Strangest things you remember during a live broadcast

[MikeI]

Pat O'Brien used to pick his nose during commercial breaks of the NBA finals back in the 80's. Saw this at a sports bar in Glendale in Arizona called Max's. One of the reasons I bought a big dish.

NFL LIve on all day with Bob Costas and OJ on K1 satellite. You could listen to there comments about the game, rehearse updates and just watch from their point of view.

Chick Hearn yelling at Susan in the truck both on and off the air.

Charlie Jones (numerous football backhauls) and Brent Musburger (Westar 5 Tr 7) saying hi to us watching on satellite. Charlie Juco at CNN I believe that used to do this on F1 during the 1st Gulf War too.

1989 backhaul of the earthquake from San Francisco on Telstar 301.

Arsenio Hall doing play-by-play of a Cavs second half at the Forum for the Cavs TV Network. Circa 1989 or so with Joe Tait. He was just do a little bit, but the Cavs were
getting blown out so he did the whole 2nd half. He then shot some three pointers after the game and taped promos for the NBA. NBA is Fantastic stuff.

The new Miami Heat 1st and 2nd visits to the Forum where the announcers comment about the Lakers cheerleaders. One of the announcers is still with the team.

Marv Albert clearing his throat 100 times during each commercial break for NBC NBA.

Peter Jennings yelling at a remote for someone to get him a pencil.

Announcers complaining they will miss their plane flight because a game went long/ot. Happens all the time.

Too many more to mention...
Also, most recently on last week's game, Al Michaels wanting to finally see a Springsteen concert this year. Madden had to been to one (in the dressing room got an autograph), but didn't know most of the songs/moves by the fans.

 

[skysurfer]

I remember when Heidi interrupted the Jets game!

Let's see, Heidi would be Joe Namath QB'ing the Jets in women's clothing?

My moment would just be a satellite backhaul from Wrigley Field during a rain delay and someone overlaid the Home Plate overhead camera shot of the tarp-covered infield with a graphic of a line arcing across the screen like the blade of a car windshield wiper.

 

[brainfry]

Strange is probably not an appropriate word for mine, it's more like surreal and tragic:


MLB Opening Day 1996 in Cincinnati,

Homeplate umpire John McSherry collapsed and died during the first inning of the Expos-Reds game. The almost 400 lb. McSherry suffered a massive heart attack. Very sad.

I was there, unfortunately. It was a non-sellout crowd, and it was FREEZING (there were snow flurries before game time). I think it was seven pitches into the game. Everyone was stunned. I just happened to be standing by a ticket window when they announced that that you could either use the ticket for the rescheduled OD the next day, or exchange it for another game. I exchanged mine for another game before the lines started.

I was in the car on the way home about two hours after it happened before they would announce that he died. Many remember how Marge Schott acted as if this tragedy ruined her Opening Day.

 

[BillD1984]

I was there, unfortunately. It was a non-sellout crowd, and it was FREEZING (there were snow flurries before game time). I think it was seven pitches into the game. Everyone was stunned. I just happened to be standing by a ticket window when they announced that that you could either use the ticket for the rescheduled OD the next day, or exchange it for another game. I exchanged mine for another game before the lines started.

I was in the car on the way home about two hours after it happened before they would announce that he died. Many remember how Marge Schott acted as if this tragedy ruined her Opening Day.

Brainfry,

I can remember being stunned watching it on ESPN. I can't imagine being there and witnessing it. Again, very sad.

 

[SabresRule]

Bill,

you're from the Massachusetts area.

I'm sure you remember the Oilers/Bruins power outage at the Boston Garden in the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals?

 

[BillD1984]

Bill,

you're from the Massachusetts area.

I'm sure you remember the Oilers/Bruins power outage at the Boston Garden in the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals?

Oh yes, good call. THAT was what got the ball rolling on a new arena.