Yankees announcer Ken Singleton and a farewell tour for class

Lookout!

More than that, I found my new favorite pairing. Once I thought nothing could make me smile more than the high-spirited debates between Coney and Paulie, and their repeated reminders to Michael that he is in some ways lesser than.

But once I understood the understated greatness of Mr. Singleton, I was able to hear what he and Mr. Kay were doing together.

First is that real sense of warmth and camaraderie they bring. Their ages, experiences and equal intelligence makes them an almost perfect pairing. And their ease in banter and shared cultural references makes the listener feel he is settling into a very comfy chair.

And of course, there is their shared sense of humor. Ken is the master of dry wit and finds an equal interlocutor in Michael. Alone, with no half-witted, half-shouted humor to pander to, they let a series of understated but biting comments fall from their lips, dangling in the air almost daring the viewers to be as clever as they are.

There’s a part of their performance that says, “If you’re sharp enough, you get the jokes. If not, the joke’s on you.” Remember, Ken was always a great competitor.