Sean Kelley the new Voice of the Gators

gatormandan

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So if you are anything like me..(god forbid) you would say I will miss Mick Hubert. I will. I have always liked Mick and I think his excitement was genuine. He grew into a gator for life and it was real to me. Thanks Mick for many great years. You will be missed. That being said, I kinda like this new guy and I really hope he makes it more interesting to join the radio broadcast then to watch Beth Moens on TV.
 

LaylaGator

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Never a fan of the "this makes my face look thinner" facial hair boxing-off the mouth thing, but he's a radio guy. So I'm OK with it.

He's got big shoes to fill, and I wish him the best.
 

TN G8tr

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Well at least we know who it is. Seems like a good guy, but he's a Gator now. Wife didn't look to bad either.

Would love Batesy as his color commentator. Could you imagine that. He'd be popping in with Spurrier impressions.
 

NVGator

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Pretty sure Bates did PxP for the Mountain West.

Alex.

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Bates studied telecommunications while at the University of Florida. He combined that with his good relationship with media into opportunities to call high school football. He then jumped around from Fox Sports Florida to CBS Sports, where he did play-by-play for the Mountain West.
 

Double Gator Dad

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Agree with the “We want Bates” crowd, maybe someday…. However, I like what people are posting here about the new guy, seems like a genuinely good guy. I’m willing to see how he does before I throw any rocks.

This was the only opportunity for Bates to get the job unless this guy doesn’t stick around long.
The age difference between the two of them is marginal at best.

I am sure Kelley will be really good but having Batesy would have been special.
 

NOLAGATOR

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This was the only opportunity for Bates to get the job unless this guy doesn’t stick around long.
The age difference between the two of them is marginal at best.

I am sure Kelley will be really good but having Batesy would have been special.

Kelley will be good but again I'd like a Gator...I thought UF put out elite graduates? If Bates got it, it would the boost image...IMO

And he (Kelley) ain't leaving unless it's for $$$....He stayed in LA long enough to be a volunteer fireman in St. Tammany. I bet he puts down roots.
 
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G. Gordon Gator

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I got here too late to post an original comment. :sadnanner:

I somewhat agree with everyone who wishes James Bates was given a shot, but agree more with those who say he'd be better as a color commentator than a play-by-play guy. I guess Batesy does have some play-by-play experience but IMO may not have the right timber in his voice to do it at this level. Too much treble and pitch, not enough bass and modulation.

I also agree with those who were disappointed that the new guy doesn't have any personal connection to UF or the Gators. However in reading about the change I was surprised to learn that Mick Hubert had no connection to the Gators when he started here, either.

The way Mick called games made it feel like he was one of us. But, for a team announcer, I guess that's the mark of a true professional. I'm assuming the newbie brings that skill, along with some of the standard-issue "steady announcer" voice.

Whether it's Batesy or somebody else, hopefully they pair him with a color guy who is knowledgeable of Gator history. Among other reasons, it's good for recruiting. When somebody makes a big play and Kelley calls the name of his high school, somebody needs to chime in with, "quality program that also produced (so and so from 15 years ago)," etc.
 

G. Gordon Gator

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Here's Kelley calling a TD by Santa Claus. Good thing he has a sense of humor. That may be needed, at least for next season.

 

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