DaytonDailyNews.com

Last week, I listened to my car radio as national baseball announcer Joe Buck told ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd that he wasn't really into watching weeknight baseball games he wasn't involved in broadcasting.

So, of course, he had to apologize.

Buck told the New York Times on Friday that he regretted the comments, which included thoughts that games can be (gasp!) too slow and a lot to ask of viewers "night after night."

Well, duh.

Cowherd's purpose for having Buck as a guest was to discuss what he said were numbers indicating that young men aren't watching as much baseball. That, in fact, the audience for baseball on television could be weakening.

He wasn't saying that baseball on TV is unnecessary. Just that the advertisers could start backing away if the younger group of fans continues to be absent from viewership numbers.

So the folks at Fox weren't pleased with their lead baseball announcer saying he doesn't watch much baseball in his free time. But, so what? As long as the guy is knowledgeable enough for his profession, why does he need to be glued to baseball games all night?

Hardcore fans would love to be around baseball 24 hours a day and say they would do it for free. But to many of those around the game, particularly reporters and players, it's a job. Most people don't want to be around work when they're not working.

Apology not necessary, Joe.

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or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com