With the Crosstown Classic just around the corner, and two seemingly disinterested fan bases, Chicago reporters decided to stir the pot a little when asking Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija, who grew up a White Sox fan, what his favorite “Hawkisms” were.
If you’re not familiar with the iconic South Side broadcaster, brace yourself.
Personally, I’m a Hawk Harrelson fan, but I won’t sit here and lie to you by saying he’s some sort of broadcasting genius. The fact remains he was voted the worst announcer in all of major league baseball, and for good reason. Hawk’s lovable, yet overused catch phrases can get a bit redundant, and when the White Sox are losing, you may as well be watching the game on mute, because that’s what Hawk becomes.
Much like Samardzija, I grew up watching Hawk, and although at times I long for a knowledgeable broadcaster that can provide a balanced analysis of the game, I’m stuck with the biased, moody and outright whacky Hawk. His eccentricities make him an easy target. I’ve made fun of him myself on occasion. Needless to say, the Cubbie-blue-clad Samardzija knows all too well what I’m talking about.
It was no accident the media asked Jeff Samardzija about lovable Hawk the day before the boys in black take on the boys in blue for the first time this season. They expected for the young pitcher to take a jab, and he gladly complied with a grin on his face. He poked fun at the drawn out pauses in between Hawk’s calls, did a little imitation of his Georgia accent, and even recalled some of his favorite Hawkisms. He finished the interview by saying “They’re fun to watch. They’re fun to listen to. Like I said, you could always get a good nap in during a Sox game.”
Cue Chicago media shenanigans.
Beat writer for MLB.com/Cubs.com, Carrie Muskat (@carriemuskat), strategically tweeted (and since removed): “Samardzija: ‘You could always get a good nap in during a Sox game.’” …and BOOM goes the twitterverse.
In context, Samardzija was playfully implying Hawk Harrelson has the magical ability to make you fall asleep in the middle of the afternoon. This is a fact. I’ve been a victim to his soothing southern drawl lulling me to sleep for years. And it’s getting worse with age.
However, out of context, it appears as though Samardzija is taking a direct jab at the White Sox baseball club, and a lot of White Sox fans took notice. Needless to say, good old Muskat most likely removed the tweet because of the abundance of meathead responses, which she kind of deserved.
On the other hand, this little Twitter gem might have breathed some life back into the dying Crosstown Classic, which begins tomorrow at noon. Because it just doesn’t feel right when two sides of the city aren’t tearing each other to pieces like the Montagues and Capulets, even if it is only on the internet.
Well played, Chicago media. Well played.
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