Podcast Summary: Bubba On the Lake - Episode #22: A Visit With Legendary Broadcaster Eli Gold

Release Date: July 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #22 of Bubba On the Lake, host Bill "Bubba" Bussey welcomes the esteemed broadcaster Eli Gold for an in-depth conversation. This episode delves into Eli's storied career in sports broadcasting, his tenure with the University of Alabama, his recent health challenges, and his new role at Jacksonville State University (JSU). The discussion is rich with insights, anecdotes, and personal reflections, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of Eli Gold's professional journey and personal resilience.

Eli Gold's Early Life and Entry into Broadcasting

Eli Gold begins by sharing his humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, and his early passion for sports, despite not being an athlete himself.

Notable Quote:

"I was not much of a student, so I really paid very little attention to class. And what I did do is pay attention to sports... I knew the batting averages, I knew the fielding percentages."
[07:24]

Eli recounts how his love for sports statistics led him to broadcasting as a viable career path. Starting at the age of 15½, he began broadcasting in the Eastern Hockey League, a minor league that inspired the movie Slap Shot. His dedication and practice, including countless hours recording play-by-play sessions at Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium, eventually propelled him to the National Hockey League (NHL) as the voice of the St. Louis Blues in 1977.

Notable Quote:

"I practiced hundreds of games into my little tape recorder. Basketball, hockey, and baseball."
[10:19]

Career Highlights and Experiences

Eli Gold boasts an extensive portfolio, having covered almost every major sport except golf. His favorite sport to broadcast is professional hockey, a passion rooted in his New York upbringing and his time with the St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators. However, Eli emphasizes his versatility and enthusiasm for all sports he covers.

Notable Quote:

"You name the sport, I've done it. I've done it over the years."
[16:39]

At the University of Alabama, Eli served as the voice of the Crimson Tide for 36 years, witnessing and narrating some of the most significant moments in the program's history. He highlights iconic calls, such as the national title-winning play involving TUA to Devonte, which exemplify his ability to capture the emotion and significance of pivotal sports moments.

Notable Quote:

"I was there during some of the absolute greatest moments in Alabama sports history."
[33:21]

Philosophy on Broadcasting and Partnerships

Eli discusses the nuanced relationship between play-by-play announcers and color commentators, emphasizing the importance of brevity and synergy. He praises former NFL quarterback Kenny Stabler for his ability to succinctly provide insightful commentary without overshadowing the play-by-play narrative.

Notable Quote:

"I treat my color man like royalty because they are the ones who make or break a broadcast."
[25:34]

He underscores the romanticism of radio as a medium, where the broadcaster fosters a deeper relationship with the listener, a connection he believes television cannot replicate.

Health Challenges and Resilience

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Eli's battle with cancer. He candidly shares his experience, detailing the severity of his illness, the intensive treatment he underwent, and his remarkable recovery.

Notable Quote:

"I was very, very sick with cancer. I lost about 140 or 150 pounds... But I am doing great."
[28:13]

Eli attributes his recovery to excellent medical care and the unwavering support from his wife and daughter. Returning to work became a cornerstone of his healing process, allowing him to stay mentally sharp and engaged.

Transition to Jacksonville State University (JSU)

Following his departure from Alabama in 2024, Eli narrates how he swiftly transitioned to a new role at JSU, thanks to the timely support of Athletic Director Greg Seitz. At JSU, Eli has taken on multiple broadcasting roles, covering sports such as volleyball, basketball, and baseball, among others. He highlights the collaborative and educational environment at JSU, where he mentors and trains student broadcasters, fostering the next generation of sports media professionals.

Notable Quote:

"I counted things up today, Bubba. Between volleyball, men's and women's basketball, talk shows, baseball. I ended up doing 106 events for Jacksonville State last year."
[53:46]

Eli expresses immense satisfaction with his current role, appreciating the opportunity to both contribute to JSU's athletic programs and to mentor eager students.

Reflections on Nick Saban and Legacy at Alabama

Eli shares heartfelt reflections on his relationship with Alabama's legendary coach Nick Saban. He credits Saban not only for his unparalleled work ethic and strategic genius but also for imparting valuable life lessons that extended beyond football.

Notable Quote:

"If you don't learn about life from Nick Saban, then you just weren't paying attention."
[41:11]

He contemplates the impact of the evolving landscape of college football, particularly the influx of money and the introduction of free agency systems, on the sport and coaching tenures.

Conclusion and Future Endeavors

As the episode concludes, Eli Gold reiterates his commitment to broadcasting and his enthusiasm for the upcoming sports seasons at JSU. He praises the new head coach, Charles Kelly, and expresses optimism about the future of JSU's athletic programs.

Bubba Bussey wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow Eli's broadcasts at JSU and to engage with the Bubba On the Lake community through various media platforms.

Notable Quote:

"Being on the lake is not necessarily a location, but a state of mind. God Bless."
[63:19]

Key Takeaways

• Passion and Perseverance: Eli Gold's journey underscores the importance of passion and relentless practice in achieving excellence in sports broadcasting.

• Mentorship and Education: His role at JSU exemplifies a dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering educational growth within the sports media landscape.

• Resilience in Adversity: Eli's battle with cancer highlights his personal strength and the therapeutic power of returning to one's professional pursuits.

• Legacy and Impact: His reflections on working with Nick Saban and his long tenure at Alabama offer valuable insights into building a lasting legacy in sports broadcasting.

Final Thoughts

Episode #22 of Bubba On the Lake offers a compelling narrative of Eli Gold's illustrious career, his personal trials, and his ongoing contributions to the world of sports broadcasting. Through engaging dialogue and poignant reflections, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Eli's impact on sports media and his unwavering dedication to his craft.

For more episodes and content, visit bubbaonthelake.com and follow Bubba On the Lake across all social media platforms.