Phillies Changing Broadcasters; Wheeler, Matthews Out
Will Franske and Anderson move to TV. @RobMaaddi #Phillies broadcasters Chris Wheeler, Sarge Matthews out. My story upcoming.
— jeff blumenthal (@PHLBizLawBank) January 8, 2014
Longtime Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Chris Wheeler is out after nearly four decades in the booth and Gary Matthews isn’t returning as color analyst, several people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday. … The Phillies said Wheeler and Matthews will continue to work with the organization in other roles.
The Phils just signed a long-term TV contract, but this decision was reportedly made by the network. Reaction on social media was swift:
Wheels has been broadcasting Phillies games since 1977. He's been with team for over 40 years
— John Clark CSN (@JClarkCSN) January 8, 2014
Anti-Wheeler supporters around the city are celebrating like it's New Years Day. #Phillies
— Natalie Egenolf (@NatalieEgenolf) January 8, 2014
Chris Wheeler was the last piece of my childhood during #Phillies broadcasts. Sad.
— Timmy C (@timmyc12) January 8, 2014
phillies will get the dj 3000 from the simpsons to do commentary “how bout those clowns in atlanta, what a bunch of clowns” “good point”
— Prof. Harold Trill (@OhWowHmm) January 8, 2014
Phillies following Mets' broadcast model? If the team's going to be terrible, better make sure the announcers aren't.
— Ryan Kelly (@ryankelly) January 8, 2014
Re Phillies: Sarge was brutal, no loss there. Wheels was Wheels. Not the best but he was ours & the last remaining tie to the Kalas era.
— Jeff Moore (@jeffmoore_5) January 8, 2014
How are we supposed to watch the phillies without hat and shirt commentary?!!!!
— Shannon (@shanstyles5) January 8, 2014