Love Letters From Pronk: Boog Sciambi
Love Letters From Pronk is an ongoing series where Pronk shares his love for somebody connected to the Cubs. Sometimes funny, sometimes weird, Pronk likes to make 100% sure people know that they are loved, and best expresses that through gushing letters. Today's pick: Cubs Announcer Jon "Boog" Sciambi.
Boog joined the Cubs broadcast team after the defection of Len Kasper. Since 1993, Boog has been announcing for the Marlins, Braves, and later ESPN. With that much experience, we knew we were probably getting a good guy to replace Len. And so far, it's been good!
Dear Boog,
It is not easy to step into a legend's shoes. When we lost Len Kasper, we were losing someone who called games for a long time. Someone who made lots of classic calls for big moments. Someone we all grew to love and cherish. It was a tall order for a new guy to step into that role. And here you are!
I've enjoyed listening to your broadcasts so far this year. You don't quite have the same level as Kasper, but you are fitting in just fine. That might not seem like the nicest thing for me to say, but it is a huge compliment. After losing Kasper, my expectation was that I'd be disappointed by whomever Marquee brought in. To me, it was inevitable and I was just trying to be okay with it. You've been more than just okay. Dare I say, you've been good. It will take some time to build up the same partnership with JD that Len had, but that's fine. You are off to a great start, and I look forward to seeing you two develop.
I have a favorite aspect about your broadcasting; that you are a calming presence. Some announcers are overzealous homers. Others are boring. You are right in that sweet spot in the middle of the scale. You don't try to do too much to dress it up, but instead let the game breath for itself. Then interject some timely quirks and humor, and we've got us a good ballgame to watch. You have a very calming voice, one that belongs in a Pixar movie.
Keep up the good work! Glad to have you here!
XOXO
-Pronk