Chicago's Sports Media Scene Gets a Fresh New Look: Here are This Year's Top Players
A year after it was said that much of Chicago sports media had fallen into a rut, the market has proven to be far from stagnant. From the top to the bottom, talent is plentiful and quality on par with previous years.
At number one this season is none other than Jon "Boog" Sciambi, who took over the Cubs' TV booth in 2021 after expressing his desire to be "where baseball matters." The move has worked out well, as "Boog" brought a much-needed spark to the North Side, pairing perfectly with Jim Deshaies. His ability to bring the most thrilling of World Series moments made him an ideal voice for ESPN Radio.
Adam Amin comes in at number two after a successful run calling the NFL on Fox and the Bulls on Chicago Sports Network. He has demonstrated his capability to think on his feet, adapting seamlessly to new situations such as taking over Drew Brees' post-Brexit role, showcasing his ability to keep up with changing circumstances.
Pat Hughes rounds out the top three having cemented his place in baseball history through exceptional broadcasting skills paired with humor and knowledge on The Score's broadcasts.
Meanwhile David Kaplan has continued his climb back up the rankings after being ranked as number one broadcaster last year, thanks to his entertaining YouTube show "The REKAP," which boasts nearly a quarter million followers.
On the flip side, Marc Silverman sees his ranking slip down the list for calling too harshly on Chuck Swirsky's remarks regarding Packers fans. Despite that minor stumble, Silvy remains an influential figure in Chicago sports media.
Ozzie Guillen at number six, known for calling it as he sees it with a biting and often hilarious style that never fails to crack up his listeners. With Jerry Reinsdorf, he has all the freedom to rip him apart whenever he wants.
A little further down but still top-notch is Steve Stone, who remains sharp and insightful. What truly sets him apart, however, is his ability to break down the game for younger generations while putting up with play-by-play voice John Schriffen over the past two years.
Chuck Garfien takes eighth spot, thanks in large part to producing exceptional post-game content that gives Sox fans everything they could want. His dedication never ceases to amaze sports fans across town.
Leila Rahimi shoots back into contention as one of the best midday show hosts on The Score. She shines brighter than her co-hosts and holds her ground against even the toughest critics with her razor-sharp wit and preparedness.
The final spot goes to Lou Canellis, a former Fox 32 sports anchor who moved over to NBC 5 this year in one of the biggest moves by any Chicago sports anchor since Mark Giangreco left NBC 5 for ABC 7 back in '94.
Taylor McGregor has shown significant growth as the Cubs' field reporter with appearances on ESPN's college football sidelines and maintaining her spot at number eleven overall. Stacey King breaks down games like a pro while cracking jokes that leave many fans in stitches.
Last but not least, Tom Waddle makes an appearance at 12th place after being one of the most influential sports voices in Chicago without having played for the Bears back in '85.
Dan Bernstein has made a successful comeback by hosting a podcast with Matt Abbatacola after his time on The Score ended abruptly last year. It's heartening to hear these two old friends working together again.
Rounding out this season's top players are Laurence Holmes, Jonathan Hood, Cassie Carlson, Dionne Miller, Darren Pang and Dave Wannstedt.
A year after it was said that much of Chicago sports media had fallen into a rut, the market has proven to be far from stagnant. From the top to the bottom, talent is plentiful and quality on par with previous years.
At number one this season is none other than Jon "Boog" Sciambi, who took over the Cubs' TV booth in 2021 after expressing his desire to be "where baseball matters." The move has worked out well, as "Boog" brought a much-needed spark to the North Side, pairing perfectly with Jim Deshaies. His ability to bring the most thrilling of World Series moments made him an ideal voice for ESPN Radio.
Adam Amin comes in at number two after a successful run calling the NFL on Fox and the Bulls on Chicago Sports Network. He has demonstrated his capability to think on his feet, adapting seamlessly to new situations such as taking over Drew Brees' post-Brexit role, showcasing his ability to keep up with changing circumstances.
Pat Hughes rounds out the top three having cemented his place in baseball history through exceptional broadcasting skills paired with humor and knowledge on The Score's broadcasts.
Meanwhile David Kaplan has continued his climb back up the rankings after being ranked as number one broadcaster last year, thanks to his entertaining YouTube show "The REKAP," which boasts nearly a quarter million followers.
On the flip side, Marc Silverman sees his ranking slip down the list for calling too harshly on Chuck Swirsky's remarks regarding Packers fans. Despite that minor stumble, Silvy remains an influential figure in Chicago sports media.
Ozzie Guillen at number six, known for calling it as he sees it with a biting and often hilarious style that never fails to crack up his listeners. With Jerry Reinsdorf, he has all the freedom to rip him apart whenever he wants.
A little further down but still top-notch is Steve Stone, who remains sharp and insightful. What truly sets him apart, however, is his ability to break down the game for younger generations while putting up with play-by-play voice John Schriffen over the past two years.
Chuck Garfien takes eighth spot, thanks in large part to producing exceptional post-game content that gives Sox fans everything they could want. His dedication never ceases to amaze sports fans across town.
Leila Rahimi shoots back into contention as one of the best midday show hosts on The Score. She shines brighter than her co-hosts and holds her ground against even the toughest critics with her razor-sharp wit and preparedness.
The final spot goes to Lou Canellis, a former Fox 32 sports anchor who moved over to NBC 5 this year in one of the biggest moves by any Chicago sports anchor since Mark Giangreco left NBC 5 for ABC 7 back in '94.
Taylor McGregor has shown significant growth as the Cubs' field reporter with appearances on ESPN's college football sidelines and maintaining her spot at number eleven overall. Stacey King breaks down games like a pro while cracking jokes that leave many fans in stitches.
Last but not least, Tom Waddle makes an appearance at 12th place after being one of the most influential sports voices in Chicago without having played for the Bears back in '85.
Dan Bernstein has made a successful comeback by hosting a podcast with Matt Abbatacola after his time on The Score ended abruptly last year. It's heartening to hear these two old friends working together again.
Rounding out this season's top players are Laurence Holmes, Jonathan Hood, Cassie Carlson, Dionne Miller, Darren Pang and Dave Wannstedt.
I think the real MVPs here are the ones who aren't being super hyped. Like, what about all the other talented sports anchors out there who aren't getting as much love? They're still killing it behind the scenes but never get that same spotlight 
. And also, can we talk about how crazy it is that someone like Lou Canellis just got the final spot at number 12? Like, I know he's a talented anchor and all, but... 
. I mean, what's the point of having multiple high-profile broadcasters when it feels like nobody's really saying anything new or insightful? 
like what's the point of having 100+ channels dedicated to sports if they're just gonna recycle the same old bland shows and personalities? 
and don't even get me started on how they all seem to be in cahoots with each other, always spouting off the same tired clichés about "being part of the family" or whatever nonsense... it's like, can't we just get some real commentary around here? 
Chicago sports media is still a total dumpster fire 
. Adam Amin just called the wrong team for 3 years straight and people are giving him the top spot? What about the countless times his commentary was cringeworthy? And don't even get me started on Marc Silverman's hate speech towards Packers fans... not cool, Silvy 
. And Chuck Garfien's "dedication" is just a nice way of saying he's been stuck in a rut for years 
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, I love how he brings that energy to the Cubs' broadcasts, it's like having a new fan in the booth with him! 
And Adam Amin's come a long way, his ability to think on his feet is insane, I've seen him turn around even the most awkward interviews into gold 
. Pat Hughes is still the king of baseball commentary in my book, no one can make me laugh and learn at the same time like he does 
. And I'm so glad to see David Kaplan's "The REKAP" YouTube show getting so much love, it's a great way for him to connect with fans outside of the traditional broadcasts 
. Oh, and Silvy being real and calling out Chuck Swirsky when needed is music to my ears 
how can someone make baseball history while being so hilarious & knowledgeable at the same time?! 
i mean who else can keep up with drew breez' post-brexit role? 
These guys are proof that you can always come back stronger and better than ever.
And let's be real, who doesn't love a good laugh? 
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his energy is infectious, and it sounds like he's making a big difference for cubs fans. Adam Amin is also killing it on fox and the bulls 
So, i think what makes chicago sports media so dope is the talent explosion that happened last year 
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?
? Like, what about all the other talented sports anchors and broadcasters out there who ain't makin it onto this list 
! like Adam Amin is on fire right now, calling all the big games with ease 
, and I'm loving Leila Rahimi's midday show vibes 
. gotta give it up for the new blood too, like Taylor McGregor holding her own as a Cubs field reporter 
. It's clear that many of these individuals have great support systems in place, which is crucial for maintaining their skills and staying on top of their game.
. Whether it's through hosting podcasts, creating entertaining content, or providing insightful analysis, everyone has a role to play in shaping the sports media landscape in Chicago 
. And Ozzie Guillen's biting style is the best 
. Adam Amin's got skills, Pat Hughes is bringin' the funny, and Steve Stone's still sharp as a tack 
. And let's not forget Leila Rahimi, she's killin' it on midday shows like nobody's business 
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