Recollections: The Middle Tennessee Voices of Their Times Series Television Program with Lindsey Nelson October 1988 Interviewer: Dr. Bob Bullen, Professor of Educational Leadership Middle Tennessee State University Produced by Television Services, Middle Tennessee State University Middle Tennessee State University ABSTRACT: An interview with sports announcer Linsdey Nelson. In Part 1 Nelson discusses his childhood, his time as a student at the University of Tennessee, the first time he was on air, General Neyland, and what makes a good broadcaster. He talks about joining ROTC, his time fighting in WWII, where he met Andy Rooney and Bob Prince, and his readjustment to civilian life. In the second part of the interview, Nelson begins with the story of his big break and the idea he had for the Vol Network. He discusses his job as an assistant sports director for NBC and working with Red Grange. Nelson speaks about the changes in broadcasting and in sports he witnessed during the 50 s and 60 s as well as the greatest players and the best ballparks he experienced in his career. Nelson concludes the interview with advice for those wishing to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. PART 1 Time Count Description of Program Content 0:00:00 Intro Music plays. 0:00:13 Lindsey Nelson and Bob Bullen introduce themselves. Bullen introduces the program along with Nelson and what he is known for the golden voice of American sports. 1
0:02:25 Bullen inquires if any of the famous and/or talented people that Nelson knew had any characteristic or feature that stood out. Nelson explains that many have the same qualities: dedication, perseverance, enthusiasm, and talent. He goes on to explain that to find out who wants to succeed, you have to find out who has those qualities. 0:04:17 Nelson explains that in order to receive his identity and become a unique broadcaster, he bought unique jackets so that his audience would recognize him. 0:05:25 When asked what makes a great broadcaster, Nelson replies that the main quality is they have to be sensitive. 0:05:56 Nelson explains that the key to success in managing various aspects of the broadcasting life. 0:07:21 Nelson speaks of General Bob Neyland and the relationship he had with him. He repeats the advice that he once received from General Neyland. 0:08:55 Nelson gives the story of calling General Neyland at his house in an attempt to interview him for the school journal. 0:12:00 Continuing the conversation regarding General Neyland, Nelson explains that he felt was Neyland was both extraordinary and interesting, and why. Nelson gives a few details of Neyland going to Panama in 1935 with the U.S. Army. 0:14:00 Nelson speaks of his childhood and some of the memories he has of school and sports. 0:15:22 Nelson reveals his influences from early sportswriters and radio sportscasters from when he was young. Nelson also explains how he got to be on the air for the first time in 1939. 0:17:23 Nelson speaks of high school, and gives a story of a particular incident in his English class. 0:18:35 While covering a women s basketball game, Nelson explains how he met his wife-to-be. 0:19:15 Nelson explains the burden his wife had to bear to take care of the children and other requirements, while he was at work, and how they dealt with it as a family. 0:21:04 Nelson explains how he made it possible to go to the University of Tennessee during the Great Depression. 2
0:22:17 When asked if he considered attending Middle Tennessee State University, Nelson replies that he did strongly consider it, and that his sister actually did attend. 0:22:45 Nelson speaks of going to Nashville to see the New York Yankees and Babe Ruth play, and what he remembers about this experience. 0:24:35 Nelson explains what happened when he moved to Knoxville, and also what his student life was like at the University of Tennessee. 0:25:17 Nelson had a little musical talent he speaks of winning an amateur radio contest singing a song. 0:26:07 Nelson speaks more of the University of Tennessee, being a reader for a professor as well as a tutor for the students. 0:26:58 Though a non-athlete, Nelson was in the dorms with the athletes and ate at the training table; he explains that even though he was not an athlete, they still treated him great. 0:27:55 Nelson reminisces about some of the great players at the University of Tennessee, known as the Golden Era of Tennessee Football. 0:28:28 Nelson speaks of Bill Stern, and the impact he had on his life. 0:30:20 Nelson speaks about the other great announcers of the time that had impacted radio, including Ted Husing and Graham McNamee. 0:30:50 When asked if he was ever nervous being in the same press-box as some of his role models while broadcasting, Nelson replies that though he did get nervous, he eventually became comfortable. 0:31:23 Nelson explains going to the Rose Bowl with Tennessee how he got there, and what were his experiences. 0:33:46 Nelson mentions some of the spotters he had through the years. He explains that it is smart to watch out for yourself because you never know who these people may turn out to be one day. 0:34:34 After leaving the University of Tennessee, Nelson joined the ROTC. He gives his experiences with this, and tells the story of how he was at a Philadelphia Eagles game in Washington D.C. on December 7, 1941 when it was announced that Pearl Harbor had been bombed. 3
0:37:43 While serving in the military, Nelson had the experience of seeing important figures, including General George Patton. Nelson gives a couple of encounters when he met Patton; he describes him as an intriguing man. 0:41:14 Assigned as a publicity officer in the military, Nelson met many of the war correspondents in Europe. He explains the relationship he had with General Eddy, and also the experience he had with the war in North Africa. 0:44:28 Nelson speaks of other significant people he came in contact with while serving in the military including Winston Churchill and William Westmoreland. 0:46:47 Nelson gives his most vivid memories of some of the war correspondents from World War II, describing Ernie Pyle as the greatest war correspondent that ever lived. Nelson goes on to describe the relationship he and Pyle had. 0:49:41 Nelson gives the story of being at the Remagen Bridge in Germany. He explains what he was doing before it fell, and what happened after it collapsed. Nelson speaks briefly of Warren Spahn a major league baseball player being at the Remagen Bridge and just barely missing being killed by the collapse. 0:53:21 Nelson also reveals that Andy Rooney was on the Remagen Bridge around the time it collapsed. He speaks more of Rooney and briefly his relationship with him. 0:53:46 Nelson speaks once again about being in a significant place during the war. He explains what happened when the Americans were going to link up with the Russians. 0:56:30 Nelson explains his encounter with Bob Prince during the war. Prince is known for being the broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Nelson describes being with the French Foreign Legion, and attending the University of Paris through the army. 0:58:33 Nelson describes the difficulty of adjusting back to civilian life after the war. 1:00:13 Bob Bullen concludes part 1 of the interview. 1:00:34 Credits start to roll. 1:01:02 END OF PART 1 PART 2 0:00:00 Intro Music plays. 4
0:00:12 Lindsey Nelson introduces himself to the program. Bob Bullen then introduces himself along with a brief recap of interview #1. 0:01:10 Nelson speaks of coming up with the idea for the Vol Network. He gives the story of proposing the idea to General Neyland and others. 0:03:11 Nelson explains how he got his big break during the 1950 game between the University of Tennessee and Kentucky. 0:05:00 After moving to Texas, Nelson states that the sponsor there had went out of business. He explains being in Texas with his family, not having a job. He speaks of the call he got from Tom Gallery offering him a job as the assistant sports director for NBC in New York. 0:05:59 Nelson explains how he recreated the broadcasts for the baseball games for which he announced. 0:07:42 Nelson speaks more of Tom Gallery and the influence he had on him, explaining that Gallery was the person who believed in him. 0:08:51 Nelson describes moving to New York, and what sort of change that was. He explains that he was still good friends with Gallery and because of that, he had some of the same acquaintances, and more easily succeeded. 0:09:30 Nelson describes West Point, and why it was his favorite place. 0:10:40 Nelson speaks of Red Blake and the admiration he had for him. 0:12:30 Nelson explains the first football package that was put together by NBC. It was sold for $4 million. 0:13:05 Nelson speaks highly of Red Grange, claiming that he built professional football. Nelson explains how they met and their relationship afterwards. 0:14:52 Nelson gives the story of going with Grange to see his old football coach: Bob Zuppke before he died. 0:16:11 Nelson reminisces going to visit with Grange a couple of years before this interview. 0:17:44 Nelson explains the relationships/bonds he had with sports players and military figures, and the sort of impact those types of relationships on a person. 0:19:25 When asked what makes a good broadcasting team, Nelson replies mutual respect is very important. 5
0:20:36 Regarding the announcing of the games, Nelson speaks of the preparation that is required to broadcast well. 0:23:09 Nelson describes the various changes that occurred throughout the years with technology and broadcasting, etc. 0:24:09 Nelson was involved in the first instant replay in 1963. He explains what happened before the game when he spoke with the director, Tony Verna, and then speaking of broadcasting the instant replay. 0:25:32 Nelson describes how different the techniques between television and radio are. Nelson gives reasons why starting in 1962 he declined to do any radio broadcasts for 10 years. 0:26:20 Nelson explains why the game between Oklahoma and Notre Dame in 1957 is his all-time favorite. 0:27:50 Nelson speaks briefly on dealing with the pressure of performing well. He states that when he began, Mel Allen was the great sportscaster at the time. He and Allen became good friends. Nelson lists a few more people that helped him. 0:28:46 When asked what he has done to preserve and protect his voice, Nelson replies that he has done nothing to take care of it, but has had no difficulty. He gives a few stories of having sore throats, and going to the doctor at NBC. 0:30:22 Nelson states that the greatest lineman he has ever seen is Robert Lee Bob Suffridge, and explains why. 0:30:55 Nelson then states that the greatest quarterback in his opinion is John Unitas. 0:31:30 Nelson states that his favorite running back is Gale Sayers of the Chicago Bears. 0:32:07 When asked if any receivers caught his attention over the years, Nelson replies that Lenny Moore was great, and that he and John Unitas made a great team. 0:33:11 Nelson states that it is simply impossible to compare players of one era to another era because the game changes and there is no basis for comparison. 0:34:36 When the topic comes about that broadcasters criticize players and coaches, Nelson explains that he was not a critical broadcaster and why. 0:36:28 Nelson gives his thoughts on putting microphones on players and officials. He explains he has always been against it, believing that it is a form of intrusion, and does not agree with it. 6
0:37:12 Nelson lists a few people whom he believes to be great coaches including, Red Blake, Bud Wilkinson, and Frank Leahy; Nelson also gives some qualities of why these were great coaches. 0:38:23 When asked what sort of preparation is required for Bowl games, Nelson replies that it is more difficult because it is likely you do not know much about the team and personnel. Nelson says that for his preparation, he would request tapes from the coaches and review them. 0:39:20 In Nelson s career, he never played the cheerleader role, but explains that it was never difficult for him to remain neutral when announcing the games. Nelson essentially gives credit to General Neyland. 0:40:31 By the late 1950s, Nelson started to gain fame. He relates a story of falling when getting off an airplane, injuring himself, and couple of fans came to help him. 0:42:35 Nelson explains what he does to prevent being burned out when announcing so many different games and maintaining a heavy workload. 0:43:24 Nelson speaks briefly about teaching. 0:44:03 Speaking of his baseball broadcasting career, Nelson explains why it was the best, professional decision he ever made and how it changed his life. 0:45:19 Nelson speaks of the New York Mets, their terrible career during the 1960s, and why Casey Stengel was so important during that time. 0:46:38 Staying on the topic of Casey Stengel, Nelson reminisces of some particular funny instances between them both. 0:49:11 Nelson speaks about the fans of the New York Mets and the fun they had at the games. 0:49:33 Nelson speaks in general about baseball, why he likes it, and why he believes it to be the greatest spectator sport we ve ever had. 0:50:29 Nelson gives his thoughts on the old ball parks, comparing them to the newly constructed ones, and give his opinions of why the old-style ball parks were much better. 0:51:47 Nelson speaks of Forbes Field, explaining why it was a great contribution to baseball. 0:52:26 Nelson next speaks of Crosley Field in Cincinnati, giving his reasons why he believed it to be opposite of Forbes Field, describing it as a band box. 7
0:53:38 Nelson discusses Sportsman s Park at St. Louis next, reminiscing of various teams playing there, and other incidents with specific people like Stan Musial. 0:54:18 Nelson speaks of the Polo Grounds describing what they were, and his days broadcasting there. He reminisces of three players hitting homeruns there, including Henry Aaron. 0:55:44 Nelson speaks once again of the New York Mets, and their losing season during the 1962. He states that it was not a bad year to broadcast, and describes the first game they played, which they lost, yet they come back to New York to an extravagant parade in which Nelson marched. 0:56:34 When asked if he has a favorite baseball manager, Nelson replies that he was fond of Leo Durocher explain that he was the type of person that did things by hunch and was not afraid. 0:57:20 Nelson states that Willie Mays was the greatest player he had ever seen, and explains why. 0:58:20 Nelson is asked to describe some of the infield players he witnessed who were purely great at the game. He mentions players such as Ozzie Smith, who at the time of this interview was the highest paid baseball player. Nelson also explains why he believes artificial turf played a role in how well the players played. 0:59:10 Nelson describes his experience in going up in a gondola, which was 208 feet above the playing field, to broadcast a baseball game. 0:59:57 Bob Bullen asks Nelson to give any advice to people aspiring to be sportscasters or other writers. Nelson states that there is simply no way that a person cannot do what they want to do. He also advises to look for every opportunity available, and to never give up. 1:01:08 Bullen begins to conclude the interview with Nelson restating his importance in America, and thanking him for the interview. 1:01:29 Bob Bullen concludes interview #2. 1:01:36 Credits begin to roll. 1:02:07 END OF PART 2 8