I was never very shy in front of a microphone. I hosted events at church and school funtions, did readings in church, was chairman of business organizations. announced a peewee football game or two, and was master of ceremonies at sports league banquets. No, I wasn't shy.
Once, at a varsity basketball game at Fenwick High School, I was asked at the last minute to announce. Of course, I agreed. Someone would be next to me keeping track of fouls, team fouls and time-outs. No big deal. I just had to talk.
I'm now reminded of a famous saying that I just love. "It is better to keep your mouth shut and seem a fool than it is to open your mouth and remove all doubt."
The first thing an announcer has to do is introduce the starting line-ups. The other team gave me theirs very nicely. For Fenwick, I had a program listing all the players. When the teams are being announced, the two referees position themselves at each end of the midcourt line. One was directly in front of me. I was going real good, sounding professional, like (for example) "At center, 6-3 senior forward Joe Smith." .
Well, I was searching through the whole list of players for each starter. I thought I had them marked but I got to a point and couldn't find the fifth starter. I looked and looked. The crowd became testy. I sweated. To top it all off, the referee right in front of me turned and asked "Are you guys going to play with only four, tonight?" I was mortified.
I finished the night but never tried it again.
That’s hilarious!
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