This has always been the charm of Vin. He can ramble about something completely off topic between pitches and then seamlessly get back to the game.

"Okay, the Giants lead 6-3, and it's 2 outs with bases full. The Dodgers have the table set for a comeback. Speaking of set tables, I had a great breakfast today highlighted by a large serving of Farmer john's pork sausage. Was that ever good. That's a long drive. Could it... it's gone. A grand slam. Wow. Dodgers come back for the win."

I really miss these traditional old time announcers like Vin. They don't miss a beat in the game and in just two sentences you get schooled on something applicable in life. Too bad there are not more Vin's around these days.

As a kid without internet and information overload, you would learn about baseball history from these announcers and chatting with older family members sitting on the porch in summers...no one had air conditioning back then in NY. That's where you learned how to play the game...out front in the street and on the green space above the Bosco house. Mr. Bosco was a retired NYPD cop who taught us all how to throw a curve ball, fork ball (don't hear that much anymore) and how to read a pitcher and batter by where they placed their feet. His youngest son (big Italian Catholic family) was my battery mate (I was the pitcher) and he was a great catcher.

Remember growing up to listening to announcers like Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy, Lindsey Nelson (Mets announcers) and even Phil Rizzuto (Yankees). No ESPN or Fox sports back then. You got your fill from local guys who in some cases played for the team and knew their baseball history and were part of it.

Back then to get an autograph from one of the team announcers was almost as good as getting a player autograph. Today who wants a Joe Buck autograph?

Back then to get an autograph from one of the team announcers was almost as good as getting a player autograph.

I was always a Houston Astros fan (I lived in Louisiana and that was the closest thing to a home team).

I remember a poll a long time ago asking fans who their favorite Astro was. The overwhelming winner was Astros' announcer Milo Hamilton.