Summary of "South Beach Sessions - Al Michaels"

Podcast Information

• Title: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
• Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
• Episode Title: South Beach Sessions - Al Michaels
• Release Date: April 17, 2025

Introduction In this episode of South Beach Sessions, Dan Le Batard welcomes legendary sportscaster Al Michaels for an in-depth conversation. Al Michaels, renowned for his decades-long career in sports broadcasting, shares insights into his passion for the craft, memorable moments from his illustrious career, personal philosophies, and reflections on life and longevity in the industry.

Passion for Broadcasting and Sports Al Michaels emphasizes that his enduring career is fueled by genuine passion for sports and the art of broadcasting. When asked about his relationship with his work, Michaels states:

“I think the key thing is passion. ... as a kid growing up, my father took me to my first baseball game at Ebbets Field. ... I got that job, and I've never forgotten that. And so that's why I think I still have the passion I do for this same.” (02:03)

He elaborates that his love for both the games and the storytelling aspect of broadcasting drives him to stay in the field as long as he can maintain his enthusiasm and health.

Career Highlights and Memorable Games Throughout his career, Al Michaels has covered numerous iconic sporting events. He reflects on specific games that stand out in his memory:

1. 1986 American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 6:

   • Moment: The dramatic catch by Jim Rice in left field.
   • Reflection: Michaels recounts the intense emotions and the near-miss of a "perfect game" in his broadcasting performance.
   • Quote: “... to pitch a perfect game over three hours on national television is almost impossible.” (09:56)

2. Super Bowl Following the 2008 Season:

   • Moment: The Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game, featuring John Madden's last broadcast.
   • Reflection: Michaels highlights the unpredictable nature of sports and the thrill of covering high-stakes games.
   • Quote: “That will always be one of my favorite telecasts ever, because it was John Madden's last game.” (13:56)

Broadcasting Style and Criticism Al discusses the perennial criticism of his broadcasting style, particularly the desire from some audiences for more enthusiasm during games. He addresses how broadcasting on different mediums (radio vs. television) affects his delivery:

“I think I'm very similar to my brethren and Joe Buck and Jim Nantz. They don't scream the game at you... On television, it's visual. ... You can almost get away without using verbs because people see the verb, the verb is a visual verb.” (04:59)

Michaels acknowledges that while he maintains a composed demeanor, he strives to build drama and stay connected with the audience's expectations.

Thoughts on Retirement When confronted with questions about retirement, Al Michaels shares his clear criteria:

“I would retire if I didn't have the passion. ... I will know when it's definitely time, when I can't do the job, that's a different thing. Health, of course, plays into that, too.” (06:16)

He expresses discomfort with the idea of a farewell tour, contrasting his experience with that of his friend Vin Scully:

“I think, it would be embarrassing to have that tour. ... I'm all over the place. People have different rooting interests as opposed to a broadcaster like Vinnie.” (16:24)

Personal Life and Relationships Al Michaels reflects on his 58-year marriage to his wife, Linda, attributing their long-lasting relationship to shared experiences and mutual support. He emphasizes gratitude for his family and how they have evolved together over the decades:

“We've shared everything. There's nothing in my life that hasn't been shared with Linda Michaels. ... I have two incredibly well-adjusted kids. I have four grandkids, and I'm just... I've lived the dream.” (43:15)

Preparation and Craftsmanship Michaels dives into the rigorous preparation required for his role as a sportscaster. He distinguishes his approach from that of analysts, focusing on comprehensive game study and narrative construction:

“I try to do as much studying as I can, watch as much tape as I can before a game. ... I'm looking at if I'm doing a game like I have the Cowboys, ... what the game itself is doing.” (58:05)

He highlights the importance of staying informed about both the sport and the latest news to provide a well-rounded broadcast.

Handling Anxiety and Perfectionism Al discusses his perfectionist nature and how it influences his broadcasting. While he strives for excellence, he acknowledges inevitable imperfections:

“The only time I would really be nervous... is if I wasn't prepared. ... I think of every game as kind of like an audition. ... Trying to pitch a perfect game.” (08:05)

Despite his high standards, Michaels maintains a healthy perspective, ensuring that setbacks don't derail his passion or performance.

Advice to Aspiring Broadcasters Al Michaels offers valuable advice to those aspiring to enter the field of sports broadcasting:

“You have to work at it. You have to work hard at it. ... Think positively. I can do this. ... don't keep thinking about what you can't do.” (63:44)

He emphasizes the importance of dedication, optimism, and seizing opportunities when they arise, while also acknowledging the role of luck in achieving success.

Overcoming Early Career Challenges Michaels recounts his early career struggles, including a brief and unsuccessful stint as a Los Angeles Lakers announcer. He candidly discusses this as a failure that ultimately led him to greater opportunities:

“Number one, I shouldn't have been there. ... I was upset, embarrassed, angry, but that it all happened so fast. ... Forget about that.” (45:54)

This humility and resilience played a crucial role in his subsequent successes.

Philosophy on Life and Presence Central to Al Michaels' philosophy is the emphasis on living in the present and avoiding dwelling on the past or future. He shares how this mindset has contributed to his sustained happiness and career longevity:

“I don't dwell on the age part of it. ... live in the moment, live today, not yesterday, not tomorrow, today.” (67:10)

This approach has helped him navigate the pressures of a high-profile career while maintaining personal well-being.

Conclusion Al Michaels' conversation with Dan Le Batard offers a comprehensive look into the life of one of sports broadcasting's most esteemed figures. From his unwavering passion and meticulous preparation to his grounded personal philosophy, Michaels exemplifies the blend of talent, hard work, and mindset necessary for enduring success. His reflections serve not only as a testament to his own career but also as inspiration for aspiring broadcasters and sports enthusiasts alike.

Notable Quotes:

• On Passion and Career:

  “I think the key thing is passion. ... I got that job, and I've never forgotten that.” (02:03)

• On Memorable Games:

  “That will always be one of my favorite telecasts ever, because it was John Madden's last game.” (13:56)

• On Retirement:

  “I would retire if I didn't have the passion. ... Health, of course, plays into that, too.” (06:16)

• On Personal Life:

  “We've shared everything. There's nothing in my life that hasn't been shared with Linda Michaels.” (43:15)

• On Preparation:

  “I try to do as much studying as I can, watch as much tape as I can before a game.” (58:05)

• On Advice to Aspiring Broadcasters:

  “You have to work at it. You have to work hard at it. ... Think positively. I can do this.” (63:44)

• On Living in the Present:

  “I don't dwell on the age part of it. ... live in the moment, live today, not yesterday, not tomorrow, today.” (67:10)

Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript sections and are included to attribute notable quotes accurately.