Well we DO have Ryan Howard. And Utley and Rollins.
Larry
I agree. I liked Scott Graham and will miss his play calling. Hopefully I can still hear him call Atlantic Ten basketball games.
Simply disgusting best describes the way the Phillies are being mishandled, first from the trade-no trades issue, manager hiring, now this, Scott Graham not being retained.
I wonder what makes them tick, then again, THEY probably wonder what makes them tick.
Really disgusted with them now. Perhaps a Bring back Scott Graham campaign might work. No Scott, no ticket purchase.
Perhaps the Phillies do not understand the bonds that develop between their broadcasters and those of us who listen to games on the radio. One looks forward to hearing familiar voices. As an XM subscriber, I am forced to listen to other teams’ broadcasters when the Phils are away. Scott Graham compares very favorably to any or all of them. His loss to this town is huge!
Obviously I agree. Graham will do well, but I’ll miss his voice here.
Thanks
The wrong Scott was let go. Why? He was fun, colorful, was a total Phillie fan (you could tell by his excitement) had a very pleasant voice, everything you want in an announcer. With Harry getting a little long in the tooth, he seemed to be the heir apparent go figure? Wheeler should have been first on the hit list, he is the master of the obvious, with his no doubles defense and that attitude that he knows who put the salt in the ocean. Scott’s only down side for me was his “put this one in the win column for the fightin’ Phils. But no one is perfect. I am sorry to see him go. Another Phils blunder, along with Burrell and not picking up Baez.
Lew:
Good points. I think Scott represented a new era.
I’m keeping close tabs on where he winds up.
Larry
I could not agree more! I remember Scott doing High School football in Delaware MANY years ago … and new then, he was destined for great things. I also think Scott’s frequent stints with FOX baseball have proven he’s one of the game’s best! Remember the Phillies had a shot to keep Tim McCarver before he went to the Mets and Fox - so we should be used to their mistakes. They also once fired Andy Musser and replaced him with … Andy Musser!
Is there any way that we can sign a petition to the phillies organization to bring Scott back. I cannot agree more with this statement:
“In a way, Graham was becoming to baseball what Merrill became to Eagles football in his early years. Graham was the natural successor to Harry.”
BRING SCOTT BACK IMMEDIATELY AND HELP TO REBUILD THE GOOD THINGS THAT THE PHILLIES HAVE GOING ON!
A letter to the Phillies would be appropriate, but I think their decision is final.
I wrote to the Phillies immediately when they let Scott Graham go and got a sugar coated reply with no real substance. After listening to the radio broadcast of the March 3 Boston game, it’s gonna be a long season without Graham. He and LA’s banter always reminded me of the old days with Harry and Richie I thought we were set with a great team for decades to come. What’s the real reason he was let go, has he landed another team yet?
He’s doing a lot of work for CN 8 the Comcast Network, and a lot of other free lance.
He’s a great guy with a lot of talent.
Larry
As a Phantasy Camp regular, Scott was the excitement and the energy of the camp. Scott loved this team and city. Hopefully he stays in Philly.
Excuse, and what you think concerning forthcoming elections?
Scott will me missed. What’s worse are those commercials with the players. If we don’t win some games…I’m gonna freak out.
Ben: It’s only the start.
I agree that Scott Graham and Larry Anderson were developing the kind of rapport that made Harry and Whitey synonymous with Phillies baseball. What a terrible decision. I wonder if the Sarge will even make it through the season. Sometimes he sounds pretty confused.
We’ll see what happens. This is not about Sarge. This is about Scott.
I miss S. Grahams love and passion for the game even if he was a little over the top. G. Matthews has not shown me any rapport with his fellow broadcasters and does not have a clear distinctive voice necessary for radio.
I wondered where Scott was while listening to the Spring Training games….thought maybe he was doing something else & would join them for the regular season. Boy was I mistaken! Thanks Larry for this posting so I could find out what actually happened to Scott. He made the games for me…I thought he was better than Harry because Harry doesn’t have the excitement needed anymore. I’ll be checking back to see if you have any news on his whereabouts.
He’s on the air doing lots of play by play for different sports organizations, including CN 8.
Larry, you are exactly right!! How could the phillies let Scott go? Him and LA had great repport, and he had the emotion that makes it exciting to listen to radio. He’s not as good as Merril, but he’s close. I remember last year when the phillies beat Boston, I thought he was coming through the speakers.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the phillies realize their mistake and bring him back.
Scot, I will miss you!! Hopefully I will hear you do come collge games on CN8 which I get down here in DC.
Mr. Kane,
Any further info you can dig up on this absurd firing would be greatly appreciated, whether you post it in this thread or as another article.
I’m stunned and still cannot believe Graham is gone.
Thanks
Not much more. They just removed him.
As a Philadelphian, I always thought we had the greatest broadcasters in baseball, Scott Graham was the best of the bunch, listening to the games now is almost painful. We keep the manager who should have gone, and get rid of a great broadcaster, it is going to be a long, long season.
It’s been very difficult listening to the play by play without Scott. Along with his energy he brought great insight to the game. I don’t care for that Gary anouncer,he just don’t sound like baseball. I’ll surely miss Scott’s trade mark call at the end of a win on radio,”Put this one in the win colum for the fight’in Phils”!
It really is a shame! He was the voice of the Phills for years and they just drop him like he’s done nothing for them. Nobody could make you visualize the game quite like Scott, and nobody could get you as excited. I know his wife, and it was not a clean break, and it makes me even angrier that they fail to treat a Phillies icon wiht respect!
Couldn’t agree more.
My brother and I have attended a few of the Phillies phantasy camps where Scott was very well know. At this years camp many folks were very upset about his firing. I hope he can be made aware that there were more than a few jeers that went up for him at the camp. He is a class guy and was very nice to everyone.He put forward the best kind of image the Phillies could use and was an excellent broadcaster.
The Phillies should hire him back! They need the excitement.
I was so excited the first time I heard Scott Graham do play by play. Things were not going to skip a beat once Harry hangs it up. I like LA and slowly getting to like Gary, but nothing compares to Scott. I have feeling he will be back next season. We’re starting to play the type of baseball we’re suppose too. Now just bring back Scott!!
I really miss listening to Scott Graham. He had a great voice for play by play. He was clear, concise and an absolute joy to listen to. I enjoyed listening to games more on the radio than watching on tv. Scott Graham and LA were responsible for the Larry, Wheeler must have some pictures on Giles or something. I cannot believe that he held is job so long. I was hoping that Harry could negotiate Wheeler out of broadcasting when it came to the new contract deal couple years ago. I thought it was a no brainer especially since Harry cannot stand “Wheels”. The only hope now is a stray foul ball. On another note, after watching tonight’s game, Charlie’s time needs to end now!
Bryan– Scott should be brought back and soon. write to the Phillies!
As far as Charlie…
Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
The Phillies should be ashamed of them selves again. He Should Still be here. One of the best announcers in Philadelphia History. We should let the Phillies Go like we do every year. Can’t wait for the Eagles to start least we have a chance to win something or something to route for. Bunch of Loser Phillies.
As a former Philadelphian, and a long time Phillie fan, I thought the Phillies had the best radio announcers.Living in Las Vegas area and part-time Pa. in the summer I was disappointed to find that Scott Graham was replaced by Gary Matthews. I never cared for him as a player and I think he is even worst as an announcer. I guess it is another political correct thing. I guess I will root for the Diamondbacks
Where the heck is Scott Graham?? I have listened to baseball for 42 years. He was one of the best. I am not even a Phillies fan. I am a Mets fan. I hope the Mets get him. I am in shocked he was canned. I figured he got a higher paying job. Never did I thought he lost his job!!
The phillies will always be losers. I honestly liked listening to Scott more then Harry C.
Harry is still the best, but Scott is terrfic. I miss him on the air.
I am a longtime fan that gets more and more fed-up with both Phillies TV and radio broadcasts as the season progresses. Either you get to listen to Al Michaels (what Harry Kalas HASN’T EVER BEEN CLOSE TO in the last 10 years of his HOF career), Dan Fouts and Dennis Miller (choose between Wheeler or Matthews) on TV, or the radio broadcasts. As I listen to the radio broadcasts I get more and more annoyed as the season progesses because Graham ISN’T THERE AND SHOULD BE. He was undoubtably their best. BY FAR!!!!!!! I hate to say this, but at this moment, Chris Wheeler is easily the Phillies best broadcaster. Sorry Harry, but I feel even sorrier for Scott Graham.
Brian: Dan Fouts? Puh-lease! His father Bob was the radio voice of the ‘9ers back in the ’50s.
It has been a fun but up and down season. I still miss Scott Graham. The broadcasting has been poor this year without him. I sure do miss, “Put this one in the win column for the Phightin Phills.”
Scott Graham had a Unique voice and Delivery… Maybe he Can hook up with the Kuwait Camel Racing Association and announce the Winter races…. Now that the 152 F Days are behind us! A Mere 96 F on Sunday… We miss You Scottie!
Put This one in the Loss Column for The Phillies Loonie ownership team!
Scott Graham should have most definitely been a part of this season. I still miss him announcing and would *very* much welcome him back.
“Wheels” blows, and Scott goes. No folks, you can’t make things like this up.
Utterly amazing.
I am not very old at all and love sports. I am a die hard philly fan. I also happen to be Scott Graham’s son’s best friend. He is a great guy and a wonderful announcer. I think he was even better than Harry now.
I am not very old at all and love sports. I am a die hard philly fan. I also happen to be Scott Graham’s son’s best friend. He is a great guy and a wonderful announcer. I think he was even better than Harry now. He should still be there and the Phillies are fools for doing this! I didnt mean to send last message.
Scott Graham was great. Gary sucks. While he’s better, in terms of talent, than the horrible Mike Quick the Birds employ, he still doesn’t have the talent to take away a spot from Scott Graham. The guy was no Harry the K (and no one ever will be), but he was pretty good, and I really enjoyed hearing him in the innings when Harry wasn’t calling the game.
By Saam use to put me to sleep when I was a kid.
Tell me whose voice do I pleasure myself to now? Is there no justice left in this world?!
Well, Scottie2Hottie, you can start by pleasuring yourself to my voice. It would be an honor!
This blog is obscene. Clean it up Larry, please.
I came here because I was interested in Scott Graham’ career and I don’t appreciate having to read this filth. I won’t be back.
lol scottie2hottie…
Harry Kalas is a fun drunk, not an angry drunk.
I RACKA DISCIPRINE. PREE FORGIB ME. SO SAHDI
I can’t stop masturbating!
Scott Graham gave me a visual picture I am not legally permitted to discuss.
I told him “7″ was my safe word, but he didn’t hear me I guess.
All great posts, keep ‘em coming!
Larry
Larry, don’t encourage these hooligans. Are you blind or just senile? Do you read these posts?
I think they should bring back Andy Musser..I miss his cliches and his nasil voice! Actually, anyone remember Mike Schmidt on Prism? — he was the shiznit…I remember one time the great Dicky Thon came up to bat…Schmitty actually said “he doesn’t look like a dicky!”
My ultimate broadcast dream team:
Play by play: a habitually drunk 90 year old Harry Kalas with fully developed Alzheimers (a’ la Harry Caray…cubs win cubs win)
Color man 1: Danny Ozark (drunk and stupid…as he was in the 70s!)
Color man 2: a mean and surly Dallas Green never letting any bs get by
Color man 3: angry drunk Glen Wilson (mustachioed of course) (think of John Kruk on steroids with an attitude)
Alternate play by play: Charlie Manuel…no need to get him drunk…he’s already incoherent!
Comcast’s rehiring of Larry Kane was a big mistake. Charlie’s was not.
My binky is the hugest.
I like Larry’s make-up and tan. It contrasts nicely with his stark-white hair, giving Don Johnson a role model for the retirement years.
I hit the beer bong with Harry the other night, flanked by two 16-year-old girls. Harry said it was just another Thursday night for him.
Scott Graham is the best and should be back on the phillies. The Phillies should see that almost every phillies fan likes him and wants him back. The phillies should do what there fans want not what they want.
The tv does alot of switching anouncers around through the game. I miss the radi doing that. The Phillies should hire Scott Grahm back and do that again
Hey guys. Don’t forget that they got rid of one of the best announcers of all time. He covered Wilt Chamberlin,Philadelphia Warriors in Hershey when he hit for 100 points. Bill Campbell was a great announcer. Thousands are still ticked off over that blunder. McCarthy(voice tail waining at the end of a sentence) should be the guy to go.
Also, Bill Campbell was a baseball expert and still is. He knew the Athletics and Phillies and all the other clubs inside and out. He could come back right now be a hit in the broadcasters box.