Courtesy Cincinnati Enquirer

(October 9, 2009) Who do you want to replace Cincinnati Reds TV announcer George Grande? My vote goes for Dan Hoard (left), the former Fox 19 annnouncer who has filled in on Reds broadcasts. Grande announced his surprise retirement Sunday after 17 years, the Reds longest-running TV team. Grande says he hopes the Reds say in-house, saying that “Dan Hoard and Jim Kelch have shown they’re capable of doing the job.”

Grande, who graduated from USC 40 years ago, anchored the first ESPN “SportsCenter” 30 years ago. He did Yankees TV for two seasons (1989-90), then joined the Reds. For ESPN he covered the World Series, NBA Finals, Super Bowls and the NCAA basketball tournament. Grande says he wants to spend more time with his family in Connecticut.

Hoard has done a great job on Reds broadcasts. He was my choice to replace Steve Stewart, when nobody knew that Thom Brennaman wanted to come home and work with his dad. Hoard can do play-by-play for TV or radio (if needed), and he’s proven that he does his homework and can weave in stories about players ala Marty, Thom or the Dodgers’ Vin Scully. Hoard is very good and deserves the chance. Between 150 Reds TV games (when Thom isn’t working), and the UC football and basketball on WLW-AM, Hoard would have year-round work to bring him back here full-time. Hoard has done AAA Pawtucket Red Sox games waiting to be called up to the majors. This should be his chance. (And wouldn’t it be smart to have Hal McCoy as part of every home game telecast next year, to give his scoop on the team and the NL!)

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