Imagine your favorite sports moment of all time.
Play it in your mind just like you experienced it. Unless it’s one of those rare moments you experience in person, you’re likely replaying a broadcast in your head.
If you’re not hearing commentary / play-by-play, whoever the Lead Commentator was that day didn’t do their job.
The role of the Commentators
The job of the Lead Commentator and the Color Analyst is to enhance the moment and tell the story.
When you watch a sports broadcast on television, and there’s a moment of impact, such as a great goal, save, touchdown, basket, home run, etc., Commentators have an opportunity – nay, an OBLIGATION – to take that emotional moment for the viewer or the fan watching and make it even MORE emotional. You’re taking what could already be the moment of a lifetime and further branding it into the audience’s memory.
“The sports broadcast industry has lived for too long with a yawning gap around its provision for learning and feedback. Generations of aspiring broadcasters have essentially been left to “pick it up as they go along.” This is particularly true of announcing “commentary”as we call it in the UK. Brad has an appetite to put that right…and he has the experience, know-how and contacts within the industry to execute that intention. It’s great to think that – in his hands – newcomers to the industry can be guided, nurtured and brought to maturity.”
Peter Drury, Commentator
Premier League, Champions League, NBC, Sky Sports
“One of the biggest challenges in being or becoming a sports announcer is a lack of guidance and tuition. How are you meant to be the next Martin Tyler or Al Michaels if nobody’s giving you reliable feedback? That’s where Brad comes in. He has a great ‘ear’ and his skill lies in maximising the potential of every broadcaster he works with. Brad is the ideal guide on the journey from awful or ‘awdinary’ to awesome! Sorry about the spelling but it’s how things SOUND that matters – he’ll teach you the power of alliteration!”
Jon Champion, Commentator
Premier League, World Cup, MLS, NBC, ESPN
Example
“Do you believe in miracles? YES!”
The 1980 USA Men’s Hockey Team victory over the Soviets.
By itself, with no commentary, it’s one of the greatest sports moments of all time.
Now, add this on top of it:
“Do you believe in miracles? YES!”
When you think about that moment, you can hear Al Michaels. He took an already great sports moment and ELEVATED it to another dimension, thus forever branding that moment and that great call into our brains.
This is the obligation of the Commentators.
“I love that Brad is doing commentary coaching. With his long history and in depth knowledge of sports broadcast…it only makes sense. I remember when I first met Brad I was struck by his kind and quirky nature. And I say that… because it’s important to his coaching. He very much treats broadcast as a craft and is always looking for subtle ways to help differentiate the talent he works with. I’ve very much appreciated the time we’ve worked together and the direction he’s given me to examine the way I describe a play or how I’m emphasizing particular moment. All of the little things matter and that comes through in Brad’s coaching.”
Lori Lindsey, Color Analyst
FIFA Women’s World Cup, NWSL, MLS
“I worked with Brad in the past, and it was some of the most consistent and in-depth commentary feedback I’ve ever received. Brad has his finger on the pulse of what makes a great commentator and how to deliver constructive criticism as well as anyone in the industry. I always valued anything Brad had to say and he always challenged me. He not only knows what message to deliver but HOW to deliver it as we can all be a bit defensive when it comes to our work. Aditionally, he keeps the fun in the work which might be the most important part of who he is. If you work with Brad, I am confident you will see an improvement and find a friend along the way. Can’t recommend this guy enough.”.”
Tyler Terens, Commentator
MLS x Apple TV, Chicago Fire, USL, FOX
“Brad is as substantial a voice in American soccer broadcasting as anyone you hear each week. He’s made lasting impacts on announcers at all levels. Every broadcaster in their professional infancy seeks to find their own unique voice — Brad provided me the knowledge and confidence to explore my style and develop my skills. My career was indelibly changed by his creativity and desire to help me improve on and off air, and I trust him implicitly. Anyone in our industry would be lucky to call him a coach (or friend).”
Mike Watts, Commentator
USL, ESPN, FOX, CBS, Cincinnati Bengals
“Upon arriving at USL, Brad had an immediate and lasting impact on all levels of broadcast production, but particularly with the on-air talent. His work with young, new commentators helped them grow in their skills and confidence, which of course helped increase viewership engagement. Brad’s ability to provide direct, constructive feedback that he can then use to help chart the progress of Commentators, both Play-by-Play and Color Analysts, is invaluable, and he’d be an asset to any professional looking to get better in the booth.”
Michael Cohen, Sports Television Executive
USL, MLS, NWSL, World Cups, ESPN
“I’ve known Brad since our days at NFL Network as he was beginning his career. Brad has brought a unique and creative perspective to sports television, later working with clubs in the NFL and MLS. He brings energy, thoughtfulness, and empathy to his vocation and his colleagues. A perceptive listener which is crucial in his new venture as a coach and mentor. You are in good hands with Brad, he won’t be just a coach, he’ll be someone you’ll be proud to call a friend.”
Jason Wormser, Sports Television Executive
NFL Network, ESPN, FOX
“Brad is a gifted story teller with a talent for identifying what a commentator can add to a sports broadcast. His knowledge and experience of the industry enables him to spot talent and create top quality content.”
Tony Husband, Commentator
MLS x Apple TV, Nashville SC, BBC Match of the Day
GET TO KNOW Brad
Hey, y’all. I’m Brad Baker, a long-time sports broadcasting Producer who obsesses over the commentary. I’ve had the great fortune of working with so many outstanding commentators over the years, some of whom you may have heard of but others you haven’t. And I love helping every one of them grow and find their style and their voice.
For me, sports broadcasting is an ART.
It’s a cleverly orchestrated art form from the booth to the front bench to the replay ops and audio mixers to the engineers outside the truck. The Commentators, however, are what the audience remembers most; they’re the “face” and “voice” of the broadcast, and good commentators can make or break a show.
Every broadcast should be the best it can be
from Super Bowls and World Cups to Division 3 streams on the various sporting platforms.
This is for you if you’re a commentator at ANY LEVEL, PxP / Lead Commentator, Color Analyst, or Sideline Reporter.
I’ll use my extensive background, skills, and track record to provide detailed and insightful feedback that will help you improve your game and make all your broadcasts that much better.
We’ll address and discuss any issues, and I’m always willing to meet you wherever you are on your Commentator journey. In other words, if you’re already an accomplished broadcaster, we’ll dig into the nuances and small details of what you’re doing in order to improve further and help you grow; if you’re just getting started, if you’re a student or intern, or maybe you’ve recently gotten your first professional gigs, we’ll collaborate on everything from cadence/inflection to vocabulary and even on-camera appearance.
It’s not always easy to hear feedback, but if you’re up for some constructive criticism and want to improve, I’d love to create a custom plan together so we can have you reach your goals!