At first I was ecstatic. A Seattle icon will be the voice of the new Seattle Sounders FC. Kevin Calabro, in the booth, calling the game, making soccer come alive in Seattle. But then, I started thinking. Am I going to like KC calling a soccer match? When he speaks will I just hear echoes of Sonic basketball? Am I ready for such a familiar figure donning a different shade of green?
From a marketing perspective, this is the best move the new franchise could have made. Calabro is a beloved, respected and trusted broadcaster in the Pacific Northwest. His voice on the air again will soothe the unsettled stomachs of those still distraught about losing their Sonics. Others will tune in to watch soccer for the first time just so they can hear the man speak again. But me, I'm not sure how I'll feel.
His voice and persona is Sonic basketball and it will be hard for me to associate him with something different. He calls basketball games so well because of his energy, but soccer is slower and it doesn't require the endless amounts of it he has. I'm afraid it won't be the same.
But I'm not ready to swear him off. I am more than willing to let him try and make me a believer. I want so badly to be a believer. Unfortunately that is just something I'll have to wait for. 252 days...and counting.
Keywords: Kevin Calabro, MLS, Seattle Sonics, Seattle Sounders FC
