An interview with Mike Barrett
Recently, I asked Mike Barrett, the Blazers TV play by play man, if I could interview him. Even though it was against the advice of his lawyers, he agree'd. Here it is.
I originally had funny pictures with each question and answer, but the html errors made it impossible.
ME: You broadcasted for the Ducks and KXL. How could a Beaver Alumni not want to poke out his eyes? Mike Parker saw the light, and converted to the right side, how did you feel talking about the enemy? Did OSU threaten to take way your degree?
MB:--They never pulled me degree, but I'm sure they considered that as an option. I'm not sure if I was more hated by Beaver fans for switching over, or looked at more as an outsider by Duck fans. The fact was, I went to work for KXL and they were the Ducks station. I loved my time working with Jerry Allen and Mike Jorgensen and have a lot of great memories. There's nothing like college football, and that was a great time to be with that program. I was able to experience the Rose Bowl in '95 on the sidelines, and several other major bowls in the following years. My last game with them was the '99 Sun Bowl. When I started with the Ducks Rich Brooks was the coach, and whenever I needed some ammo I went and found him and he supported me. He, of course, went to Oregon State as well. I was getting paid by the Ducks, and to quote Sheed, "CTC.."
ME: How do you feel about the games you did broadcasting the Fire games? I'm sure the 8 people who listened to those games appreciated your time as the broadcaster.
MB:--It's funny because there are several former WNBA broadcasters who are now in play-by-play roles in the NBA. And, there are a few referees who made the jump from the WNBA and we all know each other. It's like a little fraternity I guess. Zach Zarba, Michael Henderson, Michael Smith, and several others. I absolutely loved working the Portland Fire games and it was a great proving ground for me. The players were so appreciative of the opporunity, and stood in line waiting to be interviewed and always asked how they could help. The travel was much tougher though because we flew commercial and it was, of course, during the summer. A flight to the east coast was much different than it is in the NBA. We'd change planes several times and I'd always end up sitting around 15 kids headed for Disneyworld. My portable DVD player saved my life.
ME: Have you kept in touch with Pistol Pete and Running Ann Schotz?
MB--I just talked to Pete yesterday, and yes, we talk a lot. I thought it might be an uncomfortable relationship because I replaced him in Portland, but Pete was an absolute pro from the beginning. We did a lot of work on Rip City Magazine together and he's a talented guy. He's doing a great job with the Memphis Grizzlies now, and I was very happy he landed back in the league so quickly. That's not easy to do and is a testament to his abilities as play-by-play broadcaster.
Ann Schatz is one of the best people I know. She still lives in Portland but travels a lot working college games. She's getting the chance to call play-by-play and I know that's something she's always wanted. My three years working with her in the WNBA was a blast. Travelling with her was fun as well, and we killed a lot of time sitting in aiports during those days. Everyone who knows Ann loves her. When Maurice Cheeks returned to the Rose Garden this season with the 76'ers, the first person he asked me about was Ann.
ME: Truth be told, and hold back nothing, was it fair to say that Steve Jones liked to belittle you? Don't worry, there's only 3 people who read this blog.
MB: --I know a lot of people thought that, and I've been asked about that a lot. I didn't really feel that way, Steve just has a very dry sense of humor and loves to debate. He gave me a hard time a lot (and still does) and it never really bothered me. We spent a lot of time together on the road and I got to know him well. He's so very good at his job and he really took me under his wing when I got the job. In fact, he went to bat for me when I was applying for the job. I'll always be greatful to Steve for that. I learned so much from him.
ME: I see that you're from Albany Oregon. I feel sorry for you. How was growing up in Salems' ugly chain smoking drunkard cousin?
MB: -I'm shocked you didn't bring up the smell of the paper mill when you drive by on I-5. It wasn't a bad place to grow up, and despite pressure from the community, I never did own a Camero or a gun rack. My parents still live there, and so do a lot of friends. It was a great place to live, because you had Oregon State 10 miles away, Eugene 40 miles away, and Portland just 60 miles away. Every weekend my dad and I were either going to an Oregon State, Oregon, or Blazers game. My dad was the basketball coach at West Albany and I figured I'd either end up coaching, or involved in sports somewhere. Never smoked, by the way. Okay, just once.
ME: Without thinking, who's better: Ric Flair or Ricky Steamboat? And why? (you can ask Brian Wheeler if need be)
MB: --You're right, in that I should run my answer by Wheels, the king of pro wrestling fans. I did watch Portland Wrestling as a kid, and they would come to town a lot in the 70's and 80's. I watched Buddy Rose a ton when he was around, and even Roddy Piper, and some of the other guys who became huge. When I was 12, and at a pro wrestling match in Albany, a guy slapped Rose on the back and he thought it was me. He turned around and shoved me to the floor. That was my claim to fame for a while. My friends thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I actually had Rose on the 5th Quarter show a few years ago and told him about that. He thought it was hilarious. So, to answer your question, I'd say Flair, because I saw him a couple of years ago when I was with Wheels at a match at the Rose Garden.
ME: What happens if you ever accidentally let out an "F" bomb on the air?
MB: --Thankfully, that hasn't happened. Live TV can be a little scary, and with microphones all over the court sometimes you'll catch some colorful words coming from the players. The NBA mandates that we apologize if something comes through to clearly. I haven't had to do that yet.
ME: Mike Rice is incredibly popular among Blazer fans (well those with any sense). Does Mike realize how much he's appreciated?
MB: --I think he realizes that to an extent. He's such a character on the air, and is so funny, that I think sometimes people miss how good he actually is. No one, and I mean no one, prepares for a game like Rice. People laugh at how sometimes he gets names wrong, but it's not because he's not ready. I've loved working with him this season and hope I can for a long time.
ME: When you were the host of Courtside back when Mike and Steve were the hosts, did you ever just sit back and let them go off on tangents?
MB: --Yes. In fact, Steve joined us live on Courtside two weeks ago and it was like he never left. He and Rice started going at it like an old married couple as soon as we hit the air. I was kind of brought into that show a few years ago to be the referee, and that wasn't always easy. They both love to argue, and in another live could have probably been lawyers.
ME: Do you ever just wonder out loud how it is that Jason Quick and John Canzano can keep writing for the Oregonian, knowing full well they're both full of schlock?
MB: --Jason and I went to Oregon State together, and in fact, worked together for a short time at the Sports Information office at OSU. I've known him for a long time. I know some fans feel they are always way to negative, but I wouldn't always blame the writers for that. They're just doing what they're told to do. I've gotten to know Canzano pretty well, and I think he's an entertaining writer. Not always fair, but we've given them a lot of material in the recent past. They're both good guys, despite what you might think.
ME: It's Halloween and Brian Wheelers crib. The theme is "cheesy 80's " Do you go as "B.A." Baracus, Murdock, Face or Hannibal and why?
MB:--Rice is defintely Face. I would probably go as Murdock. I don't have a good reason why.
ME: Do you ever look someone in the eye and say "I'm Mike Barrett, damnit. You don't want to feel the wrath of the Barretta!"?
MB: --Haven't done that yet. I'm just a little fish swimming around in a big pond, and that's fine with me.
ME: Beach Boys or that liverpool group of singers?
MB: --Beach Boys, definitely.
ME: Pop or soda pop?
MB: --Pop.
ME: Dr Pepper, the best pop ever?
MB:--No, that's Rice's choice. He drinks Dr.Pepper like it's water. I'm a Diet Coke man. That always frustrated Steve Jones. He still gets angry when I drink a Diet Coke.
ME: 2 more questions and you're done. Who do you think the Blazers draft?
MB: That really depends. I know that's not the answer you're looking for. I talk to Kevin Pritchard a lot, and always give him my opinions. He humors me, and acts like they really matter. There's probably too much emphasis placed on the NCAA Tournament, and who has a good couple of weeks. This is a decent draft, but not great. I certainly don't think the Blazers need to get any younger, and if they wound up trading the pick I wouldn't be disappointed. I trust Kevin, John Nash, and our scouts. I don't think people realize how many scouts we have, and how much they travel, and watch games.
MB: And finally, I see that you keep busy during the summer being a professional baseball player. How is that going for you?
MB: --I've got to get one of his jerseys.
ME: What do you make of the Cubs chances this year? How are your brothers Jimmy and Ricky doing?"
MB: --Cubs are already beat up with injuries and this is still spring training. You want Cubs news, go ask the Captain Rich Patterson, who runs our radio network. There isn't a bigger Cubbies fan.
Thanks MB!
I originally had funny pictures with each question and answer, but the html errors made it impossible.
ME: You broadcasted for the Ducks and KXL. How could a Beaver Alumni not want to poke out his eyes? Mike Parker saw the light, and converted to the right side, how did you feel talking about the enemy? Did OSU threaten to take way your degree?
MB:--They never pulled me degree, but I'm sure they considered that as an option. I'm not sure if I was more hated by Beaver fans for switching over, or looked at more as an outsider by Duck fans. The fact was, I went to work for KXL and they were the Ducks station. I loved my time working with Jerry Allen and Mike Jorgensen and have a lot of great memories. There's nothing like college football, and that was a great time to be with that program. I was able to experience the Rose Bowl in '95 on the sidelines, and several other major bowls in the following years. My last game with them was the '99 Sun Bowl. When I started with the Ducks Rich Brooks was the coach, and whenever I needed some ammo I went and found him and he supported me. He, of course, went to Oregon State as well. I was getting paid by the Ducks, and to quote Sheed, "CTC.."
ME: How do you feel about the games you did broadcasting the Fire games? I'm sure the 8 people who listened to those games appreciated your time as the broadcaster.
MB:--It's funny because there are several former WNBA broadcasters who are now in play-by-play roles in the NBA. And, there are a few referees who made the jump from the WNBA and we all know each other. It's like a little fraternity I guess. Zach Zarba, Michael Henderson, Michael Smith, and several others. I absolutely loved working the Portland Fire games and it was a great proving ground for me. The players were so appreciative of the opporunity, and stood in line waiting to be interviewed and always asked how they could help. The travel was much tougher though because we flew commercial and it was, of course, during the summer. A flight to the east coast was much different than it is in the NBA. We'd change planes several times and I'd always end up sitting around 15 kids headed for Disneyworld. My portable DVD player saved my life.
ME: Have you kept in touch with Pistol Pete and Running Ann Schotz?
MB--I just talked to Pete yesterday, and yes, we talk a lot. I thought it might be an uncomfortable relationship because I replaced him in Portland, but Pete was an absolute pro from the beginning. We did a lot of work on Rip City Magazine together and he's a talented guy. He's doing a great job with the Memphis Grizzlies now, and I was very happy he landed back in the league so quickly. That's not easy to do and is a testament to his abilities as play-by-play broadcaster.
Ann Schatz is one of the best people I know. She still lives in Portland but travels a lot working college games. She's getting the chance to call play-by-play and I know that's something she's always wanted. My three years working with her in the WNBA was a blast. Travelling with her was fun as well, and we killed a lot of time sitting in aiports during those days. Everyone who knows Ann loves her. When Maurice Cheeks returned to the Rose Garden this season with the 76'ers, the first person he asked me about was Ann.
ME: Truth be told, and hold back nothing, was it fair to say that Steve Jones liked to belittle you? Don't worry, there's only 3 people who read this blog.
MB: --I know a lot of people thought that, and I've been asked about that a lot. I didn't really feel that way, Steve just has a very dry sense of humor and loves to debate. He gave me a hard time a lot (and still does) and it never really bothered me. We spent a lot of time together on the road and I got to know him well. He's so very good at his job and he really took me under his wing when I got the job. In fact, he went to bat for me when I was applying for the job. I'll always be greatful to Steve for that. I learned so much from him.
ME: I see that you're from Albany Oregon. I feel sorry for you. How was growing up in Salems' ugly chain smoking drunkard cousin?
MB: -I'm shocked you didn't bring up the smell of the paper mill when you drive by on I-5. It wasn't a bad place to grow up, and despite pressure from the community, I never did own a Camero or a gun rack. My parents still live there, and so do a lot of friends. It was a great place to live, because you had Oregon State 10 miles away, Eugene 40 miles away, and Portland just 60 miles away. Every weekend my dad and I were either going to an Oregon State, Oregon, or Blazers game. My dad was the basketball coach at West Albany and I figured I'd either end up coaching, or involved in sports somewhere. Never smoked, by the way. Okay, just once.
ME: Without thinking, who's better: Ric Flair or Ricky Steamboat? And why? (you can ask Brian Wheeler if need be)
MB: --You're right, in that I should run my answer by Wheels, the king of pro wrestling fans. I did watch Portland Wrestling as a kid, and they would come to town a lot in the 70's and 80's. I watched Buddy Rose a ton when he was around, and even Roddy Piper, and some of the other guys who became huge. When I was 12, and at a pro wrestling match in Albany, a guy slapped Rose on the back and he thought it was me. He turned around and shoved me to the floor. That was my claim to fame for a while. My friends thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I actually had Rose on the 5th Quarter show a few years ago and told him about that. He thought it was hilarious. So, to answer your question, I'd say Flair, because I saw him a couple of years ago when I was with Wheels at a match at the Rose Garden.
ME: What happens if you ever accidentally let out an "F" bomb on the air?
MB: --Thankfully, that hasn't happened. Live TV can be a little scary, and with microphones all over the court sometimes you'll catch some colorful words coming from the players. The NBA mandates that we apologize if something comes through to clearly. I haven't had to do that yet.
ME: Mike Rice is incredibly popular among Blazer fans (well those with any sense). Does Mike realize how much he's appreciated?
MB: --I think he realizes that to an extent. He's such a character on the air, and is so funny, that I think sometimes people miss how good he actually is. No one, and I mean no one, prepares for a game like Rice. People laugh at how sometimes he gets names wrong, but it's not because he's not ready. I've loved working with him this season and hope I can for a long time.
ME: When you were the host of Courtside back when Mike and Steve were the hosts, did you ever just sit back and let them go off on tangents?
MB: --Yes. In fact, Steve joined us live on Courtside two weeks ago and it was like he never left. He and Rice started going at it like an old married couple as soon as we hit the air. I was kind of brought into that show a few years ago to be the referee, and that wasn't always easy. They both love to argue, and in another live could have probably been lawyers.
ME: Do you ever just wonder out loud how it is that Jason Quick and John Canzano can keep writing for the Oregonian, knowing full well they're both full of schlock?
MB: --Jason and I went to Oregon State together, and in fact, worked together for a short time at the Sports Information office at OSU. I've known him for a long time. I know some fans feel they are always way to negative, but I wouldn't always blame the writers for that. They're just doing what they're told to do. I've gotten to know Canzano pretty well, and I think he's an entertaining writer. Not always fair, but we've given them a lot of material in the recent past. They're both good guys, despite what you might think.
ME: It's Halloween and Brian Wheelers crib. The theme is "cheesy 80's " Do you go as "B.A." Baracus, Murdock, Face or Hannibal and why?
MB:--Rice is defintely Face. I would probably go as Murdock. I don't have a good reason why.
ME: Do you ever look someone in the eye and say "I'm Mike Barrett, damnit. You don't want to feel the wrath of the Barretta!"?
MB: --Haven't done that yet. I'm just a little fish swimming around in a big pond, and that's fine with me.
ME: Beach Boys or that liverpool group of singers?
MB: --Beach Boys, definitely.
ME: Pop or soda pop?
MB: --Pop.
ME: Dr Pepper, the best pop ever?
MB:--No, that's Rice's choice. He drinks Dr.Pepper like it's water. I'm a Diet Coke man. That always frustrated Steve Jones. He still gets angry when I drink a Diet Coke.
ME: 2 more questions and you're done. Who do you think the Blazers draft?
MB: That really depends. I know that's not the answer you're looking for. I talk to Kevin Pritchard a lot, and always give him my opinions. He humors me, and acts like they really matter. There's probably too much emphasis placed on the NCAA Tournament, and who has a good couple of weeks. This is a decent draft, but not great. I certainly don't think the Blazers need to get any younger, and if they wound up trading the pick I wouldn't be disappointed. I trust Kevin, John Nash, and our scouts. I don't think people realize how many scouts we have, and how much they travel, and watch games.
MB: And finally, I see that you keep busy during the summer being a professional baseball player. How is that going for you?
MB: --I've got to get one of his jerseys.
ME: What do you make of the Cubs chances this year? How are your brothers Jimmy and Ricky doing?"
MB: --Cubs are already beat up with injuries and this is still spring training. You want Cubs news, go ask the Captain Rich Patterson, who runs our radio network. There isn't a bigger Cubbies fan.
Thanks MB!
posted by Hap (Dan) at 7:01 PM
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