And let me be the first to say it’s an absolute treat to watch. Emrick is the only announcer in all of sports, who, when I hear he is doing a game, makes me absolutely giddy to tune in and listen.
It doesn’t surprise me, that Emrick’s doctorate is in communications.
During one of the last Olympic games he broadcast, Emrick used at least 105 different verbs to describe the action on the ice. And the best part about his word-smithery, is that unlike some hacks (cough, Berman, cough) it really isn’t about him showing off.
It’s about being as descriptive and accurate as possible.
His goal calls are piercing and electric. Genuine and perfectly calibrated for the moment. His command of the players, the action, and the strategies is airtight. His preparation (as you will see) is borderline maniacal, yet I can tell its out of his love for the game, not because he feels it to be an obligation.
He’s humble and with a big heart, and has a great touch with everybody he meets. Simply an amazing announcer. If you want your kid to look up to somebody who is worthy, look no further.
Now my biggest dream is to have Emrick call my Capitals to a Stanley Cup victory. Shhh. Don’t jinx it, but if it’s not this year, it might well be never.
He is amazing thank you for posting this he and pat foley of the Blackhawks are my two favorites. You once talked about how we are losing great sports announcers like these guys and it’s true sadly, I treasure the fact that ucke still calls parts of Brewers games although that’s getting less and less. My dad to this day still puts the tv on mute and turns the house stereo on for packer games.
Doc is the man. He spent several years living here in central PA while working for the Flyers. And he IS truly a gentleman and a scholar. My favorite “thing” about Doc is his quest to write (not emails!) thank yous to all the people in his life that have made an impact on him as a person, professional and human.
Worst mistakes the Flyers ever made was to let him go back in the mid 90s. He and Bill Clement were the most dynamic announcing pair in hockey, bar none.
Best play-by-play guy in all of sports, period, full stop.