Isn't he from California?

I actually thought he was nuts to quit both of those for an 'interview'. Especially the Oaklawn meet, you end up revered(?) down there like that other old dude. Frank would have been there for next 30 years.

It might have had to do with their pay rates also. I have no clue how announcers are paid, guessing its a day rate of some kind and they are 1099.

Fitzgerald's done one HELL of a job this weekend and hope to see him the mainstay.

I've been listening recently to a lot of Durkin's old harness racing calls, including Cambest's world-record time trial at the Illinois State Fair in 1993. He was a terrific crossover caller, certainly in the class of John Tapp and Bill Collins.

I hope you have listened to some of Jack E. Lee's classic calls. To me he is he Durkin of harness racing calling. John Bothe was a tremendous talent too. Unfortunately, both Lee and Bothe had personal issues that hurt their careers.

David Fitzgerald has done a great job this weekend.

I first heard Lee on a visit to Roosevelt in 1975. A brilliant caller, fantastic voice. I had no idea he was the PA announcer at Shea Stadium for a while. Why was he fired from Roosevelt and how well did he adapt to the Long Island quarter horses?

From what I understand he had a big problem with alcohol, there was never an issue about his talent. I believe it cost him the job at Freehold too. I didn't realize that he was the PA announcer at Shea Stadium either and I just saw something that he was the ring announcer at MSG for WWE.

Always loved when he called the horse in last as so and so "can see em all!" He was a great announcer no matter what he called.

I'm basing my opinion on what I hear. You Sir are a damn good race caller so don't underestimate your ability. Great voice, accurate, caring and I can trust your call at the line.

and thanks for the reply. Go Buffalo, I'll be listening.

Hypothetical question
 

Hypothetical question

since it's common knowledge that they are interviewing callers, If Mr. Berry were to apply for the position, would S.A. have to give him a chance to call a race or 2? They are giving others that chance.

There were several fine announcers who didn't make the cut to audition. I didn't like my chances against Wrona so I stayed out.

They should end the suspense and hire him today. ;)

Gotcha!

Oh!...and are you still going to be calling races at Mountaineer?

and who was/is your favorite horse to call at the track?

Yes, I'll still be calling at Mountaineer (and Friday nights at Buffalo). Feodor would have to be my favorite, then Huntress Helena. So, a specialist two-miler and a specialist two-furlonger.

loved the call of Feodor..

"I don't know what turn number this is - I count count that high"

By golly, Feodor must be 20 lengths in front...he might win by a furlong.

Nice pairing.

If you ever make it to the Meadowlands dinner is on me. Have a great day and I'll be watching for Mountaineer.

I'm certainly overdue for a trip there. My only previous visit was in 1977 for Rambling Willie's Hackensack Pace.

Was that when you and Barry Sanders were in law school ? Or was that Ken Berry ?

Side note. Do you guysknow that Thick Vic Stauffer rooted for Blame because it meant more money to him in the pick 4?

Wow!... Now that comes out of the way, way back machine!

Any day is good but the meadowlands pace or Hambo are easily the most exciting days there. Regardless my offer stands. just give me a heads up.

Sounds like another case of the man keeping him down.