I was listening tonight to SportsTalk with Art Hains and it just reminded me how lucky Ozarks radio listeners are to have someone as talented as Art working in our market. Art is one of the “old school” announcers on the level of a Jack Buck or Vin Scully who can take a lame game and actually elevate it to the point it’s worth listening. I know there’s been many a night where I’ve stumbled onto a game where I could care less for either team but listen just because of the way Art calls a game. His knowledge of local sports is unparalleled and his loyalty to the Royals is admirable considering how much of a challenge it can be to remain a Royals fan.
The part that impresses me the most about Art is that when he’s hosting SportsTalk is how he is unafraid to express his views but do it in a way that doesn’t really make someone feel like he’s been running over them. I’ve heard Art be very insistent that someone was wrong but still allow the discussion to be on a level that doesn’t sink into petty name calling. His skill as a broadcaster is far above the average (or above average) announcer for this market and I hope that the folks at Meyer Communications realize how blessed they are to have Art in their fold.
If you’re a sports fan and you haven’t taken the time to listen to Art call a Missouri State game (or any other game) you need to arrange your schedule so you can hear it.
I’ve known art since I was in Jr. High (he made a visit to Pipkin Jr. High years ago).
He is a class act and we are lucky he has not left for greener pastures.
Go Bears.