How do you replace a broadcasting legend? As Larry LaRue reports, the Seattle Mariners may just avoid a replacement for the late great Dave Niehaus altogether:
Not a bad idea. Eventually you need a permanent replacement, but there’s nothing wrong with giving the fans and Niehaus’ colleagues a season to reflect and adjust to their unfortunate new reality. Anyone who comes in, no matter how good a job they do, is going to be judged harshly and will fail to live up to what the fans want. Because, understandably, they want the impossible: they want Dave Niehaus back.
Out of respect for Niehaus, his family and fans, the team has not conducted a single interview – and may not. Among the options the Mariners are considering is having only familiar faces and voices on their television and radio broadcasts next season, filling the airwaves with the presence of former players and broadcasters.
“That’s something we’ve talked about,” team vice president of communications Randy Admack said. “There’s a line of thought that we could make 2011 a transitional season for our fans.”
Not a bad idea. Eventually you need a permanent replacement, but there’s nothing wrong with giving the fans and Niehaus’ colleagues a season to reflect and adjust to their unfortunate new reality. Anyone who comes in, no matter how good a job they do, is going to be judged harshly and will fail to live up to what the fans want. Because, understandably, they want the impossible: they want Dave Niehaus back.
(thanks to Evan for the heads up)