Color commentator
A color (or colour) commentator, sometimes known as a color analyst, is a member of the broadcasting team for a sporting event who assists the play-by-play announcer by filling in any time when play is not in progress. The color commentator provides expert analysis and background information, such as statistics, strategy and injury reports, on the teams and athletes, and occasionally light humor. Color commentators are usually people who used to play and/or coach the sport that they broadcast.
In the United Kingdom the terminology is different: a play-by-play announcer is called a commentator. The role of color commentator is not so clearly defined, but the term summariser is sometimes used and former players often appear as pundits, filling a similar role. In Germany, most soccer matches feature just a single play-by-play announcer, without a color commentator.
Examples of the more well-known color commentators in their respective sports include:
- Bert Blyleven
- Danny Gladden
- Keith Hernandez (New York Mets )
- Al Leiter
- Steve Lyons
- Tim McCarver
- Joe Morgan
- Jim Palmer
- Lou Piniella
- Bob Brenly
- Jerry Remy (Boston Red Sox games for NESN)
