Brian Anderson's House of Blogs

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Since I am now officially a Brewer, the list of “things that Daron Sutton did” begins right here in Blog-ville. I’ll be sending these out weekly so read at your own risk. To get started, the Brewers have asked that I write about my least favorite subject…“ME!”

The most important thing I want you to know about ME is that I try to live my life with an understanding that it’s NOT about ME. I’m not batting a thousand but I try to live each day with this as my mantra. Even in blog’s…except this time. This blog is about ME…’cause they’re making me.

I’m 35 years old, married (14 years in February) with a 7-year old daughter. I was born and raised in the “live music capital” of the world, Austin, Texas. Actually, I grew up in a small town outside Austin called Georgetown. Like most Texas kids, I played football from age 7 through High School, but my passion was always baseball. Baseball was my ticket to an education. Luckily, I had a few choices and settled on San Antonio and St. Mary’s University, where I was the catcher for the nationally ranked NAIA powerhouse Rattlers and where I earned a degree in English-Communications. Aside from the degree, the St. Mary’s move was big for my career because that’s where I connected with the San Antonio Missions (we shared the same stadium) and to the San Antonio Spurs (they practiced in our gym)

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs

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Wow, thanks for all the great comments and email's. Means alot. I'll fire up a new entry every Monday and respond to questions/commments on Friday's...Deal? I still have a few events in Texas (Spurs, College Hoops) to clean up before I join the team for good and am spending most of my free time throttled in full Brewer download. Some great nuggets. Like the fact that there was a "Milwaukee Brewers" team in 1901...led by player/manager Hugh Duffy (HOF '45). "Sir" Hugh was the ultimate free agent during an era when such a benefit did not exist...bouncing around between rival leagues taking full advantage of his extraordiary batsmanship (.324 lifetime hitter). He hit for the highest single season batting average in MLB history in 1894 (.440- some have it at .438) on his way to the Triple Crown. He was also credited with being Ted Williams first hitting coach. Which basically went something like this: "Ted, go in there and get a hit, just like I used to..." "Yessir, Sir...(hit)...How was that, Sir?" "Perfect, Ted...come back tomorrow and I'll coach you some more!"

OK...here we go:

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs

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Last Friday, I signed off for the final time on Spurs TV during another blowout win for the Spurs over the Chris Paul-less Hornets. After eight years on the air and 14 total with the organization, I said my goodbye's and closed the book on my NBA life.

Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich offered a heartfelt sendoff. It lasted 10 minutes and it's the longest conversation I've had with Pop to date (He was ejected in the first quarter of that game, btw). Up to that point, our relationship was all business. He was always fair. He always answered the tough questions. And, he was always the most intimidating presence in the room. But Friday, for the first time, he was my buddy...and as we talked about trust and respect and the Brewers (he loves baseball...and Milwaukee) I couldn't help but think about what makes an organization great and what I see building in the Brewers right now. It's the same thing I witnessed first hand with the Spurs when Pop took reign over the franchise.

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs

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I have a new favorite former Brewer. It had been a Robin Yount/Paul Molitor combo until last week. My new favorite former Brewer is Larry Hisle. Larry Hisle calls his life "nothing special" but he is making new fans every day in the Milwaukee area, even though it has been 25 years since he played his last game in the Big Leagues. That was 1982...as a member of the most beloved Brewers team in franchise history. He played in only nine games that year and didn't contribute much (2 HR, 5 RBI). But only five years prior to '82, he was one of the most productive players in the big leagues. During Larry's two All-Star years, ('77 in Minnesota, '78 in Milwaukee) he drove in a combined 234 runs and hit 62 long balls. Those are the stats. For me, the most important production came after his time as a player when he began his work in the Brewers Community Relations Department.

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs

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The question I've been asked the most from Brew fan: "What's your home run call?" Well, I hope I don't disappoint you but I don't have a home run call. I think I use "gone" a lot...Sometimes "outta here." But mostly I just call it as I see it. Is it a line drive? A high towering shot? Did he get enough? Here is my mental checklist for home runs (and any other big hits): Name, Score, Shut up." Especially during home games.

Now, I'm not opposed to home run calls. It's just that all the good ones are taken. In my opinion, there are three ground rules for such calls: 1. If you're in, or headed to, the Hall of Fame you can have a home run call. 2. No plagiarism. And, 3. Only one per team. Especially if that "one" is memorialized with ballpark signage.

I was a big fan of Harry Caray's call, "It might be, it could be, it is..." said with the proper amount of slobber, of course. Vin Scully has a classic and by far the most imitated: "She is gooooone!" My broadcasting hero Ernie Harwell has a beauty too, "loooong gone." I like Bob Uecker's "get up, get up, get outta here" because it's a players call...something you'd hear in the dugout. Even though it's quirky, Matt Vasgersian's movie lines always crack me up and I find myself saying Hawk Harrelson's "You can put it on the board, yyyes" quite a bit...mostly when I'm playing board games with my seven year old.

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs

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Guest Blogger time here in the "House of Blogs." The entry below comes from a hillbilly friend of mine from Texas. Here is Mr. "Redneck," Mr. "Too many disorders to count," Mr."Here's your sign" himself...Bill Engvall

Hey Brewer fans...Well the Super Bowl is over, finally. Don't get me wrong I am a sports fan but no sport is better than baseball. There is something about going to a day game with your friends or in my case my wife. That's right baseball fans I was lucky enough to marry a woman that LOVES baseball. So I am looking forward to sitting in the sun with my wife in her jersey and shorts,(which by the way, there is nothing sexier than a woman wearing a baseball jersey.) We sit here and discuss players, whose over paid, whose underpaid, and whose playing in spite of themselves. Somehow a beer taste better at a ballpark and a hot dog with everything on it.

Last year the big topic of discussion was how they get the grass cut in different shades of green to create those stripes. I don't know if Brian will let me continue this all season but I will give you my perspective on the game as I see it. So here are my criteria for baseball. It should be played on real grass, not fake, no names on jerseys, if your a fan...you should know the players, and all replays should be played on the big screen no matter the out come. Finally, if I see one more ad for a television show on the big board I am going to scream. It's Baseball not a Nielsen box. Okay, well there are Bill Engvall's criteria for a game. See you at spring training.

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs

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Anybody know a good florist? This week, I'll be celebrating both Valentine's Day AND my 13th wedding anniversary by heading to Maryvale, Arizona for six weeks of Spring Training! Don't worry, I'm only slightly in the doghouse. After all, it was my wife, Michele, who pushed the final chip to the middle when this Brewers job was on the table.

I'd love to tell you she did it because of her passion for baseball. But, no, Milwaukee was a "go" with my wife because she loves the schools, the seasons, and the people. Truth is, my bride doesn't know much about sports at all. She's an educator, a bookworm and a great equalizer in this fanatical, sports crazed country. She has met some of the most famous people in the sports world, completely oblivious and unimpressed with career accomplishments or public standing. It cracks me up when she's says things like, "That guy, Doug (Melvin), seems nice...what's he do?" She likes Mike Maddux because he knows a lot about the public school system and the real estate market in the Milwaukee area, even though she's still not sure what position he plays. Nope, talk of Bill Hall or Jeff Suppan will be returned with a blank stare, followed by a properly placed "and..."

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs: A Love Story

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With the Arizona sun shining brightly and nosebleeds springing up all over in the warm desert air, pitchers and catchers are filing in Maryvale Baseball Park with plenty of hope, anticipation and per diem. So here is a little pre-Cactus League quiz to get your brain back in baseball mode. Ten random nuggets to see how close you are to "game ready." Good luck. Answers below, don't peak!

1) For you autograph hounds: On a team-signed baseball, where should you find the manager's signature?

2) A batter's line drive hits a baserunner in fair territory leading off first. Who's out? Who stays?

3) Which base is known as the "keystone?"

4) Speaking of the keystone...how do middle infielders communicate with each other about who is to cover second on a stolen base attempt?

5) How many ways can a batter reach 1st base?

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs: Entry Exam

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Many feel the best thing about Spring Training is the abundance of "hope" shared by every team and it's fans. An "inside-out" appeal which springs the feelings that this "could be our year."

For me, though, the best thing about baseball this time of year is more about the sensory appeal. An "outside-in" reaction to the sights, smells, and sounds of the greatest game on earth.

The sights:
The grass is greener here than anywhere else it seems. The fields are perfectly manicured. The edges are sharp and the dirt looks firm but soft at the same time. The uniforms are rich with color and contrast...and not a whiter white exists, than the white on a Major League uniform.

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs: Maryvale Wail

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Transcript of Monday's online chat:

Brian Anderson: Hey everyone, glad to be here with you ... let's get started.

cfjjr: Considering the changes that the Astros and Cardinals have made to their rotations, do you feel, like I do, that the Brewers have the best starting rotation of any team in the NL Central?

Anderson: I do -- talented and deep. Pitching always reigns, so from what I've seen and what I've heard, I love the arms Ned Yost has at his disposal. So far, everyone is healthy as well.

dan1092: What is your prediction for the 2007 brewers?

Anderson: How about World Series champions?

chisoxenvy: What do you think will be the biggest difference working in the bigs vs. the Minors?

Anderson: Per diem! Game is the same, timing, rhythm, etc. Bigger crowds make it easier to feel the energy. Certainly more eyes on you!

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs: Online Chat

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So far so good in Brewers camp. The Crew is throwing around some serious lumber in the early going. A few bumps and strains but, overall, the health of the team is very good. The health of the announcers is also very good. I'm trying to get a litter fatter (preparing for next winter) and "Rock" Schroeder is on a mission to lose 20 lbs before April 1st. After three days in Arizona, he now has to lose 25 lbs. Calling baseball again has been an absolute blast. I can't describe to you, without sounding like a total wuss, how blessed I am to get a chance to call Brewers games.

You can thank Tyler Barnes for arranging the FREE webcasts. In a related note, plans are in the works for a charity fundraiser to replace the six months worth of paychecks that Tyler will no longer be receiving. Way to take one for the team TB!

We've enjoyed taking email's during the games [broadcast@brewers.com]. They're coming in fast so remember, questions only. Short and sweet. I'm not smart enough, nor talented enough to read long email's and call the game at the same time. We certainly don't want to miss any action so save the filibusters for the blog and keep 'em tight.

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs: Game On

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It's TV time for the 2007 Milwaukee Brewers. Saturday (March 10) kicks off the first of three televised Spring Training games from Maryvale Baseball Park. Jeff Suppan is scheduled to pitch for the Crew versus the Diamondbacks. Nice...I already love that guy. Suppan is a broadcaster's dream. Works fast, throws strikes, and is a great interview. You'll be hearing from a number of other Brewers players and coaches "live" during the telecast as well.

Bill Schroeder and I have done a week's worth of webcasts and it has been big help for me. I needed to knock a little baseball play-by-play rust off after four years with The Golf Channel. The new Pards and I have had a great chance to get used to each other on the air. It always takes a little while to learn each others rhythm but honestly, it's been easy so far. I put Bill Schroeder right at the top of the list, with Curt Byrum (TGC) and Sean Elliott (Spurs TV), as the most compatible TV partners I've ever worked with. I've stepped on his oversized feet a few times but it's been a smooth dance overall.

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs: Brewers in the Box

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We're halfway through the Cactus League schedule and I've already had enough of Spring Training. Opening Day can't get here soon enough. I'm ready for rosters to be set, lineups to be established, games to count, numbers to matter, and seventh inning "line changes" to disappear.

The closer we get to April 2nd and the Brewers opener versus the Dodgers, the more anxious I am. The baseball, the crowds, Miller Park...all reasons for such anticipation. But one subject that has me particularly interested is the much talked about Miller Park tailgating scene!

I used to be an expert tailgater. Then I began a career in sports and now I have to work before and after games. I love my job but I could've turned pro in "hanging out." I love to sit around and yap with good friends and good chow at a stadium. I come from a long line of parking lot squatters. High school football, baseball, and Texas Longhorn games were our regular stops as a kid. We'd pack an illegal amount of people in the RV, plow our way to the stadium lots and set up shop. Sometimes, we even made it to the game! It was a guarantee...the dad's would get stupid, the mom's would get offended, and the kids would get grounded. Then, we'd rinse and repeat the very next week. What great memories. Stories for a lifetime.

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs: Lot Squatter

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One week to go before the Crew heads North!


Make sure you take note of the Brewers "On Deck" event planned for your enjoyment Sunday, April 1st. It's a FREE event at Miller Park. The "On Deck" will not be televised this year but the entire TV crew will be there. We'll be potato- sack racing to build unity and producer John Walsh will be practicing yelling at Bill and me to "READ THE PROMO" to get us ready for the first telecast. The players will be there, too...shaking hands, kissing babies and signing autographs before they hit the field for a public workout in the afternoon.

Some questions to be answered:


For Melam: Joe Thatcher is a great story. Certainly a guy you root for. It would not surprise me if he pitched in the Big Leagues this year. I watched him from the stands Saturday and he is filthy! He throws NOTHING straight. He has a natural cutter that breaks away from lefties and into righties. From what I've seen, he hasn't shown an "away breaking" pitch to righties but he's a difficult guy to square up on as a hitter which means you can ditch the radar gun and look at results. It's rare for a club to call a guy out of minor league camp halfway through spring training so he definitely has the Brewers attention. They might be making a "Disney" movie about Joe Thatcher one day!

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs: 1 Week 2 Tweak

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Have you ever wondered what the Greyhound would do if he ever caught the rabbit? Would he be disappointed? I think he would race again because the chase is just as fun as the catch. As we get ready to start the new season, I kind of feel like that mutt. I have caught a big league bunny with this job. My dream job. But, now we move to the "keeping" portion of the race.

Many have asked what my emotions are going to be like before the first telecast. Well, I'll tell you...nervous, excited, uncomfortable, humbled, fearful to name a few. Every announcer wants to be liked and I'm no different. Likability is what keeps us talking heads employed. But, it's not about me. My voice, my style, is what it is. My pledge. My priority...is to make sure my Brewers still sound like your Brewers (at least the TV version). Day by day, night after night. A wise producer once told me, "An announcer cannot make a bad game great...but he can make a great game bad." I agree with that. My goal is to help keep the great games great and the bad games watchable. Let's hope the bad eggs are few and far between.

Brian Anderson's House of Blogs: Away We Go!