Book # 8: Al Michaels - You Can’t Make This Up



You Can’t Make This Up

Al Michaels

 Released: September 8th, 2015

 (Was originally written December 25th, 2022)

 Bonus Book #2

What a fascinating person.  He has seen and heard it all.  Been there for some of the greatest sports moments, and live through some crazy times.

Things I took away from this one:

- Well travelled man.  Born in Brooklyn, New York, moved to Los Angeles.  Went to school in Arizona, landed a job in LA, then Hawaii, then Cincinnati, San Francisco, and back to LA.

- At 24, he was making $24,000 living in Hawaii on beach front place.  He and his wife decided that life could only go down from there.

- Moved to Cincinnati from Hawaii.  The thought was daunting, but he and his family eventually settled in, and enjoyed his first time calling Major Leagues with Pete Rose and other legendary Reds players

- Called the Miracle on Ice game, and was instrumental in getting the USA-USSR game played in a prime slot

- Worked with Howard Cosell but became distanced following conduct on set and in the workplace 

- Avid tennis player and golfer

- Called the 1989 World Series when the Earthquake happened in San Francisco.  Won an Emmy for his coverage of the area which is attributes to a fascination with geography and knowing the local area.

- Was good friends with OJ Simpson, and played with him 3 times a week in the late 80’s and early 90’s

- Was pulled into the studio for OJ Simpson coverage and was the one who let the studio know they had been pranked by one of Howard Stern’s people (Baba Booey)

- Loved working with Dennis Miller and very much enjoyed the 2000 season

- Called the Monday Night Miracle in New York during a day off on World Series coverage

- Never performed a practice run with John Madden before they began calling games together

- Interviewed Brett Favre one night when he was in California to face the Oakland Raiders.  Favre received the call that his father passed away.  Instead of skipping the game, Favre put on a show to remember with a 41-7 victory called by Michaels and Madden

- Got to know many players from various teams over the years

Many others as well.  Very good read.  The ending seems a bit uneven, but I feel like there’s many more stories for him to write about one day.  This alone could be the story of one’s life.  Yet he just captivated in the way only he can.  Exceptional life.  Good read.  Recommended.

On to Bonus Book #3

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