Marty Brennaman reveals his darkest fear on-air

The Reds’ radio broadcast has a regular segment called “Ask Marty!”, in which listeners get to ask a question to Spink Award winner and broadcasting legend Marty Brennaman. What’s your favorite movie, Marty? What’s your favorite Ron Oester anecdote, Marty?

Or, perhaps, what’s your biggest fear, Marty? That last one was the one that was asked, and Brennanman answered it honestly. Very, very honestly. Transcript after the audio.

Jeff Brantley: Marty, what is your biggest fear in life?

Marty Brennaman: You know what? That’s a serious question. That’s one that I, uh, would not make light of. Because I think when you reach a certain age in life, maybe there are things that, uh, concern you a bit more than maybe they did when you were younger.

One of the big fears I have is dying in a hotel room by myself. That’s about as honest as I can be. And the reason I say that ... as the pitch is strike one, on a check-swing that didn’t check in time by Ruggiano ...two guys in my profession, Don Drysdale in Montreal and Richie Ashburn in New York City. And I don’t think that’s the way I want to go.

Brantley: ... I hear you brother.

Brennaman: That’s not the way I want to have it out. Thank God, Amanda’s on a lot -- most of -- the trips.

Brantley: That’s a good thing.

Brennaman: It minimizes the possibility that happens.

Brantley: You know if you ain’t feeling too good, you can always call me, and I’ll come over and sit with you.

Brennaman: I know you can. (both start laughing)

And that’s the story about how Jeff Brantley earned his merit badge for levity. Usually, this is the spot of the Lookit where I make stupid jokes, but forget that. You were just given an unflinching passage into the darkest recesses of a man’s private thoughts. You don’t get that in every baseball broadcast. You don’t get that anywhere.

_{Hat-tip to Deadspin}