Call of the Game

By Gary Bender

Book Overview

How many times have you listened to play-by-play on television and thought, I could do that job? With this book, perhaps you can. At the least, you'll learn what it takes to be a play-by-play announcer. Your teacher? A consummate professional. For more than 25 years, Gary Bender has described the action on the playing field of 29 different sports, 27 at network level.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566250137
• ISBN13: 9781566250139
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Bonus Books
• Length: 298 Pages
• Weight: 1.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Great book for both beginners and experienced broadcasters alike

This book is required reading for any current or want-to-be sports broadcaster. Bender offers an in-depth look into the demands of sports broadcasting. He clearly outlines the qualities required of sportscasters and stresses certain aspects necessary for survival in this very demanding business. Among other things, the book details Bender's preparation for a broadcast, handling in-broadcast problems, dealing with color commentators, developing an on-air personality, and much more.

Entertaining and informative

This is a well organized, enjoyable look into this dynamic profession. Bender's work is professorial; young broadcasters would do well to pay attention to his sagacity. Although Bender provides ample warning of his bias toward exacting preparation, he might lose a little of the essence of sports broadcasting. In treating broadcasting as tantamount to a science, he leaves you without the reason why he does it (and why I do it and why we all do it) -- sports broadcasting is FUN. It is revitalizing. Bender at times treats it as something that requires such precision that it saps his energy. I will say, however, that stripping some of the luster away from this coveted and misunderstood profession is necessary. As mentioned in the Booklist review, he provides plenty of "look-what-you're-getting-into" advice. He's done a good job at that, along with providing clear and understandable advice for someone willing to follow in his shoes. Besides, nobody needs to be told how much fun it is. What we DO need to be told, Bender provides.

Excellent book for Young Sportscasters

I am not a big reader of books. Often I will buy a book, set it down and not pick it up for weeks, or even months or years. However, this book I sat and read almost cover-to-cover. As a sportscaster myself, I found it entertaining, informative, and provides excellent direction and insight for younger men and women who are hoping to break into this field. If you are planning or hoping to one day go into the broadcasting industry, whether its in sports, news, or whatever, I would say this is required reading!