July 31, 1982-Pirates vs. Mets (WMVQ Radio) (Jiggs McDonald subs for Bob Murphy)

-And the final three of these "announcers doing other sports" uploads is the most unusual of the lot. In 1982, legendary hockey announcer Jiggs McDonald (working for the Islanders at this point) filled in for Bob Murphy on several Mets radio broadcasts. Here's one of them with McDonald and Steve LaMar (Murphy's regular partner from 1982-1984). The Mets, under first year manager George Bamberger are enroute to another last place finish, and in this game just two players from the 86 team are present, Mookie Wilson and Wally Backman (who comes in later). Because of the novelty of McDonald announcing, I'm refraining from mentioning the outcome of the game this time!

[@Bigeazy87]

The Pirates were certainly at a crossroads. Willie Stargell, in his final season, was 42 years old. Players such as Dave Parker, Bill Madlock, Omar Moreno, Kent Tekulve and other key contributors from the 1979 We Are Family world champion team were still on the roster. Also, a rising star in 25-year-old Tony Pena was the catcher. But the magic was gone from the Pittsburgh team. As for the Mets, the magical run of the 1980s was still a little bit away. Keith Hernandez was playing for St. Louis. Gary Carter was the catcher in Montreal. Davey Johnson was still a year-and-a-half away from assuming the managerial duties for the Mets. Darryl Strawberry was tearing it up for the AA Jackson Mets. Doc Gooden just recently graduated from Tampa's Hillsborough High School and was a newbie with the Kingsford Mets rookie level team.

[@bb-gc2tx]

drove from long island to south carolina listened to this for part of my drive

[@mortimerbrewster1028]

Jiggs was the Original PBP guy for both the Los Angeles Kings and the Atlanta Flames

[@trickolas78]

Love me some Jiggs McDonald 😊