An Interview With Joe Bowen, Maple Leafs Play-By-Play Man

Greg Millen stepped in and has done a great job.  Our chemistry clicked very quickly and it will continue to grow as we continue to do games together.  It is a partnership for sure, and as a play-by-play man you have to appreciate that and I have been fortunate to have worked with some great people.



Derek:  Like you said earlier, your job takes you on the road a lot.  When you are home I am sure you spend as much time as you can with your family.  When at home, do you ever watch NHL games and try to catch up with the other teams

Joe:  Yeah for sure, and the NHL Centre Ice package which wasn't available a number of years ago is very much in our house (laughs.)  We will sit down and watch a game that maybe has a team the Leafs will be playing in the near future.  I have a little seven or eight year old, he keeps me busy with hockey when I am home, with his games and stuff.  You try and balance it as much as you can though.  For instance I may only catch the first twenty minutes of the game, or the last twenty.  Something where I can make a note or two, but it is a busy household when we are home that's for sure.



Derek:  What other colour commentators do you enjoy listening to, be in in hockey or any sport in general?

Joe:  All kinds.  Ray Scott used to do NFL games for the Packers back in the '60's was one I really enjoyed listening to.  Rick Jeanneret from Buffalo, Bob Cole is a real icon.  I have always enjoyed his work.  But there really are all kinds.  Vin Skully for baseball, Tom Cheek I also enjoyed very much.  Jerry Howard as well.  They are all professionals and the best part about them is they are all very different. 

I think the biggest mistake anyone can make is trying to be the next someone, and try to mimic or copy someone who is already out there because you have to produce your own personality and your own sound, and go from there.  That is something all great broadcasters have been able to do.

Derek:  Aside from what you just talked about, what advice would you give young up and comers who are trying to cut their teeth in this business?

Joe:  Well, you have to do games.  You have to go to places where you are going to get the chance to call the action, or do some sports broadcasting of some sort.  There are so many opportunities now with TSN and Sportsnet and the Score, and even Rogers calling games, that weren't there when I was getting started.  There is a lot bigger avenue to take nowadays but you've got to do some things.  Not only play-by-play but you have to do some newscasts and sell yourself.  Do whatever you have to do to get yourself out there, broaden your scope.



Derek:  The Maple Leafs are one of few sports teams who do not retire numbers, instead choosing to honour them.  This gives players the chance to wear these famous numbers as a tribute to the older players.  Some people say a team like Toronto should have numbers retired.  What do you think?

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?