Billions of people around the world enjoy watching sports, but sometimes it’s not just the sport that captivates them.
Play-by-play has the power to enhance the viewing experience, with the calls showcasing the passion of an entire fanbase.
Moments such as Sidney Crosby’s golden goal, Joe Carter’s World Series clinching home run, Jose Bautista’s bat flip, and Kawhi Leonard’s buzzer-beating shot are etched in Canadian sports history, with memorable calls capturing the energy of the play.
In these moments, the play and the call are equally as memorable. The call doesn’t take away from the action, rather they’re combined to make the moment special.
Mike Stubbs, the radio voice for the London Knights talks about how he got the opportunity.
Mike Stubbs (Credit/X)
“I went to Western because they did play-by-play for everything. And so a few of us would just share that. And from doing Western Mustang hockey, got offered the London Knights job and was fortunate enough to get it. So that’s kind of the road to the Knights right there.”
His afternoon radio show on the local 980 CFPL station, has helped Stubbs’ approach to play-by-play broadcasting.
“I think each of those things is slightly different, but the one thing that both of them allow you to do is do things that are unscripted, and so anytime you can have something that is unscripted, have to work off the top of your head, have to think on the fly, that right there is absolutely one of the toughest things to learn how to do.”
Having a huge presence in the city of London, Stubbs is beyond thankful for the support he’s received.
“It’s beyond what you could ever hope for. The fans in London are phenomenal, and it’s just been spectacular to be a part of all of these rides.”
Peter Cobb is a play-by-play announcer for the Chatham Maroons of the GOHL, the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers of the CBL and the University of Guelph Gryphons football.
While discussing his upbringing, Cobb said he had it in him all along.
Peter Cobb (Credit/Chatham Sports Hall of Fame)
“We were a very active neighourhood, outside a lot. Whenever we were participating, I would always pretend to be doing the play-by-play while actually playing the game.”
Cobb completed his first game in 1979 before even going to university.
“I think one of the things that is important, and I try to do this with every broadcast, is pronunciation of names, so that’s one of the major challenges is to see if you can get down and talk to somebody on the other team.”
In his other tips, Cobb says to expect technology issues, and to be very conscious of what you say on-air.
He also advises broadcasters to do their homework beforehand.
“Make sure you understand the sport you’re calling. Like I said, I’ve called lawn bowling, curling, soccer, badminton, tennis. I consider myself a sports nut.”
Play-by play can help enhance the sport and make those iconic moments even more memorable.
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