In defense of Suzyn Waldman
I realize I'm in the minority here, and I understand if you have an issue with a football writer weighing in on a baseball announcing issue. But hey, Neil Best used to be a football hack and he's writing about such stuff, so what the heck.
Anyway, I'd read plenty about Waldman's infamous "breakdown" on the radio, and it was pretty stunning news indeed. By the time I actually listened to the clip, I was prepared to hear Waldman start sobbing for like a minute or so and have to get off the air. So when I heard the clip and listened to her choke up for 4-5 seconds, I had to listen to it again, just to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Apparently, I didn't.
Apparently, Waldman lost her composure for a matter of seconds. And now all this.
Honestly, what's the big deal? An announcer on the payroll of a professional sports team got carried away for a few seconds, while the manager and his coaches openly wept after a crushing defeat amid sepculation that they would be removed from the clubhouse just as the Indians had done to the Yankees.
I listened again. Same thing.
I know Ms. Waldman and I admire her work ethic and her dedication. Yes, she is a homer. But so was Phil Rizzuto, and he was the most beloved announcer in Yankees' history. I'm not saying Waldman is on a par with an ex-shortstop who produced a folksy and very listenable schtick on the airwaves.
But fans calling for her firing because she got choked up for a few seconds should get a grip. I listen to her on the radio, and the woman delivers information that is useful to Yankees fans. She talks to people. She does her homework. She tells you things you don't know.
Does she get carried away? Sure. Who doesn't sometimes? I remember doing a piece for an ESPN retrospective about Super Bowl XXV between the Giants and Bills, and what the buildup to the game was like. If you recall, we were just about to enter the Gulf War, and there was intense anxiety across the country. When Whitney Houston belted out the National Anthem and there was a Air Force flyover, the emotions were raw. I felt the tears well up recalling the moment. It's called being human.
Again, I'm just a football writer weighing in here because I can in this era of blogs. But I've also been around the media game long enough - and know Waldman well enough - to know that she is not getting a fair shake on this one.
Thank you for your time.