(via Phillies)
As a new TV contract takes hold for the Phillies, a new broadcast team will be unveiled this season. The Phillies announced that both Chris Wheeler and Gary Matthews will be taken out of the broadcast booth, but will remain with the organization.
The Phillies sent out this release:
”As the longest-tenured member of the Phillies broadcasting team, Chris Wheeler will return to his club roots after stepping down from his role as a Phillies broadcaster. With 37 years of broadcasting experience, combined with his front office background where he began his Phillies career, ‘Wheels’ will take on a new role allowing the organization to continue to benefit from his knowledge, experience and dedication to the game. Additionally, Gary Matthews will continue to work with the Phillies bringing his exceptional background as a major league ballplayer, broadcaster and commentator to new roles at the Phillies.”
Wheeler had this to say:
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Phillies broadcast team for 37 years. I certainly respect the decision that was made and I look forward to my new role in the Phillies organization.”
From the outside looking in, Wheeler caught quite a bit of crap from the average fan (especially on twitter), but was one of the most game-ready broadcasters I’ve ever come across. He was smart, clearly knew the game, and was prepared.
Sarge was a pseudo-fan fave, although it was clear the multi-man booth, with interchangeable parts, was not part of the future.
There has been no indication of who will take over, but Todd Zolecki of MLB.com says they’ll look for just one person to fill the vacancy. Some names of the cuff: Ricky Bottalico, Doug Glanville, Ben Davis, Dan Plesac, Jeff Brantley. Who would you go with?
PattyP
January 8, 2014 at 2:01 pm
Doug Glanville sounds good. I, too, thought Wheels got a bad rap — I usually enjoyed listening to him and almost always learned something during the broadcast from him.
Hills
January 8, 2014 at 4:56 pm
Mitch Williams!
Dukes
January 8, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Brad Lidge
Craig
January 8, 2014 at 2:41 pm
Bring in HKs kid from Florida!!
Ryne Duren
January 8, 2014 at 3:16 pm
Craig my son called me from work to tell me of my biggest wish! (Wheeler gone) Made my day man. I kinda liked Sarge though ,I thought he was funny. But I’ll take it. Now in reply to your comment. He was my first thought.
RandyO
January 8, 2014 at 2:44 pm
LA
Frank Magaro
January 8, 2014 at 2:47 pm
Chris Wheeler ! Crazy idea to get rid of Wheels !!!
DC
January 8, 2014 at 2:48 pm
Wheels was the ultimate homer – Phillies fans love that sort of thing.
Sarge was Captain Obvious – worse than Frank Caliendo’s John Madden.
“Here’s a guy that when he runs, he goes faster!”
Rags Faircloth
January 8, 2014 at 2:52 pm
If you listen to out of town broadcasts on XM, you’ll find that every team has an “ultimate homer” on their broadcast crew.
Ken Bland
January 8, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Pie Traynor might be good. Who says a local connection’s so necessary?
If that couldn’t be arranged, I’ll take 1 of the other 15 imbiciles tht left Maddux off the4 ballot. Be easier to find their ass on tv to voice my lack of respect. 16 idiots.
But kidding aside, and I’m deadly serious, here’s what I would definitely do. I’d audition Corey Seidman for the job. Have he and McCarthy test their rapport, and Corey’s ability to be comfty and productive in the analyst role. He knows the game, knows the team. Seems to have fast track star attached to his name since I became aware of him a couple years back. CSN seems to like him. So he’s fit enough to warrant serious consideration for the position. So I don’t say hire him just yet, but take him through an audition and a no joke thought process. Youth in the booth as opposed to the same old same old, which is ESSENTIALLY what the usual guys would bring is not something this club needs. And while he needn’t reinvent the analyst wheel, I’m sure a whole bunch of people across the game and nation would listen, and assuming good results, it’d be a feather in the Phils cap.
smitty
January 8, 2014 at 8:06 pm
Who the hell is Corey Seidman?
AdrianM
January 8, 2014 at 2:55 pm
Sad about Wheels, ecstatic about Sarge. I say move LA in from radio for the middle innings, and man, I would LOVE to have Doug Glanville in that booth.
Bryphilly k
January 8, 2014 at 3:02 pm
How can anyone be sad wheels is gone he somewhat knew the game but often pointed out the obvious he was often wrong often went off on unwanted tagents he was terrible Harry the K hated him and so did i. this is the best news about the phils in a couple years. I know no one hat liked wheels therefore See ya!
KathyB
January 8, 2014 at 4:04 pm
I am glad Wheels is leaving the booth, drove both me and my husband nuts. I liked Sarge though, thought he was funny. But whoever it is can’t be as bad as Wheels. Been waiting for this for a long time…
mudmin
January 8, 2014 at 2:57 pm
Sarge was painful to listen to…always sounded like he had some sort of gurgle in his throat.
I guess being a kid growing up in the 80s wheels always meant that either HK or Whitey had the inning off from TV and that always sucked.
To me, though this is truly the end of an era. For anyone listening to games from the late 70s through the 90s, the trio of Whitey, HK, and Wheels WAS our childhood. Sad to see them go.
I vote for Doug Glanville. He is smart and funny as heck.
Dawn Liedtka
January 8, 2014 at 3:28 pm
You’re right! I feel kind of sad…wheels was the only connection left to Harry and Whitey. As for when Wheels was on in the 80s….I had to laugh because you hit the nail on the head!! Always knew either Harry or Whitey had the inning off when you heard Wheels’ voice!!
Jon K
January 8, 2014 at 7:04 pm
Right on! It’s definitely the end of a golden era for Phillies broadcasting.
smitty
January 8, 2014 at 8:08 pm
The eea ended when HK died. For the love of Christ, please don’t compare the two.
Scott Murray
January 8, 2014 at 3:00 pm
Bring back Scott Graham!
Roe
January 8, 2014 at 3:04 pm
How about Larry Bowa? Passion and knowledge….just saying
schmenkman
January 8, 2014 at 5:14 pm
Bowa already has a job as the Phillies bench coach, but what the heck — mike him up anyway. Should be interesting!
Ron
January 8, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Mitch Williams!!!
Brian
January 8, 2014 at 3:09 pm
Sad for Wheels, we share a birthday, but why does it have to be a male replacement? Get a hot chick in there to spice things up.
tom cengeri
January 8, 2014 at 3:09 pm
It’s about time they got rid a Wheels. He always made you feel dumb when he broadcasted . He thought he knew more then anyone else. Tootalu Chris!
ponch
January 8, 2014 at 3:12 pm
It a sad day. I think both were good
Chris C.
January 8, 2014 at 3:12 pm
Put Cholly on, could you imagine that play-by-play!
In all seriousness, I would love to have LA and Franzke on. I usually listen to the radio broadcast while TV is muted.
John
January 8, 2014 at 3:15 pm
They should have dumped Wheels 30 years ago. He may be knowledgeable, but he sucks as a broadcaster. And Scott Murray has it right…bring back Scott Graham. He’s fill Harry’s shoes better than anyone we’ve got now.
Rick F
January 8, 2014 at 3:16 pm
LA but I would prefer he stay in radio booth!
Dom1438
January 8, 2014 at 3:20 pm
Anyone that has anything negative to say about wheels is flat wrong. Having worked with him for 10 years I can tell you there wasn’t a classier guy in all of baseball. Never ever ever had his head in the clouds. Always went out of his way for fans. Always made time for anyone that needed him. On air, he was rock solid. He prepared more than any broadcaster I have ever seen. Glad he’s staying with the club but very sad to not hear his voice on air anymore. Wheels was a wonderful person and friend.
Rags Faircloth
January 8, 2014 at 3:24 pm
I never had a problem with Wheeler either. He certainly offered more real information than anyone else on the broadcast team.
john
January 8, 2014 at 3:24 pm
wow, big surprise to me. i found them both very annoying . mostly because they never shut up. wheels was very knowledgeable , i give him, that. and HK did hate him. have to agree with chris c ,larry anderson is just great. anyone besides larry is a mistake !
Ryne Duren
January 8, 2014 at 3:25 pm
Wheeler knew the game but he was the most annoying man in the booth. The other pom pom guy T mac should go also. I like the idea a few posted Glanville, HK’s son. I like LA and Franske also but Franske was on 94.1 and said he’s happy on the radio. I wouldn’t mind Mitchy Poo either, or for that matter Ricki Bo or Big Ben. Hell my grandmother knew baseball I’d take her over the pom pom girls anyday! She’s been deseased for over 20 yrs. I don’t mind a little hominess but I like people who will tell it like it is too. All of the above fit that mold.
JT Kelley
January 8, 2014 at 3:27 pm
Mitch Williams
Alex
January 8, 2014 at 3:30 pm
Ben Revere has been traded from the Phillies to Comcast for a broadcaster to be named later.
Bruce Rose
January 8, 2014 at 3:30 pm
I would like to see Larry Anderson in there. He has the knowledge and he is not overly ecxcitable.
Eric S
January 8, 2014 at 3:58 pm
I know Tim McCarver retired from the national booth! Would he be interested in taking a job with the Phillies?
schmenkman
January 8, 2014 at 5:18 pm
I thought of him too, but he apparently is committed to a part-time job as a Cardinals’ broadcaster, and in any case may no longer be interested in the rigors of a 162-game schedule.
Jan
January 8, 2014 at 5:22 pm
No Tim McCarver – he rarely said anything nice about the Phillies!
Shiraz
January 8, 2014 at 4:03 pm
Chris Coste
Vinnie
January 8, 2014 at 4:15 pm
Move Jimmy Rolins from the field to the both.
schmenkman
January 8, 2014 at 5:16 pm
Interesting thought, but if you’re going to pay Rollins and Galvis $11.5 million combined either way, you’ll win more games with Galvis in the booth.
hillary
January 8, 2014 at 4:23 pm
We want LA!
Tom in South Philly
January 8, 2014 at 4:31 pm
Personally, I kinda liked Wheels and I don’t have strong feelings for Sarge either way, but I guess change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
I’m OK with most of the names already mentioned and I really think Mitch Williams would be a great choice for the job. But, would he do it? I don’t know what the financials are, but it seems like he has a pretty good gig at MLB Network; I’m not sure if he would want to leave.
Regardless of who they get to pair with Tom McCarthy, I would like to see more of Scot Franzke and Larry Anderson. Move them from the radio booth for the middle innings, and McCarthy / new commentator to the radio booth. I think they did this type of announcer rotation back in the days of Harry and Whitey, and it seemed to work pretty well.
Joel
January 8, 2014 at 4:38 pm
Wheels had the knowledge and experience that MOST Phillies fans like. He was able to compare a player or a play to one in 1975 or 1980. I will miss him.
I think Scott and LA should stay on the radio; they’re great there. As far as a new guy (s), Glanville is very good and I like Murph!
Joel
January 8, 2014 at 4:43 pm
If you want someone young and from the area and on the way up, check out Dave Leno
http://daveleno.com/
Great kid and very knowledeable!! He’d be a real asset! Move Murph into the booth and have Dave take his place on the field!
Mike
January 8, 2014 at 8:34 pm
Murphy was given a job because of CSN…….he never worked a day in the minors or has any big league experience. He will be the first one to tell you: He is extremely lucky to have the job he has……no way could he handle the PBP duties. No experience at that at all!
Bob D
January 8, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Since there may likely be way too many losses, just bring in a few comedians for the entertainment value.
john
January 8, 2014 at 4:48 pm
the difference between HK,and wheels. HK goes on and on about my brother catching this ball. and wheels gets back to the game. HK was loved, super super nice guy, never to busy for an autograph. whitey was tops in my book also. miss those guys !https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC4RZpZe8Sk
Mike S
January 8, 2014 at 5:23 pm
Please, please put Larry Anderson on the TV broadcast!
Eric B
January 8, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Rex Hudler
Dennis DiClaudio
January 8, 2014 at 5:36 pm
I would consider that young lady Amy Fadool from comcast. Shes actually pretty knowledgable for a woman. Ut oh …I did it now…..
Kron
January 8, 2014 at 5:49 pm
Can they have LA and Franzke on both radio and TV? TMac is awful–worse than both Wheels and Sarge–has so little understanding of the game, its rhythm. It won’t matter who goes in the booth with him. It will be another year of turning down the tv and syncing the radio. Ack.
smitty
January 8, 2014 at 8:12 pm
Right. They canned the wrong guy. McCarthy is an error machine and has no feel for calling a baseball game.
McCarthy is arguably the worst PBP guy in the history of the sport to hold a job for this long.
A large market like Phillies deserves better than McCarthy. He’s simply not fit for the job.
Andrew Snider
January 8, 2014 at 5:52 pm
PATRICK RYAN KOZLOWSKI
jeff
January 8, 2014 at 5:57 pm
U gotta keep la and franski together.
anthony
January 8, 2014 at 6:02 pm
Sorry to see Gary go but ecstatic to see Wheeler go, he always came across like smart aleck he has been annoying me for almost 40 years Good -Bye.
Amy
January 8, 2014 at 6:08 pm
Dutch Daulton would be my choice! <3
Rocco
January 8, 2014 at 6:16 pm
Please don’t put those radio guys in
Andersen or Scott they should be replaced.
Boring to listen to
Rags Faircloth
January 8, 2014 at 6:26 pm
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20140109_For_Phillies__no_more_business_as_usual.html
TheDipsy
January 8, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Wheels: knowledgeable, smarmy, socially inept, humorless, colorless for a color man.
Hey, he was a good company man and knew a lot about baseball. But he was drab and nerdy and the fact the he never played the game, yet tried to explain it to everyone, always irked me. He had a good run but the booth will have a much better vibe without him. Fair thee well, Wheels. And I want Ricky Bo for sure. Ben Davis? Wha?
BTW, why Jack Morris continues to be left out of the Hall really blows my mind. All he did was win more games in the 90’s than anyone AND have one of the best World Series career, with three different teams. The high ERA kills him but shouldn’t.
The Dipsy
Mary
January 8, 2014 at 6:37 pm
I liked Chris Wheeler because although he could be annoying and cheerleader-like, he conducted himself with class. I could tell he had a true appreciation and love for the game. I would choose Ricky Bo to replace him. He has a lot of heart, and he tells it like it is. I like hearing his opinion about players and situations, because he is usually spot-on. I’m not sure about play-by-play, but he would be a superb commentator.
Shannon
January 8, 2014 at 7:14 pm
The organization would never take the chance with LA on TV, too much of a loose cannon. I can tell you though I was glad it wasn’t him, I find him and Scott to be amusing especially when the games get rough. Sorry to see Sarge go, again he made me laugh because of his obvious humor. Wheels, well I think he gets a bad wrap. Personally I always listen to the radio when I can but if I had to watch a game I didn’t mind Wheels. Very knowledgeable about the game. But good luck to both in their new positions.
As for who I’d want to see I like Ricky Bo (one of my fave ex-Phils), Brad Lidge or Glanville.
PhillyMike
January 8, 2014 at 7:39 pm
It is clear that Comcast wants a color analyst who will do all 9 innings. Not so sure that is Ricky Bo who I like a lot. Mitch and Kruk won’t leave where they are . Sweet gigs. Brad Lidge? No experience. I don’t know. We will find out soon enough.
Sarge grew on me but I can live without him. Wheels knew baseball to be certain but it was time to move on. I always thought the Phils had too many announcers.
Anyway, let’s hope we are talking about the players doing well in 14 and not the announcers.
lilwengs
January 8, 2014 at 7:43 pm
Hopefully this makes my viewing of the Phillies easier. As an out-of-state fan, I use MLB TV to watch the games. Last year I watched the opponent’s broadcasters during the Sarge/Wheeler innings.
charlie
January 8, 2014 at 8:08 pm
Thank God —no more “no doubles defence ” and the same explanation each and every broadcast. Doug Glanvile for me.
PhillyMike
January 8, 2014 at 8:20 pm
Let’s not forget “put up a crooked number” and “wait for something middle in”.
nancy
January 8, 2014 at 8:14 pm
Doug Glanville would be great – smart and fun and a classy guy – always thought he should come back in some capacity to the phils.
or
Charlie Manuel – he needs a job now LOL
Mike
January 8, 2014 at 8:29 pm
Former Reading Phillies broadcaster: Chuck Kirlin
He should of had Murphys job…….he was great with the crowd!
Betasigmadeltashag
January 8, 2014 at 10:45 pm
All those who sh#t on Wheels should be forced to listen to 95% of the local announcers out there. I live in VT and last year for some reason there where many games on Extra Innings that did have the Philly feed. Atlanta Arizona Miami San Diego to name a few that are just horrible. And to be a good color guy you don’t have to be an ex player. Saying that I would not mind seeing Mitch or Glainville
Bob in Bucks
January 8, 2014 at 11:57 pm
Sarge – Right guy in the wrong job
Wheels – Knowlegable but sometimes could not stop himself from repeating.
Glanville – I have heard his commentary and found it boring.
Kruk – Can’t do better
Williams – Maybe…
LA – Same as Williams
Ricky Bo – Possible but I fear he will be the same as the other reliever – they can’t go 9!
Lidge – Are you kidding me? No personality.
Plesac – Great but why leave MLB?
Whoever it is, some will love him and some will hate.
bacardipr
January 9, 2014 at 4:11 am
Sarge tended to be a bit on the Captain Obvious with most of his comments. Though as Bob eluded to possibly right guy in the wrong job scenario. Kruk would probably be a interesting candidate though.
Bill k
January 9, 2014 at 9:23 am
Only 1? You need two to make it opinionated
Mitch Williams/john Kurk
But if only one this never happen
But you do see a major network guy who goes all sports do a one city job but misses few games to go do other job
Bob coasta
firescape
January 9, 2014 at 10:20 am
Let’s start a write in campaign for Patches McGoggin
Mike Mel
January 9, 2014 at 12:25 pm
My vote goes to anybody who does not tell you what every stinking pitch is and does not try to predict what pitch will be thrown next.
Rags Faircloth
January 9, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Some speculation that Comcast may now put pressure on the organization to replace Amaro if things keep going like they have been the past two years. It makes sense, Comcast wants ratings and ratings are usually tied to the success of the product on the field.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20140109_Phillies__TV_shake-up_has_all_the_markings_of_a_Comcast_shake-up.html
ed6774
January 9, 2014 at 1:41 pm
Now I won’t have to listen to the radio with the TV muted.
Michael Costello
January 9, 2014 at 3:54 pm
John Kruk
Bruce
January 9, 2014 at 6:46 pm
It’s sad to see Wheeler leave the booth. As someone here said earlier, he provided the “real information” compared to other Philly broadcasters. Also with his longetivy (37 years in the booth), he provided many stories and anecdotes that were enjoyable over the years.
Remember this, the Phillies no longer have the final say on choosing replacements; Comcast, with the new 25 year contract will. What that means, we could have a similar lighthearted and lightweight employee like Tom McCarthy of Comcast’s choice. Or someone ‘hyper” and a pompous loudmouth like one you would find in one of those ESPN or FOX shows.
Depressing.
SEEK
January 9, 2014 at 7:20 pm
I did not like to listen to Sarge on the tv broadcasts. Maybe he might make a good batting instructor/coach. He IS knowledgeable.
Mr.Bob NJ
January 9, 2014 at 8:08 pm
I’d go with Doug Glanville. Smart, knows the game, good communicator. Takes a special person to do this job. Six months and 81 games on the road isn’t for everyone.
tlach
January 9, 2014 at 8:26 pm
so happy that Wheeler is gone . Finally, a reason to watch next season.
gibbs57
January 10, 2014 at 11:19 am
More than likely, it’ll be Ricky Bo.