Issue date: Jan 17, 1999

STRAIGHT TALK
By Jeffrey Zaslow (Zaslow is an advice columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.)

In this article:
Berman's fun with nicknames
Write to Chris Berman for advice

Chris Berman:
The booming voice that helped build ESPN expounds on the future of sports.

et ready for new sports in the new century. Hybrids, "like lacrosse on skates," says star sportscaster Chris Berman. "Anything on skates excites the kids."

And Berman, 43, would know. One of the most knowledgeable, charismatic voices in sports, he hosts NFL coverage for ESPN and ABC's Monday Night Football, delivering play-by-play for baseball and Bud Bowl commercials. Famous for nicknaming sports stars - Roberto "Remember the" Alomar, Bert "Be Home" Blyleven - he's been nicknamed by athletes, too: "Ethel Merman Berman" (for his booming delivery) and "Hunka, Hunka Berman Love."

More predictions: The NBA's fan base will shrivel. "The older generation, they're finished" as fans, Berman says. "And after the strike, the NBA will lose some baby boomers, too. When Michael Jordan retires, I don't think our generation will embrace players who are now 23 or 24. Everybody seems a little arrogant."

Berman also worries about the glut of sports on TV. Years ago, a few big games aired each week, and fans were riveted. "Now, everything is on, and that's not necessarily for the better."

Berman has long prepared for his job. He recalls playing in boyhood pickup games, simultaneously shouting play-by-play. In 1979 he joined a fledgling ESPN, working the overnight shift. With partner Tom Mees, now deceased, he helped create the all-day, all-sports empire. "Tommy and I were pioneers," Berman says. "The most fun I ever had was with him at 2:30 a.m."

Berman, now married with two preteens, remains a sports fanatic. "Sports is one of the few things that breaks down socioeconomic boundaries," he says. "The janitor and the company president can talk sports. Plus, it's entertainment with no script. To me, that's pretty good"

GREAT NICKNAMES

Part of Berman's sportscasting schtick is coining nicknames for athletes (more than 1,000 so far). His rule: "Make sure it's not derogatory. It's got to be fun." Favorites:

Chris Berman will write or call a reader who seeks advice. By Jan. 24, write to "Straight Talk," P.O. Box 3455, Chicago, Ill. 60654 (fax: 312-661-0375; e-mail: talk@usaweekend.com).