BROADCAST  INFLUENCES

Marv Albert

Johnny Most

Ned Martin

My play-by-play influences are quite vast and varied. I am a hockey announcer first and foremost, so my earliest role models behind the hockey microphones were, on television, Fred Cusick on WSBK TV 38 in Boston, and on radio, Bob Wilson, of WBZ radio, also in Boston. But my favorites were not limited to this geographical region. On television, some of the great announcers that influenced me were Tim Ryan of NBC, Dan Kelly of CBS, (and then KMOX in St. Louis), and Mike Emrick, who did games for ESPN in the 80's with Bill Clement.

On the radio, I listened to every game I could. I heard and learned from all the great hockey announcers- Bruce Martyn on WJR in Detroit, Marv Albert on New York Rangers radio, Mike Lange on KDKA in Pittsburgh, and possibly my favorite of all, Ron Weber on WTOP in Washington. Another great one was Gene Hart, who did Philadelphia Flyers hockey for many years.

On baseball terms, growing up in Boston there has been no shortage of great play-by-play announcers that I gathered broadcasting tips from , names such as Ned Martin, Ken Coleman, Bob Starr, Joe Castiglione and Jerry Trupiano. Some of my other influences in baseball were Sean McDonough, and the great Vin Scully. Other favorites were Detroit's Ernie Harwell, St.Louis' Jack Buck and Philadelphia's Harry Kalas.

In basketball, my all-time favorite was the late, great Johnny Most of the Boston Celtics. Joe Tait of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mike Gorman of the Boston Celtics, the late Chick Hearn of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Marv Albert of the New York Knicks were also were also high on my list of premiere announcers.

Football has provided many influences for me as well. I particularly enjoy Gil Santos of the New England Patriots and Merrill Reese of the Philadelphia Eagles on the radio side, and on TV my favorites are Mike Patrick of ESPN, Al Michaels of NBC, CBS' Dick Enberg, and FOX' Dick Stockton.

I would also be remiss if I did not mention a very huge influence- my parents. They have been a tremendous source of support to me over the years. They were good enough to tolerate all of my sportscaster fantasies growing up, including me being alone in my room, turning the sound down on the television set, and pretending to broadcast the game myself. For that I will always be grateful for their love and support. Thanks Mom and Dad.

And most of all, to my beautiful and supportive wife, Lori-Ann. No matter how crazy I get in this business, she stands with me every step of the way. I have never been around a more loving and supportive person in all my life. She is a miracle, and if not for her, I don't know how I could have enjoyed half the success I've had. Thank you angel.

For the past three seasons, I have worked in the Can-Am league of professional baseball. During this time I made some great friends and colleagues in the broadcasting (play-by-play) fraternity. I'd like to take a moment on this page and salute all of them individually as a way of saying thanks..

MATT MARTUCCI, ATLANTIC CITY SURF-   Matt is one of the classiest and nicest people I have met in this business. He is a basketball announcer by trade, but he is excellent at calling baseball as well. He was a big help to me during the times I traveled to Atlantic City and it was a pleasure working with him, I am sorry it was only for one year.

CHAD GOLDBERG, BROCKTON ROX-  It is just a matter of time before Chad hits the big show. Chad is as smooth and as prepared a broadcaster as I've ever met. His game notes were the best I've ever seen. I salute Chad for his outstanding work and I'll also look forward to seeing and hearing him in MLB.

KEN CAIL, NASHUA PRIDE - Ken is the consummate pro. Also the voice of the Manchester Monarchs AHL hockey franchise, it was an absolute joy shooting the breeze with him and talking baseball. Ken is another broadcaster who will hit the big time, he's that good. Ken, thanks for your friendship and keep up the good work.

BRIAN IRIZARRY, NEW HAVEN COUNTY CUTTERS - Brian is a broadcaster I have a lot of respect for. He took a big risk and changed careers to become the voice of the Cutters. He proved himself to be an excellent broadcaster who gave it his all, every night. I always looked forward to visiting Yale Field and working with him. All my best, Izzy!

JOE AMERUOSO, NEW JERSEY JACKALS-  Joe is one of my best friends in this business. Every time I listened to Joe, I was amazed at the passion and the dedication in his voice. He loves the game of baseball and it shows. Joe is another broadcaster who will succeed wherever he goes, he just has so much natural talent, ability and energy.

JACQUES DOUCET, QUEBEC CAPITALES - Another one of my best friends in this business, Jacques is an announcer who, along with Francois Paquet, has made Quebec baseball come alive. After doing Montreal Expos games for three and a half decades, he landed in Quebec where he is adding to his legendary status as " Mr. Baseball" in Quebec. Thank you, Jacques, for all of your kind words and your friendship.

FRANCOIS PAQUET, QUEBEC CAPITALES -  Francois was always heard behind the mike doing Capitales games and I am proud to say that I had a chance to work with him. He was a big help to me and the Capitales are lucky to have this skilled broadcaster working for them.

JEREMY LECHAN, WORCESTER TORNADOES-  Jeremy is another announcer that I have a great deal of respect and admiration for. He has been a great addition to the Tornadoes organization and I will miss working with him a great deal. He does great work for them and it's always a pleasure to tune him in.