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U.S. future, DJ and Ferrell

Rob Stone's name might not ring a bell. But if you have seen a Major League Soccer or U.S. national team game recently, you probably know his voice.

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published March 24, 2007

Rob Stone's name might not ring a bell. But if you have seen a Major League Soccer or U.S. national team game recently, you probably know his voice. Stone, who lives in Tampa, is one of ESPN's play-by-play announcers, and he called four World Cup matches in the summer. Stone also will be headlining the memorabilia auction at MacDinton's tonight in South Tampa with all proceeds going to the Joseph Kolb Family and Medical Assistance Fund. Stone, who will watch Sunday's U.S.-Ecuador game at Raymond James Stadium as a fan, sneaked away from his babysitting duties to chat with Times staff writer Brandon Wright:

I'm sure you've been asked this a million times, but what happened in Germany?

Pause I think expectations were unrealistic for the team. After (the Americans' quarterfinal appearance at the 2002 World Cup) people just expected the team to take the next step.

Well, doesn't that seem like the logical progression?

That's part of the American sports culture. People think that if you make the quarterfinals one year, you should make the semis in the next and final the time after that. That's just not how it works, and it all went down the toilet in a minute.

From a fan's perspective, which national team players are your favorites?

I love watching Clint Dempsey and the way he is not afraid to take chances. Landon Donovan is another. He is so important to this team.

Do you feel like you have to "dumb down" your broadcasts sometimes for viewers who may not have a strong soccer background?

Absolutely. That's a constant conversation we have at ESPN all the time. We're trying to make the sport grow, so if we aggravate hard-core fans every now in the process of trying to reach millions, then sorry. In a way, we're trying to sell the sport and bring people in.

Realistically, how long will it take for the U.S. to be in serious World Cup contention?

I would say don't even think about it until 2018.

Bob Bradley still has the interim tag attached to his name. What are your thoughts on his future?

I would like to see an American coach this team. A guy who has been raised over here and understands the nuances of the American player, I think, can tap into that player better. But that Bradley hasn't had the interim removed from his name yet doesn't bode well for Bob.

But you would say it was time for a change after Germany, right?

I look at it a lot like the Bucs. Tony Dungy took the team to new heights but couldn't get them over the hump. I think U.S. Soccer wants a big name, whether it's on the international or club level, to come in and get them over the hump like Gruden did.

How did you get involved with the auction tonight at MacDinton's?

My friend Matt (Cardillo) and I read the article in January about this tragedy that happened to the Kolb family and thought, "What can we do to help?" I used some connections to get the gear. Matt put the word out and wrapped it around the match on Sunday, and it has taken off from there.

Okay, let's switch gears a little bit. I read you were a college DJ?

(Laughs) Yeah, we had a show (at Colgate) called the Smiling Bob and Diamond Jim Show; mostly classic rock stuff. I still get a stupid grin on my face when I hear Freebird. That show was fueled by Milwaukee's Best.

How much conditioner did (ex-ESPN analyst and U.S. player) Marcelo Balboa use when you guys hit the road?

I can't reveal that (laughs). I'm contractually obligated that remains a secret.

Who are the biggest floppers out there?

First off, I hate flopping. South American players probably do the most flopping. They really sell the foul. You don't see American players do that. If an American player goes to ground, he's been fouled. If he stays down, he's hurt.

You're a big Will Ferrell fan. Rank your favorite Ferrell movies.

1. Old School. 2. Anchor Man: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. 3. Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby. And then there's Elf, which is very underrated. I get a little misty-eyed during the Christmas store scene.

So it's safe to say you'll be checking out Blades of Glory?

I'll be there on opening night (a scream is heard from the next room), if the baby will cooperate!

One Kolb son was paralyzed in November. Another had operations for a tumor on his brain stem. An open bar begins at 7 and an auction at 9 at MacDinton's (405 Howard Ave., Tampa). For details, call (813) 251-8999. Read their story at links.tampabay.com.

[Last modified March 23, 2007, 23:19:49]