Jeff Passan’s call for classic MLB radio calls drew overwhelming response

New York Mets radio broadcaster Howie Rose’s classic call on Pete Alonso’s home run Thursday night gave Jeff Passan an idea.

The ESPN MLB insider shared that thought on X Friday morning — and baseball fans loved it.

“Howie Rose’s call last night got me thinking about how cool it would be to have a thread with all the great baseball radio calls. So let’s make one. Add below,” Passan wrote.

Passan started the conversation by posting Cleveland Guardians broadcaster Tom Hamilton’s call of José Ramírez’s knockdown of Tim Anderson in 2023.

Howie Rose’s call last night got me thinking about how cool it would be to have a thread with all the great baseball radio calls. So let’s make one. Add below.

I’ll start: The inimitable Tom Hamilton roaring “Down goes Anderson!” will never, ever get old. pic.twitter.com/r9CWzQYQoX

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 4, 2024

Within two hours, Passan’s post had generated dozens of responses.

For those who missed Rose’s call, it’s an instant classic, in an historic situation. Alonso hit the first-ever go-ahead homer in the ninth inning or later of a winner-takes-all postseason game. The Mets held on in the bottom of the ninth to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers, 4-2.

Here’s Howie Rose with the Mets radio call of Pete Alonso’s go-ahead home run. ⚾️💣📻🐻‍❄️ #MLB

(via @metsradio880) pic.twitter.com/pdjLkJoz4o https://t.co/OitkcudgxC

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 4, 2024

Passan’s tweet drew many obvious choices, some going back decades. Russ Hodges’ call of Bobby Thomson’s walk-off home run for the New York Giants against the Brooklyn Dodgers in a 1951 playoff game is regarded as arguably the greatest sports call in history.

Bobby Thompson. “THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT” pic.twitter.com/IdbpLwKEVL

— The Skippers View (@TheSkippersView) October 4, 2024

Great calls in postseason games obviously have the edge because of their relative importance, and there were many candidates. Who could forget Seattle Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus’ call on Edgar Martínez’s game-winning double in the 1995 ALDS?

Dave Niehaus call of Edgar Martinez game winning double in GM 5 ‘95 ALDS pic.twitter.com/yvDbsR5cLQ

— Shaun with a U (@sdoverst) October 4, 2024

Walk-off moments are always great. Atlanta Braves announcer Skip Caray’s call as Sid Bream scored the winning run in 1992 NLCS Game 7 will live on forever.

Francisco Cabrera.
Sid Bream.
The legend Skip Caray on the call.pic.twitter.com/asKbdKU4bN

— Dan Why-Ner (@ReallyDanWeiner) October 4, 2024

Among other huge postseason home runs, Boston Red Sox broadcaster Dave O’Brien’s call of David Ortiz’s grand slam in the 2013 ALCS still brings chills.

Dave O’Briens call of the David Ortiz Grand slam pic.twitter.com/Bk7pfhXejI

— Pete (@_ThatGuyPete_) October 4, 2024

There were some surprising suggestions, such as legendary Los Angeles Dodgers announcer Vin Scully’s solemn remembrance of 9/11 victims.

I have a few but Vin after 9/11 gave me chills. pic.twitter.com/CjhOyTOGK3

— Tymathee (@Tymathee) October 4, 2024

In short, Passan’s wonderful idea provided great fun for baseball fans to relive classic memories from the sport’s past.

[Jeff Passan on X]