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Questions for Steve Zabriskie

Edgy DC Nov 01 2005 12:09 PM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Dec 23 2005 08:32 AM

If we're going to "reel him in," I'd like to start by doing an online interview with him where a single admin delivers him quesitons and respects solicited from the gallery. I'd be happy to feed him the questions, although there are more qualified persons here. If I get ten or so questions, I'll try and close the deal.

Willets Point Nov 01 2005 12:12 PM

Not so much a question but just a general impression of what it was like to work with Ralph Kiner and Tim McCarver. Any particular memories, funny stories. Maybe someone can phrase better as a question than I.

metirish Nov 01 2005 12:47 PM

What do we know a bout Steve, I know nothing about him,do we have a profile of what he's at these days?

Edgy DC Nov 01 2005 12:55 PM

Yancy?

Johnny Dickshot Nov 01 2005 12:58 PM

Here are a few for Stevie Z: * It's hard to think of the 1986 Mets now without also knowing the sad way that team would fall apart in the years that followed. With the benefit of hindsight, how much of the those troubles were forseeable? * Gary Carter: Insensere ham he was he was often criticized for being or the genuine article? * The best story nobody remembers about those mid-80s Mets teams was ___________________ ... . * Was Davey Johnson a good manager? Why or why not?

Benjamin Grimm Nov 01 2005 01:00 PM

Nope, don't know. All I know is that he was sending and receiving e-mail last Friday. He said he was going to submit to the UMDB an update on what he's been up to, but as yet that hasn't happened.

F X Healy Nov 01 2005 01:08 PM

Can you ask him about the hundred bucks he owes me? I never forget anything.

Elster88 Nov 02 2005 08:26 AM

Good to see you, Francis. You don't make nearly enough appearances.

Johnny Dickshot Nov 02 2005 08:50 AM

Looks like I'll be doing a 1-on-1 with Steve Z: * Whom do you recall as the best interviewees from the Mets teams you covered and why? * You, along with Tim McCarver, joined the Met broadcasting team in 1983 and in retrospect that was among the first signs of a committment to excellence that Met fans hadn't seen in years. What do you recall about the circumstances of your arrival here, and did you have a sense you were about to play a role in something that was special? Had you not accepted the Met job, do you know who might have been named? * Of your colleagues in the Met booth, with whom did you enjoy working with most and why? * The Ultimate Mets Database is missing your birthdate, place of birth, height, weight and handedness. Please provide. * How would you describe the Met organization in terms of its involvement with the content or presentation of their broadcasters? How might have it compared to other teams you have been employed by? Tell the truth -- did you or your colleagues ever get under the collar of Frank Cashen, Davey Johnson or another Met official? What were the circumstances?

Benjamin Grimm Nov 02 2005 09:00 AM

Great questions. I was formulating something similar to Johnny's last one in my head. Here's one of my own: When you and Tim joined the broadcast team in 1983, you brought a new style to the telecasts. Ralph did eventually get with the program, but can you comment on how easily he made the adjustment? Did he have any initial difficulties at first?

Benjamin Grimm Nov 02 2005 06:17 PM

Hey! My question was the tenth! We've reached the magic number. Let's reel him in!

Zvon Nov 02 2005 06:37 PM

I forgot all about good ol SteveZ... For some reason thoughts of his wife keep poppin into my head...... Was she a hotty or something?

Benjamin Grimm Nov 02 2005 06:41 PM

Let's not ask him that.

Zvon Nov 02 2005 06:52 PM

Yancy Street Gang wrote: Let's not ask him that. LMAO... then I have no qustions for him....... ;)

seawolf17 Nov 02 2005 06:57 PM

Steve, if you're reading this, we apologize for Zvon. :)

old original jb Nov 02 2005 08:22 PM Didn't Yogi Berra say this?

With hindsight, Johnny, everything is forseeable.

Johnny Dickshot Nov 02 2005 09:15 PM

Ah, but if Doc Brown has taught us anything, it's that using hindsight whilst traveling back in time nuetralizes foresight.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 06 2005 08:26 AM

A message from Steve Zabriskie on the Ultimate Mets Database

Edgy DC Nov 06 2005 10:10 AM

That was excellent. Good work.

mlbaseballtalk Nov 06 2005 11:05 AM

Bravo to Steve for clarifying the Mush-mouth issue. The posters made it seemed like a straight resume issue rather than Jay and Dennis having some "creative license" when it came to media guide bios and that it cost Steve his job. I know there is nothing Yancy (or any message board moderator) can really do about it, but one of my biggest irks about people who post to essentially message boards is when posts are made without any fact checking to see if what the poster said actually happened. By the way, I'd have to say though, the Mets do a great job in making the broadcasters' bios. I did a profile on Ed Coleman once and called up WFAN asking for a thumbnail sketch profile and was told to see WFAN.com Ed's bio on that site is lifted straight from the Ed Coleman section of FAN's 10th Anniversary booklet. Basically Ed reflecting on stories about WFAN and his favorite callers! Not much of a bio However, his bio in the Met guide is very good, pretty much a blow-by-blow of his stops along the way Steve

Valadius Nov 06 2005 01:31 PM

Thanks Steve, if you're reading this.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 06 2005 01:32 PM

We haven't reeled in Steve Zabriskie yet, but look at this: We have 133 registered users The newest registered user is MadDog I'm guessing it's an imposter, but click on the link. Would any imposter be that clever???

Edgy DC Dec 06 2005 01:35 PM

Zabriskie wrote to me, asking which way we'd like him to answer the questions. I responded, but never heard back. I need to try again.

Elster88 Dec 06 2005 01:59 PM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Dec 08 2005 08:27 AM

]We have 133 registered users The newest registered user is MadDog I'm guessing it's an imposter, but click on the link. Would any imposter be that clever??? LOL. Got to be an imposter. I doubt Mad Dog gives a crap about websites.

Steve Z Dec 08 2005 08:18 AM

I noticed the post but have been unable to access the link. I wasn't me and I'm still interested in setting up a date and time for an interview. Sorry I have been so busy. Perhaps next Wednesday night, the 14th, around 8 would work. At least that seems good right now. Please let me know. I'm curious to know what 'the imposter' wrote. Steve Z

Edgy DC Dec 08 2005 08:25 AM

Thanks Mr. Zabriskie. I'll re-write.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 08 2005 08:29 AM

Cool! What imposter is he referring to? Was Steve confused, perhaps, by my Mad Dog post above?

Elster88 Dec 08 2005 08:30 AM

I think so.

cooby Dec 08 2005 08:36 PM

Was that really him? (Steve Zabriskie)

Zvon Dec 08 2005 08:58 PM

cooby wrote: Was that really him? (Steve Zabriskie) Hope so... I have a question for him.;) J/K!!!! Ill behave.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2005 05:34 AM

cooby wrote: Was that really him? (Steve Zabriskie) Yes.

cooby Dec 09 2005 07:23 AM

Steve Z wrote: I noticed the post but have been unable to access the link. I wasn't me and I'm still interested in setting up a date and time for an interview. Sorry I have been so busy. Perhaps next Wednesday night, the 14th, around 8 would work. At least that seems good right now. Please let me know. I'm curious to know what 'the imposter' wrote. Steve Z I am writing this on my calander; I hope he can show up!

Edgy DC Dec 12 2005 07:55 AM

The Crane Pool Forum is most happy to announce that Wednesday evening, December 14, at 8:00 PM, Steve Zabriskie will be fielding your questions. Mr Zabriskie was a Mets broadcaster from 1983 to 1989, working with the team during perhaps their most sustained and storied period of excellence. After his tenure with the Mets, he went on to work with ESPN on college basketball broadcasts, and continued to do baseball with The Baseball Network and the Boston Red Sox. He retired in 1997 after 32 years in sports broadcasting. Mr. Zabriskie says you can feel free to drop your questions in this thread and he will try to get to what he can. Please make our guest feel welcome and understand that he won't be able to get to every question. After answering the questions in the thread, he has agreed to do some followup questions. We'll see how it goes.

Edgy DC Dec 12 2005 08:17 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 12 2005 08:31 AM

Here's one. The Ultimate Mets Database includes profiles for broadcasters like those for the players. But the proiles for the broadcasters lack the biographical data that is more readily available for the players. So fill us in: Steve Zabriskie Birthdate: ? Birthplace: ? Throws: ? Bats: ? Height: 6' 2" Weight: 220 lbs. (These last numbers offered by a classmate of yours at the UMDB.)

silverdsl Dec 12 2005 08:30 AM

I have a question - Mr. Zabriskie, as a broadcaster have you ever been confronted by a player or manager who took offense to something you said during a broadcast and how did you handle that? Thanks for taking the time to answer questions here!

seawolf17 Dec 12 2005 09:00 AM

Steve- Thanks for taking the time to visit with us. A few questions from me: (1) You mentioned on your UMDB post that your broadcast career ended in 1997. Do you still watch televised sports? Is there a broadcaster that you particularly enjoy? Any you particularly dislike? (Not necessarily personally, just style.) (2) With all the innovations in broadcast technology (i.e., instant replay, expanded graphical packages, laser strike zones), is there anything you wish you had at your disposal when you were in the booth?

Zvon Dec 12 2005 01:58 PM

another wowzers. This boards goin big league. *Z checks his schedule....crosses off 'see KING KONG'.

MFS62 Dec 12 2005 07:08 PM

Steve- was there any broadcaster who helped you fine tune your skills when you were first getting started? If they didn't work directly with you, was (were) there any who you tried to pattern yourself after? Later

Willets Point Dec 12 2005 07:09 PM

Can we ask him some of the questions from the Answer/Ask thread?

ScarletKnight41 Dec 12 2005 07:12 PM

What are the opportunities that the new Mets network affords the team? What are the potential pitfalls?

vtmet Dec 13 2005 02:54 PM

That's pretty cool that Steve Z. both responded at great length in his profile at umdb and is also coming here to answer questions tonight...I thought it was funny his comment about having the perfect face for radio, yet being able to spend 30 years on tv...I always thought that Steve had a great announcer voice, but had that "deer trapped in headlight" nervous panic when the camera was turned on him...and after he was no longer on WOR Mets broadcasts, there were several times that I heard Gary Thorne and thought for sure that it was actually Steve Z....Don't know if Thorne purposely emulated Steve, or just was a coincidence that his voice and the way that he talked resembled him...one thing that I liked about Steve was that he was a humble announcer, unlike some of the self promoting announcers that populate sports nowadays...

ScarletKnight41 Dec 13 2005 03:01 PM

vt- you're welcome to hang out here tonight, but just know that Steve Z is coming to chat with us tomorrow (Wednesday) night.

vtmet Dec 13 2005 03:18 PM

I can read honestly I can...my bad, I swear that the email said today's date (just checked it again, it's right, I was wrong)...thanks for straightening me out on that one...I tend to be pretty bad at keeping track of dates...once showed up for an Alice Cooper concert a week ahead of time, at least I had the right night of the week...

ScarletKnight41 Dec 13 2005 03:23 PM

You shoulda just told people you were prepared for the greatest tailgate party of all time ;)

Edgy DC Dec 13 2005 06:37 PM

]once showed up for an Alice Cooper concert a week ahead of time, at least I had the right night of the week... I showed up for a show (Jayhawks/Thorns) on the wrong night, and called Johnny on his cellie. He was at another show laughing up his sleeve at me.

vtmet Dec 13 2005 07:14 PM

ScarletKnight41 wrote: You shoulda just told people you were prepared for the greatest tailgate party of all time ;) One nice thing about it...there were a couple of female fans that we're just as bad at checking a calendar as I was, heading up to the Mid Hudson Civic Center as I was figuring out that I had the wrong week....

ScarletKnight41 Dec 13 2005 07:15 PM

LOL

TheOldMole Dec 14 2005 08:37 AM

We had a concert here at Opus 40 with Dave and Don Grusin on a Saturday evening. A family showed up Sunday evening, just as we were closing our regular open hours, for the concert. They were -- of course -- disappointed. They asked if they could stay and have the picnic they had brought with them, and we said yes. Then we set a couple of speakers outside the back door, and put on a CD of the Grusin Plays Gershwin album. It wasn't the same...but still a memorable experience for them.

cleonjones11 Dec 14 2005 09:13 AM QUESTION FOR STEVE

Any thoughts on how or why Howard Johnsons' skills diminished so quickly?

Edgy DC Dec 14 2005 12:32 PM

I just heard from Steve Z. Things look to be on schedule. A new question: My friend has several tapes of past games from a series that were issued. Included in the montage opening of each of these games is a clip of Ralph Kiner trying to wrap up a game summary, and unable to construct the sentence for the life of him. Something like, "That was Orosco's ninth consecutive save --- all of which have come in save situations in which the game was available to be saved." They embellish the video by having question marks pop up around your puzzled face. Do you recall this moment? Do you get any money for the re-production of such clips? (I guess no.) Most importantly, is it stressful working with a veteran announcer as he stumbles like that?

Benjamin Grimm Dec 14 2005 12:47 PM

Hi, Steve, and thanks for joining us. I've noticed in the national telecasts that former athletes never seem to be permitted to do the play-by-play, they only do "color." I know that on Mets broadcasts, however, former players like Kiner and McCarver often did play-by-play. One thing I don't remember though, is if you ever did color while Tim or Ralph did play-by-play. What do you think of that division between color and play-by-play based on the announcer's prior background? Did you find one role more challenging, or more enjoyable, than the other?

Centerfield Dec 14 2005 04:21 PM

Hi Steve, when doing play by play? Do you watch the monitor for pitch location/selection? How about on potential Home Runs? Do you know by the way it leaves the bat or do you watch the outfielder?

Valadius Dec 14 2005 04:54 PM

Steve Z - What suggestions or tips do you have for people interested in a broadcasting career?

Edgy DC Dec 14 2005 05:23 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 14 2005 06:13 PM

This is what we've got so far in this thread, all summed up in one post here. Willets Point asks: Not so much a question but just a general impression of what it was like to work with Ralph Kiner and Tim McCarver. Any particular memories, funny stories? Johnny Dickshot asks: 1) It's hard to think of the 1986 Mets now without also knowing the sad way that team would fall apart in the years that followed. With the benefit of hindsight, how much of the those troubles were forseeable? 2) Gary Carter: Insensere ham he was he was often criticized for being or the genuine article? 3) The best story nobody remembers about those mid-80s Mets teams was ___________________ . 4) Was Davey Johnson a good manager? Why or why not? 5) Whom do you recall as the best interviewees from the Mets teams you covered and why? 6) You, along with Tim McCarver, joined the Met broadcasting team in 1983 and in retrospect that was among the first signs of a commitment to excellence that Met fans hadn't seen in years. What do you recall about the circumstances of your arrival here, and did you have a sense you were about to play a role in something that was special? Had you not accepted the Met job, do you know who might have been named? 7) Of your colleagues in the Met booth, with whom did you enjoy working with most and why? 8) The Ultimate Mets Database is missing your birthdate, place of birth, height, weight and handedness. Please provide. (The editor adds here that some classmate of Steve’s listed his football playing size at 6’2” and 220. Yowza.) 9) How would you describe the Met organization in terms of its involvement with the content or presentation of their broadcasters? How might have it compared to other teams you have been employed by? Tell the truth -- did you or your colleagues ever get under the collar of Frank Cashen, Davey Johnson or another Met official? What were the circumstances? Yancy Street Gang asks: When you and Tim joined the broadcast team in 1983, you brought a new style to the telecasts. Ralph did eventually get with the program, but can you comment on how easily he made the adjustment? Did he have any initial difficulties at first? silverdsl asks I have a question — Mr. Zabriskie, as a broadcaster have you ever been confronted by a player or manager who took offense to something you said during a broadcast and how did you handle that? Thanks for taking the time to answer questions here! seawolf17 asks Steve- Thanks for taking the time to visit with us. A few questions from me: (1) You mentioned on your UMDB post that your broadcast career ended in 1997. Do you still watch televised sports? Is there a broadcaster that you particularly enjoy? Any you particularly dislike? (Not necessarily personally, just style.) (2) With all the innovations in broadcast technology (i.e., instant replay, expanded graphical packages, laser strike zones), is there anything you wish you had at your disposal when you were in the booth? MFS62 asks: 1) Steve- was there any broadcaster who helped you fine tune your skills when you were first getting started? 2) If they didn't work directly with you, was (were) there any who you tried to pattern yourself after? ScarletKnight41 asks: What are the opportunities that the new Mets network affords the team? What are the potential pitfalls? Edgy DC asks: My friend has several tapes of past games from a series that were issued. Included in the montage opening of each of these games is a clip of Ralph Kiner trying to wrap up a game summary, and unable to construct the sentence for the life of him. Something like, "That was Orosco's ninth consecutive save — all of which have come in save situations in which the game was available to be saved." They embellish the video by having question marks pop up around your puzzled face. Do you recall this moment? Do you get any money for the re-production of such clips? (I guess no.) Most importantly, is it stressful working with a veteran announcer as he stumbles like that? Yancy Street Gang asks: Hi, Steve, and thanks for joining us. I've noticed in the national telecasts that former athletes never seem to be permitted to do the play-by-play, they only do "color." I know that on Mets broadcasts, however, former players like Kiner and McCarver often did play-by-play. One thing I don't remember though, is if you ever did color while Tim or Ralph did play-by-play. What do you think of that division between color and play-by-play based on the announcer's prior background? Did you find one role more challenging, or more enjoyable, than the other? Centerfield asks: Hi Steve, when doing play by play? Do you watch the monitor for pitch location/selection? How about on potential Home Runs? Do you know by the way it leaves the bat or do you watch the outfielder? Valadius asks: What suggestions or tips do you have for people interested in a broadcasting career? Edgy DC asks: Steve, a lot of long-term announcers in New York — yourself, Tim McCarver, Bob Murphy, and Red Barber, for instance — had roots in the American south or southwest. Many have even changed New York culture by filling the airwaves with expressions and mannerisms from their home region, while others, like Mr. Murphy, largely shed their home accents. Was this anything you were conscious of? Was New York a culture shock for you?

Steve Z Dec 14 2005 06:00 PM

Willets Point asks: Not so much a question but just a general impression of what it was like to work with Ralph Kiner and Tim McCarver. Any particular memories, funny stories? It was wonderful! There are so many memories that I'd take all night recalling them. Although we are all three very different, we got along and enjoyed each other's company both at and away from the ballpark. We dined together at many great spots around the country, traveled together, Tim and I used to power walk for exercise, and we all enjoyed a broad sense of humor. Those years produced some of the fondest memories of my career. Johnny Dickshot asks: 1) It's hard to think of the 1986 Mets now without also knowing the sad way that team would fall apart in the years that followed. With the benefit of hindsight, how much of the those troubles were forseeable? I feel the decline really began with the departure of Ray Knight and Kevin Mitchell. They were both strong, respected leaders, both in the clubhouse and the dugout. Letting Wally Bachman and Lenny Dykstra go was another part of the beginning of the end. 2) Gary Carter: Insensere ham he was he was often criticized for being or the genuine article? Like most of us, Gary is more than one person. By that I mean that we all show differen sides of ourselves depending on the group or situation. 'Kid' is far more of the genuine article than he is insensere. His personality and approach was to be accessable and friendly. His critics were most often players who did not want to be as open with the media and may have felt that he made them look bad. Gary was a gamer. I saw him get taped from his toes to his groin every day and then go out and give all he had playing the toughest position in the game and preforming at the highest level. 3) The best story nobody remembers about those mid-80s Mets teams was ___________________ . A story I will never tell. 4) Was Davey Johnson a good manager? Why or why not? I think Davey was an excellent manager because he respected the players and thereby earned their respect. He managed as he played....going for it. He was always looking for a way to win every game and, most of the time, he found it. 5) Whom do you recall as the best interviewees from the Mets teams you covered and why? Roger McDowell and Wally Bachman were perhaps the best interviewees because they, usually, didn't take things or themselves too seriously and would almost always tell you what they really thought about a subject. 6) You, along with Tim McCarver, joined the Met broadcasting team in 1983 and in retrospect that was among the first signs of a commitment to excellence that Met fans hadn't seen in years. What do you recall about the circumstances of your arrival here, and did you have a sense you were about to play a role in something that was special? Had you not accepted the Met job, do you know who might have been named? The Mets did say during the course of my interviews with them that they were committed to turning the club around and I'm sure that's one reason they also made changes in both booths. I had actually almost decided to accept an offer from Houston but, on Christmas Eve, the Mets called and said they had hired Tim and, since he and I knew each other, that sealed the deal as far as I was concerned. I have no idea who they would have hired if I had not taken the job. 7) Of your colleagues in the Met booth, with whom did you enjoy working with most and why? I had a great time with everyone, Ralph, Tim, Rusty, Gary, and Fran, although I think I only worked with Fran once. Perhaps because Tim and I came to the club together and we already knew each other, I had the closest working relationship with him. (When I was doing the back-up Monday Night Baseball games with Bob Uecker, I actually worked with Timmy on his audition broadcast for ABC in 1980.) Ralph was always great to be around.....Gary and I became good friends.....and Rusty has always been one of my very favorite people, even though he's been in love witgh my wife for about 25 years! 8) The Ultimate Mets Database is missing your birthdate, place of birth, height, weight and handedness. Please provide. (The editor adds here that some classmate of Steve’s listed his football playing size at 6’2” and 220. Yowza.) Do you want my baseball playing weight? (I hope I don't have to list my current poundage!) DOB: May 13, 1947 Place: Palo Alto, California Throwa Right - Bats Rght When I played, I was actually 6'3" and weighed 235. 9) How would you describe the Met organization in terms of its involvement with the content or presentation of their broadcasters? How might have it compared to other teams you have been employed by? Tell the truth -- did you or your colleagues ever get under the collar of Frank Cashen, Davey Johnson or another Met official? What were the circumstances? The truth is that the Mets never said anything to me about anything that was said on the air that might have been critical of the team. I came to the club from the network where you must be objective and I think brought that approach to my job.

Edgy DC Dec 14 2005 06:08 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 14 2005 06:09 PM

Thanks Mr. Zabriskie, and welcome from all of us. Some great answers already. Especially... ]3) The best story nobody remembers about those mid-80s Mets teams was ___________________ . A story I will never tell. I just spit up my tea laughing. Maybe, if you have time before you go, we can amend that question to read: The best story nobody remembers about those mid-80s Mets teams which you can tell was ___________________ . Please continue.

metirish Dec 14 2005 06:08 PM

Thanks for answering the questions, that was great Steve.

Mark Healey Dec 14 2005 06:17 PM

Edgy DC wrote: I just heard from Steve Z. Things look to be on schedule. A new question: My friend has several tapes of past games from a series that were issued. Included in the montage opening of each of these games is a clip of Ralph Kiner trying to wrap up a game summary, and unable to construct the sentence for the life of him. Something like, "That was Orosco's ninth consecutive save --- all of which have come in save situations in which the game was available to be saved." They embellish the video by having question marks pop up around your puzzled face. Do you recall this moment? Do you get any money for the re-production of such clips? (I guess no.) Most importantly, is it stressful working with a veteran announcer as he stumbles like that? Silly question...is there a chat room? Anyway... Steve, there's been a lot of talk the past few years that Mets managment would -- from time to time -- try to get the broadcasters to "take it easy on the team", did you ever experience this and is it a valid criticism?

Lundy Dec 14 2005 06:20 PM

KC Dec 14 2005 06:21 PM

Hey #9, see item #9 above.

Steve Z Dec 14 2005 06:27 PM

seawolf17 asks Steve- Thanks for taking the time to visit with us. A few questions from me: (1) You mentioned on your UMDB post that your broadcast career ended in 1997. Do you still watch televised sports? Is there a broadcaster that you particularly enjoy? Any you particularly dislike? (Not necessarily personally, just style.) I really don't watch much but I still enjoy and respect many broadcasters. The ones I don't care for are the ones who think the ans tune in to see then rather than the game. (2) With all the innovations in broadcast technology (i.e., instant replay, expanded graphical packages, laser strike zones), is there anything you wish you had at your disposal when you were in the booth? I really like the strike zone and it would have been fun. The only problem is that there are really as many strike zones as their are umpires. Over the course of my career we went from rack lens cameras and black and white film to mini cams and digital formats that don't even need video tape. MFS62 asks: 1) Steve- was there any broadcaster who helped you fine tune your skills when you were first getting started? There are two people who really helped me. In my first job, which was at a radio station in Seattle, a fellow named George Toles was our Program Director and really taught me the business of being a broadcaster. Later, Keith Jackson brought my work to the attention of the folks at ABC and also taught me alot about play-by-play in particular. 2) If they didn't work directly with you, was (were) there any who you tried to pattern yourself after? I really didn't try to pattern myself after anyone. Maybe I'd have been better if I had! I thought it was important to develop you own style. I always felt that the game was more important, anyway.

Mark Healey Dec 14 2005 06:29 PM

Ahhh...Bach.

Steve Z Dec 14 2005 06:34 PM

ScarletKnight41 asks: What are the opportunities that the new Mets network affords the team? What are the potential pitfalls? The main thing a network provides is aditional opportunities to generate revenue. More slots for more commercials on more different outlets. I really don't know enough about how the network is set up to offer any thoughts on pitfalls. Edgy DC asks: My friend has several tapes of past games from a series that were issued. Included in the montage opening of each of these games is a clip of Ralph Kiner trying to wrap up a game summary, and unable to construct the sentence for the life of him. Something like, "That was Orosco's ninth consecutive save — all of which have come in save situations in which the game was available to be saved." They embellish the video by having question marks pop up around your puzzled face. Do you recall this moment? Do you get any money for the re-production of such clips? (I guess no.) Most importantly, is it stressful working with a veteran announcer as he stumbles like that? I vivdly recall that moment and, no, I get no $. It was tough when Ralph would lose his train of thought. He tendede to stumble through rather than get help. What you don't see is that Ralph actually forgot that I was standing next to him, and later, as he continued to stammer, I, in attempting to hold back a giggle, made a noise. It startled him and he actually jumped, turned around and was surprised to see me there! But that was Ralph and you had to love him.

Edgy DC Dec 14 2005 06:34 PM

"If Branch Rickey were alive today, he'd be spinning in his grave." -- Ralph Kiner, on the state of the Dodgers and baseball in 1999

ScarletKnight41 Dec 14 2005 06:51 PM

Thank you Mr. Zabriskie. We really appreciate your participation and your insights.

Steve Z Dec 14 2005 06:53 PM

What suggestions or tips do you have for people interested in a broadcasting career? You have to really want it and be willing to pay the price to learn and earn your break. There are many poeple out there with a lot of talent who never get that break and there are others with less talent who happen to be in the right place at the right time. It's not a business that's fair, but then life itself isn't fair either. But, if you work at it, hone your skills and look for opportunities, it can happen. One thing you have to understand is that when people react to you they are not really responding to you. They really don't know you. They are responding to the work. Some are going to like your work and some are not. You will never please everyone and you can't take it personally when rejected or let it go to your head when praised. Edgy DC asks: Steve, a lot of long-term announcers in New York — yourself, Tim McCarver, Bob Murphy, and Red Barber, for instance — had roots in the American south or southwest. Many have even changed New York culture by filling the airwaves with expressions and mannerisms from their home region, while others, like Mr. Murphy, largely shed their home accents. Was this anything you were conscious of? Was New York a culture shock for you? No, I never really felt any of that, prehaps because I had worked for ABC Sports since 1976 and made many trips to the city. For the most part, the fans were great to me, welcomed me and treated me as one of their own. I love New York and think they have the greatest baseball fans in the world there.

Edgy DC Dec 14 2005 06:59 PM

That wraps up the questions we had prepared. Perhaps we can coax Mr. Z to answer a few more. 1) I had hoped maybe you could answer an amended version of Johnny's question (which you artfully dodged): The best story nobody remembers about those mid-80s Mets teams which you can tell was ___________________ . 2) Also, you mentioned at the UMDB that you were living in Orlando. How did you and yours fare during this terrible hurricane season? 3) Davey Johnson is still based there, isn't he? Do you cross his path at all?

Steve Z Dec 14 2005 07:07 PM

1) I had hoped maybe you could answer an amended version of Johnny's question (which you artfully dodged): The best story nobody remembers about those mid-80s Mets teams which you can tell was ___________________ . I really have to think about this one. Maybe I can post a reply later because I would like to give you an answer. 2) Also, you mentioned at the UMDB that you were living in Orlando. How did you and yours fare during this terrible hurricane season? We had some minor damage, mostly trees and the fence that encompasses our backyard got knocked down but otherwise OK, thanks. 3) Davey Johnson is still based there, isn't he? Do you cross his path at all? I have seen Davey a few times but not for the past couple of years. He and I always had a good relationship and enjoy running into one another here. Also, from reviewing the forum, it appears as if some of my answers didn't get posted. I believe I answered every posted question but don't see them all now. Any thoughts?

Edgy DC Dec 14 2005 07:10 PM

I'm not sure how that could have happened. Sorry to hear that. Feel free to post them again if you like or come back and add your answers at a later date.

Johnny Dickshot Dec 14 2005 07:14 PM

Great fun, thanks. Can't believe none of my fellow poolians peppered you with questions regarding Doc, Darryl and Keith, but how about a word on each?

Benjamin Grimm Dec 14 2005 07:19 PM

I re-read the questions and it looks like these three are the ones for which there are no answers. Lucky me, two of the three are mine! Yancy Street Gang asks: When you and Tim joined the broadcast team in 1983, you brought a new style to the telecasts. Ralph did eventually get with the program, but can you comment on how easily he made the adjustment? Did he have any initial difficulties at first? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yancy Street Gang asks: Hi, Steve, and thanks for joining us. I've noticed in the national telecasts that former athletes never seem to be permitted to do the play-by-play, they only do "color." I know that on Mets broadcasts, however, former players like Kiner and McCarver often did play-by-play. One thing I don't remember though, is if you ever did color while Tim or Ralph did play-by-play. What do you think of that division between color and play-by-play based on the announcer's prior background? Did you find one role more challenging, or more enjoyable, than the other? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Centerfield asks: Hi Steve, when doing play by play? Do you watch the monitor for pitch location/selection? How about on potential Home Runs? Do you know by the way it leaves the bat or do you watch the outfielder?

KC Dec 14 2005 07:24 PM

Thanks for the visit, Steve ... and happy holidays.

Steve Z Dec 14 2005 07:25 PM

OK, Doc, Darryl and Keith. In the mid 80's, Bill Robinson and I were stretching in the clubhouse prior to a spring training workout. We had just heard a talk from MLB on drug use. We look around the clubhouse and each asked the other, "Who do you think is the least likely player to get involved with drugs?" We both selected Doc. What happened to both him and Straw is one of the saddest stories of my life, let alone career. No one is immune. I know them both to be fine people and hope the remainder of their lives are far better. As for Mex, he and I go back to the early 70's and the minor leagues. He was a true professional in every sense. When he walked onto the infield at Shea for the first time, the entire ball club changed for the better. You could feel the difference. It was the real start of what the Mets would become. Keith knew how to play the game and came to do just that every day.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 14 2005 07:25 PM

That was great. Thanks, Steve, for dropping by. We enjoyed the visit.

Zvon Dec 14 2005 07:30 PM

really Mr Z. This has been a treat. Thank u

Edgy DC Dec 14 2005 07:39 PM

I don't know if you're still around, Mr. Z., but thanks for the pleasure, and thanks to your family for giving you up this evening. If we have any other questions, perhaps we'll e-mail you. Have a nice holiday and best wishes in your future endeavors. Thanks for your work with the Mets and for being part of our memories.

Steve Z Dec 14 2005 07:39 PM

Thanks to you all for being such great fans. I think I got to every question, but, if not, I'll come back soon and clean up. My best to you all! Steve Z

metirish Dec 14 2005 07:44 PM

Thanks again, as a person who never got to watch you do pbp it was a pleasure reading your answers, and please come back, you at least have to get past the designation of JIM)) the Monstrously Huge Batboy. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Valadius Dec 14 2005 08:34 PM

Thanks for coming Steve, and happy holidays!

seawolf17 Dec 14 2005 08:51 PM

Steve -- this was great fun. Thanks so much for dropping by!

Rockin' Doc Dec 14 2005 09:33 PM

This was a special evening for the CPF. It was wonderful for Mr. Zabriskie to give up an evening to answer our questions. It was great to read his answers to the questions posed by our members. I hope you will stop in from time to time in the future. I wish you and your family the most wonderful of holiday seasons.

Methead Dec 14 2005 09:41 PM

Keith Jackson... wow. A great teacher to have. "You will never please everyone and you can't take it personally when rejected or let it go to your head when praised." Sound advice for any profession, as well as life in general... Thanks, Mr. Z, a real pleasure having you here.

Diamond Dad Dec 15 2005 09:28 AM nice job

Very nice. I wasn't able to participate live, but just reading the thread is very nice. Great of Steve to stay up late with us! My father had a similar experience with Keith Jackson. Top notch guy. Next -- can we get Bobby V to come visit???

Centerfield Dec 15 2005 09:43 AM

Thank you Mr. Z for stopping by.

Johnny Dickshot Dec 16 2005 06:32 AM

Phil Mushnick invokes the name of the newest pooler and seems to reference Question 6 in an article about new Met radio voice Tom McCarthy. Steve addresses this controversy at UMDB, mentioning that Mushnick never called to confirm the facts with him, and apparently, still hasn;t. ] TENACIOUS TOM By PHIL MUSHNICK TOM McCarthy, the Mets' newly named radio play-by-play man - replacing TV-bound Gary Cohen - doesn't know it, but he has nothing in common and a lot in common with the Mets' broadcasting changes that were made in 1983. Apparently, good things can still come to sports broadcasters of modest demeanor who start low, work hard and aim high - without, in the neo-classical tradition, putting self-promotion above the games. McCarthy, 37, has been a sports radio grunt from the time he dropped bio as his major while at Trenton State, now The College of New Jersey. McCarthy is a good, old-fashioned likeable sort, on and off the air. How can you not like a guy who volunteers, shortly after signing a multi-year deal to call Met games, that he was cut from the Trenton State baseball team? And that, in marked contrast, brings us to 1983, the year Steve Zabriskie was hired as a Mets broadcaster. Zabriskie's bio volunteered that while at the University of Houston he was a star infielder and running back who scored three TDs against Air Force and was later drafted by the A's - all extraordinary fibs that eventually and inevitably caught up with him, especially since UH had never played Air Force, let alone heard of Zabriskie, and the A's had never heard of him, let alone drafted him. (Oddly enough, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson was recently revealed to have fabricated a piece of his bio. He, too, falsely claimed to have been drafted by the A's.) Six years ago, McCarthy began to host Phillies' pre- and post-game radio shows. Three years ago, he began to do two innings of Phils' play-by-play. The last broadcaster to come to the Mets after serving as a full-time part-timer on Phils' broadcasts was Tim McCarver, in 1983. McCarthy's resume is loaded with radio determination, from Trenton State football, to a high school show on Trenton's WTTM, play-by-play of Rutgers football and Princeton football and basketball, to the voice of the Trenton Thunder, now a Yankees' affiliate. "I got the bug," said McCarthy, at 6-2, a solid and unaffected baritone. "I'd say that the first time I convinced myself that I could do this and not starve was around 1994, while doing the Thunder. I guess that's when I said to myself, 'This is what I do for a living,' because it's what I was doing for a living." McCarthy and his wife, Meg, have four kids, ages 10-to-3 (for those scoring at home). He's a lifelong Met fan from Brick, N.J., who often sat in Shea, shooting glances toward the booth to look at Bob Murphy and later Cohen. "Being up there, doing what they were doing, was always in my head, even as a kid. It wasn't something I told my guidance counselor, but it was in my head. When I heard that I got the job [a call from his agent Craig Fenech, who also reps John Sterling], I was driving home. I called my wife. Full time, Major League Baseball broadcaster. Mets." And in the greatest and longest tradition of the Mets, Tom and Meg McCarthy concluded that the news was, "Amazing." Now Steve from UMDB: ]Here's the real story behind the charges leveled against me by Phil Mushnick regarding my 'resume'. I received 'Honorable Mention' All America honors as a running back in high school and was recruited by many colleges. I was going to go to Oklahoma until Bud Wilkenson retired after my junior year. I finally decided to attend the U of Houston on a football scholarship. I had turned down a pro baseball offer from the Angels to play college football but still wanted to play baseball in college and then professionally. I suffered a couple of serious injuries during my first two years there which limited my career and sent me back to professional baseball early. When I joined the Mets, my former football and baseball activities rightly received only passing mention in the Media Guide since, as I used to say on the air, "My athletic career started off slow and then tapered off!" Before either my 2nd or 3rd year with the club, the public relations department (Jay and Dennis) took it upon them selves to write in my bio that I had been a 'star' running back in college. I was an excellent athlete (I competed in the Decathlon), a good player, and started when not injured, but I was not what I would call a star nor did I claim to have been. When the Media Guide came out in the Spring, I questioned them about it and they laughed it off as just 'good PR'. For some reason, Phil grabbed it and ran away with it. He never bothered to ask me about it before coming out with the article and admitted to me later that he never spoke to my college FB coach, Bill Yoeman, either. I was hurt and saddened by it because I never claimed to be anything other than what I was and, as is almost always the case, there was never a printed retraction or correction of the facts.

Edgy DC Dec 16 2005 06:51 AM

Wow. Not unlike Zabriskie's case, I think tons too much has been made of the Richardson flap. As if a single voter for him (or Clinton) swung on the notion that he'd been drafted. Maybe the Zabriskie bio thingie was the last story Mushnick actually broke.

Edgy DC Dec 16 2005 07:20 AM

I need to go through my media guides from that era and check which account jives best with what's actually there.

Mark Healey Dec 16 2005 07:47 PM

LOL...I'm just glad I didn't write it...

Zvon Dec 16 2005 08:02 PM

lol... I just read the JD posted article in the Post minutes ago. I never knew that stuff. I was surprised. Also kinda glad no one touched on the subject the other night when he visited, even though it would have been fair ground. Cause that was a fine thing he did, sharing his time with us. And I buy his rebuttal.

TheOldMole Dec 17 2005 07:12 AM

I have to say none of this bothers me at all. Without reference to Steve, one way or the other, if a guy pads his resume to get in the front door, or even makes it up completely, and then proves he can do the job, it makes a good story. How many of us are shocked that Orson Welles faked his resume to get his start in show business?

Frayed Knot Dec 17 2005 07:35 AM

In fairness to Mushnick (at least in Friday's column - the original might have been more strident) he says that Zabriskie's resume was embellished in the Met media guide - which it certainly was - although does not directly accuse SZ himself as the one concocting the lies and exaggerations. It could be read more as an indictment of corporate B.S. I generally like Mushnick's column although it seems like I'm increasingly hearing tales of general sloppiness due to not getting the side from those he's zeroed in on. I guess how you view that depends on your opinion of who he's throwing his bombs at that week.

Steve Z Dec 17 2005 08:47 AM

Many thanks to all of you for your kind comments and especially to 'Johnny' for posting the Mushnick article. I don't know what his problem is with me because he hasn't had the guts to come to me directly but I have drafted a letter to him which I am posting below for all of you to read. I'm not even sure what paper he writes for but if any of you can provide me with either a mailing address or an e-mail address, I will send it to him ASAP. Thanks again and here is my reply. Mr. Mushnick: A friend has informed me that you have taken yet another opportunity to unfairly attack my character by trashing me in a recent article regarding a new Mets radio announcer. You are apparently still subscribing to the old saying, “Never let the facts get in the way of a good story”, or in this case, the story you want to tell. Since you never demonstrated the decency to speak with me regarding your story, especially before putting it out there without any regard for the facts, I can only assume that you have your own agenda. Please tell me what I have done that causes you to hate me enough to still be beating this dead horse after more than 20 years. Since you demonstrate a blatant disregard for the facts, it may be a waste of time, but here they are. I never claimed to have been a ‘star’ anything. When the media guide came out I complained to both Jay and Dennis regarding my bio and they passed off the embellishment as being “good PR”. I never claimed that I had been ‘drafted’ by the As. If that appeared in my bio (and I don’t know because I don’t have a copy), it was again an assumption or embellishment by the PR guys. I was a free agent who initially, and quietly, went to the fall instructional league in Mesa, Arizona so that everyone could be certain that I had fully recovered from my football injuries and subsequent operations. If you only had the guts to ask me about it first, I could have given you some names with whom you could have checked and gotten the real facts. People such as Phil Garner, a teammate, and Doc Edwards who was one of our coaches back then. But that would have ruined your story…..the story that suited whatever this agenda is that you seem to have. I should have sued you back then when your vile and unwarranted attack was first unleashed but both the ball club and my agent talked me out of it. I would hope that you would have enough integrity to make things right but, based on your history, I doubt that you’re a big enough person. Steve Zabriskie

Frayed Knot Dec 17 2005 08:51 AM

]I'm not even sure what paper he writes for but if any of you can provide me with either a mailing address or an e-mail address, I will send it to him ASAP New York Post I'm sure they provide e-mails on their website NYPost.com Here it is: phil.mushnick@nypost.com

Steve Z Dec 17 2005 09:39 AM

Thanks, Frayed!

Edgy DC Dec 17 2005 03:04 PM

How embarrassing. Getting caught between two pros. For what it's worth Mr. Z., while I appreciate your desire to clear your good name, for the vast majority of us, it doesn't really need clearing. Your broadcast record speaks for itself.

KC Dec 17 2005 08:05 PM

Ok, so is Mush a registered poster or a lurkey turkey? I'm guessing the latter.

Zvon Dec 17 2005 08:34 PM

way to tell him Mr Z!

TheOldMole Dec 18 2005 02:54 PM

What Edgy said. Thanks for memorable Met broadcasts, Steve, and thanks for being generous with your time to a ragtag assortment of Mets fans. You're aces in our book.

metirish Dec 18 2005 08:37 PM

Mr. Zabriskie I truely believe your side of this story, I am a bit disapointed with Mushnick as I look forward to his columns, I would have thought he would have contacted you but as you say he has not, this is the kind of stuff that he some times vents about, so I'm surprised, still I'm sure you know that you are among friends here and again thanks for your time.

Edgy DC Dec 24 2005 08:41 AM

Well, it's been a week and I'm not finding any Mushnick retraction. Though I think Mushnick Retraction is opening for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs this weekend at the Roseland Ballroom. Meantime, here's an early seventies print ad for KTUL-Tulsa, featuring Steve Zabriskie, FCP Are you a Met literary completionist like me? Perhaps you were looking for a fine holiday gift idea for a Met completionist --- like me. Well, if you are either of these things, or both, Steve Zabrisikie has a book out, which he was too kewl to plug on his own (or even alert his friendly administrator to), but I found it and I'm plugging it myself.

mlbaseballtalk Dec 24 2005 11:38 AM

If Mushmouth doesn't retract, then he is just as bad as those he slams. Personally I would find fault more with the Mets PR team at the time than Zabriske of course as the old media guides were written just for guys in the media where embellishments might get a good laugh and a "wink, wink, nudge nudge" If this happened today where media guides are available for public consupmtion, Mushmouth would have a stronger case that Steve was behind the inaccuracies By the way, the excerpts are in the 83-85 guides