Yariv Wolok (Ywolok) and Jamey Baskow (JameyBaskow) from the “Gettin Gritty Wit It” podcast were joined by one of the greatest play by play announcers in Flyers history Jim Jackson. Jim has an iconic voice, and most Philadelphians’ and Philadelphia fans throughout the World can distinguish his voice from others. This Utica native in Jackson really has become a staple for not only the orange and black, but for Phillies Baseball, as well.
This Episode was one of the best one’s we have done. Jim is just an easy going guy, that has tons of Flyers knowledge. He commands a presence, and Jackson did that with us. Give it a listen Flyers fans, like the video, subscribe to the page, and just enjoy the moment. The Flyers will return shortly (Hopefully), and become Cup contenders.
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The game is so fast. You really have to be on your P’s and Q’s. “I’m no legend, just have to take your time.”
This is a “Rights” situation. NBC has a television contract with NHL.
One of his favorite calls was the Keith Primeau overtime winner in 2000 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. “I really wish I could of called an Eric Lindros Cup, and I really thought it was going to happen when I first started with the Flyers in 1993.”
He talked about Jonesy a lot, so the question was not answered directly. They are really close, obviously, but he does enjoy the new staff at NBC.
They have not reached out to him at the moment, but “That darn Jonesy.” The last simulation game for those that are interested will be Monday. It appears he likes to do the Sim games to keep fresh.
This wasn’t on air, but he witnessed a Wayne Gretzky fight in a hotel inadvertently. “I walked into it, and couldn’t believe it, Gretzky of all people.”
RPI Student Athlete Podcast (@Podcastrpi)- Can you ask Jim Jackson, how he got his job as a broadcaster with the Flyers? When did he start and what was his first job/game covered in sports media? What advice would he give to an aspiring broadcaster?
Jim started his broadcasting career with the Utica Devils. A notable player that Jim got to know with his time with the Utica Devils was Martin Brodeur. He became the play by play of the Flyers on radio during the 1993-94 season, but became the play by play announcer for the Flyers during the 1995 season, not so easy right. Some advice he would give is believe in yourself, it’s a tough business. A quote will follow in the coming days, via email. I’ll share it with you when he responds.
Gary Schofield (Facebook)- Man, I have a ton, Who has been his favorite color man to work with, Most memorable goal call, when did he know he could make it as a broadcaster, what’s the most important part of preparation for a game?
After he graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in broadcast Journalism. He still called games for the Utica Blue Sox minor league Baseball team. Jackson was so good that he was promoted to calling the Utica Devils games. “Jonesy hands down.” They just know each other so well. One of the most memorable goal calls was Keith Primeau scoring the overtime winner in the 2000 playoffs during the historic five overtime game against the Pittsburgh Penguins (“What a goal”), but one of the best playoff series to call was the 1996 bloodbath with Tampa Bay.
Jennifer Sheppard (Facebook)- How has Jim been keeping his “He scoooorrreeesss” voice active in quarantine? 😁
He has been doing simulation games, so “I feel great, just cleaning my office (Laughing).”
Jimmy Curran (Facebook)- What was the first game you saw the Flyers play? Final? What was the first game you did commentary for? Final? What was the best game you saw?
The first game he did commentary for was the Utica Devils in 1987, on 10-11-87 against New Haven, in a 5-2 loss. There are so many games, but the playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1996 was a bloodbath, but also a fun one to call.
Thanks to all those is submitted questions, JJ had a fun time answering them.
