Listening to the World Series on ESPN Radio with Dan Shulman

The 2011 World Series had stunning moments, especially game six, and Dan Shulman did a memorable delivery on ESPN Radio.

Driving around Los Angeles and not able to watch a few innings on occasion, Shulman captivated me with his play-by-play commentary. This is the first time I've listened to him broadcast.

Orel Hershiser and Bobby Valentine provided commentary that brought a helpful level of understanding to each game, the managerial decisions, and field position like Valetine saying in game six, "you've got to play 'no doubles,' referring to Nelzon Cruz not playing back deep enough late in the game with a fly ball that went over his head.

Shulman, who is @dsulman on Twitter, has a pace and delivery that gave me the experience of being at the park. Finally, in game seven, I turned down the volume on television and turned up ESPN Radio on my laptop. He was born in Toronto and maintains his Canadian citizenship even though he's the lead ESPN announcer for NCAA basketball.

Listening to Shulman made me think of other broadcasters whose voices I was glued to for coverage over the years:

Bob Prince, voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates on KDKA from the late 1940s into the 1970s

Myron Cope, voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the man behind the Terrible Towel.

Mike Lange, voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins on radio who did a fabulous job with his colorful expressions after each Pens' goal scored

Curt Gowdy, whom I especially remember from the 1972 Summer Olympics and the tragedy at Munich

Keith Jackson, NCAA Football on ABC

The original Monday Night Football crew of Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, and Frank Gifford. Whenever MNF first aired, I always felt sad I wasn't going to be able to watch the first half before having to go to bed.

And there are many others including Pat Summerall and Al Michaels.

The announcer has to relate the game with succinct information and draw the audience in. Shulman did that in this World Series and deserves a spot among the play-by-play announcers who excel in their craft.