Best play-by-play teams
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Eddie Olczyk during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2019. Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images
Blackhawks fans are reeling now that color commentator Eddie Olczyk is leaving for Seattle just months after legendary broadcaster Pat Foley retired.
Why it matters: Chicago, some say, has the best local sports broadcasters in the country.
- So as the Blackhawks search for a new broadcast team, now is a good time to assess the best television booths in town.
1. Jason Benetti & Steve Stone
This team is the gold standard. The White Sox paired them together when Hawk Harrelson went part-time. Their wit, chemistry and knowledge of the game always makes for a fun watch.
- Benetti, who is regularly borrowed by ESPN for national games, has become one of the best play-by-play broadcasters in all of sports.
- Stone just celebrated 40 years in Chicago booths, for both the Cubs and the White Sox.
2. Adam Amin & Stacey King
Is there a better color commentator in basketball than Stacey King?
- He pulls no punches when the Bulls are underperforming and uses his prep time to come up with catchphrases like "mouse in the house" and "gimme the hot sauce."
- And after the retirement of Neil Funk, Amin quickly became the new voice for the Bulls.
3. Jeff Joniak & Tom Thayer
Because they're on the radio, every Bears fan knows that you turn the TV down and turn these guys up. They are far better than the B-squad broadcasters from the national networks.
- Joniak's efficiency in describing pre-snap formations and Thayer's knowledge from playing the game make their broadcasts both entertaining and informative.
- And like King, Thayer doesn't mince words when someone misses a block.
4. Jon "Boog" Sciambi & Jim Deshaies
The Cubs broadcast booth is hallowed ground. Harry Caray and Steve Stone set the bar high and then Len Kasper and Deshaies called a World Series season.
- Boog came over from ESPN to take over for Kasper after he bolted for Sox radio.
- Honorable mention: Pat Hughes' radio calls. The best.
📫 These are the current booths. But who do you think are the best to ever do it in Chicago? Reply and let us know.