Up Close With PSR
Chris Berman

Editor's Note: Six-time National Sportscaster of the Year Chris Berman has been a fixture at ESPN since its inception in 1979. At the time, he was a little known 24-year-old weekend sports anchor from the NBC affiliate in Hartford CT. However, over the past 23 years, "Boomer" has become one of the most respected, popular, and entertaining individuals in sports television.

The 47-year-old Berman, winner of seven Emmy Awards and 12 Cable Ace Awards, is best known these days as host of ESPN's wildly popular "NFL Prime Time" show. He and former Denver Broncos' linebacker Tom Jackson have teamed up on the program since the network acquired the rights to carry NFL games back in 1987. During his first 11 years at ESPN, Berman regularly hosted "SportsCenter" with his good friend - the late Tom Mees. Since 1990, he has served as play-by-play man for ESPN's coverage of major league baseball and he also hosts the network's "Baseball Tonight" show throughout the summer.

Recently, Berman spoke with PSR's Jim Lachimia from his home in Connecticut and discussed the Pirates then and now, Barry Bonds' achievements, the Steelers, and his favorite ESPN moments.

PSR: When ESPN first started televising major league baseball in the early 1990s, Pittsburgh was a perennial contender. What do you remember most about the Pirates of that era?

BERMAN: Our first year doing baseball —1990—was the year of the Pirates' emergence. Even though they didn't win the whole thing like Anaheim did last year, they were kind of Angel-like, at least in 1990, because everyone was saying, 'Where did they come from?' When I look back at what almost was for Pittsburgh with those three losses in the NLCS, wow. Especially the two series they played against Atlanta. I mean, geez they easily could have won both of those. It makes you wonder what would have happened if they had gotten into one of those World Series. What kind of memories would we have now of a young Barry Bonds? We may never have heard, 'Oh it's the post-season. He's terrible.' It was an old-fashioned team built with young stars. I really enjoyed them. The Pirates were a lot of fun back then. They were our first Cinderella story when we did baseball.

PSR: What message do you have for Pirate fans as the 2003 baseball season gets set to begin?

BERMAN: Well, I've heard nothing but glowing reports on your ballpark, and I'm embarrassed that I haven't been there yet. But I look forward to getting there. I hope the Pirate fans are patient. You're looking uphill at a big mountain, and you don't get to the top of Everest in one leap. This is a year when you might be—I don't know what to say—.500? You make moves up the ladder. You don't have to define exactly what that means. Just play a good brand of baseball. You've got St. Louis, Houston and the Cubs (in the division), so it will be hard. The Cubs will be better with Dusty Baker, trust me. And St. Louis is very good as you know, and then Houston adds Jeff Kent. So it's tough to say you're going to pass one of those teams. But if one of them has a rough year and starts finger pointing, you never know.

PSR: How much longer do you think Barry Bonds can keep mashing home runs the way he has been the past few years? Does he have a legitimate shot at Hank Aaron's all-time record of 755?

BERMAN: Can he hit .370 again? Or can he hit 73 home runs again? Probably not. They're not going to pitch to him until there's a noticeable dip, and his work ethic is such that I think the next two years, he's going to be pretty close to what we just saw. That gets him to 40 (year old). Can he do that much past 40? Probably not. But the next two years, I wouldn't be surprised to see 50 home runs and .350 out of him. It's like his batting eye and bat quickness have gotten better. Some people are wondering, 'Hey, what's he doing?' But he's been a great player for a long time, and I know about his regimen. He's been at this a lot longer than just emerging out of some closet to hit 73 home runs. Right now Barry is sitting there at 613, so he's going to get close, but I don't think he's going to catch Hank Aaron. Will he get 700? Yes. But Aaron, I'm not so sure. I think he'll end up right around Babe Ruth (at 714). How's that for an answer?

PSR: What are your thoughts on the Yankees adding Cuba's best pitcher in Jose Contreras and Japan's leading home run hitter in Hideki Matsui to an already talented cast?

BERMAN: The U.N. is in New York, so it's perfect. They could have their own Security Council meeting in the clubhouse. Look, you're sitting in Pittsburgh where you can't do what they just did. They're in New York where they can, and you don't need me to say that certain things aren't fair. That being said, I don't blame George Steinbrenner for doing it. If he can do it and he wants to win, God bless him. I don't know what hope you have in Pittsburgh. You're not in the same division or league with the Yankees, but I don't like the way the odds are stacked against teams like the Pirates. I don't think it's fair if teams like the Pirates can assemble a good front office, and they know what they're doing, and their hands are still tied. But there are a lot of teams with low budgets that wouldn't know how to spend $100 million if they had it, by the way.

PSR: Were you one of the media folks who picked the Steelers to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl this past season? And were you surprised they didn't quite live up to expectations?

BERMAN: I didn't pick them this year, but I picked them to play Philly (in the Super Bowl) the previous year and they both lost in the title round after that 2001 season. Last year I had New England, so I didn't get that either. I joke with Coach Cowher — and he and I are pretty friendly — I say 'Bill, the only thing you don't need is the title game at home. You've got to cut that out.' He says 'Okay.' Am I surprised as the season unfolded they finished short? No, because defensively they were a little off. And as prolific as their offense was, they were a team in offensive transition. We know about their receivers, but they're working in this kid Randle-El. They made the move with Tommy Maddox. And Jerome Bettis isn't playing that much, so here's Amos Zereoue. That all happened as the year went by. They may be a better team offensively next season even though it may not be more points and yards. It may be just the way they play together. But I have to give Coach Cowher the nod. Here's one thing I'd like to remind everyone in Pittsburgh. We (ESPN folks) were talking about how UCLA is going to have a losing record (in hoops), and they're still trying to replace John Wooden and it's 25 years later. Like replacing Vince Lombardi up in Green Bay took until Mike Holmgren. You just don't do it. Replace a legend. Well, Bill replaced Chuck Noll and no one ever mentions that anymore. It was a lose-lose proposition. Well, 10 or 11 years into Cowher's tenure, they're still a contender. The fact that they're going to be a contender again next season is better than the alternative. You could be the Bengals. In their minds, I think the Steelers went into the season as the AFC favorite, but I'm not surprised they didn't get to the Super Bowl. Can they get back next year? Absolutely. Just don't play that title game at home.

PSR: Of everything you've had the opportunity to cover during your career with ESPN, what moments do you remember and treasure the most?

BERMAN: There was a couple at Candlestick Park. I was on the field for "The Catch." In our era, that began modern football with the 49ers. I was also at the World Series there during the earthquake (in 1989). But I guess the most impressive thing that I'll look back at in terms of one night was when Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's record, and I was fortunate enough to be in the booth. We all remember where we were during that one. September 6, 1995—that was an amazing, amazing day. For us at ESPN for one thing, but also for baseball and for sports. Every announcer hopes they have a moment or two. I had that one. I just thanked Cal for letting us share it with him. If I had to pick one moment, that would be it. Our Reality

Let's start with the understanding that whatever passes for "reality" television is pathetic. There's nothing real about this stuff, only a bunch of network suits who've conned Americans into believing real risk, drama or emotions are at stake, when, in true reality, nothing could be further than the truth.

Whether it's people with high telegenics "stranded" on an island, models "fearing" for their life or "races" around the world featuring every possible demographic, the suits have convinced viewers they need this junk to survive. It's actual a fairly easy thing to do, hooking us on such things, given our endless desire to follow, stalk and otherwise ador whatever passes these days for celebrity and glamour.

Before this rant moves into something with a semblance of sports, allow us to point out that if television wants to truly get real, it would take a camera into the depths of urban life where mothers struggle daily with the toughest job our society offers – trying to keep a home together and paths straight in environments polluted by evil. That's real; investing time watching the lives of dogs owned by an unintelligible English family or overstuffed former model isn't.

With that out of our system, let's come up with a few "reality" bits we wouldn't mind seeing, simply because if we're talking about fictional television, we might as well find humor in it.

"Mike & His Demons": This is too easy. If Mike Tyson is uncertain about Lennox Lewis, as he should be, he would be well-advised to pursue the reality show he's rumored to be getting. Mike vs. the medicine cabinet? Mike vs. a group of rots? Mike hosting a party? Genius.

"Leigh On The Cell": Fresh off his big court win over a former associate, watching Leigh Steinberg field the many offers he'll create for Kordell Stewart should be fairly entertaining, particularly if a mini-cam could be placed in Pittsburgh bars when it's announced #10 lands a pretty good gig.

"Grapplin' Lloyd": The Pirates did the right thing bringing back Mac. With a restructured coaching staff and advanced spring buzz, watching him wrestle with the need for a quick start – or at least not a poor one – would get ratings, particularly once he realizes his future is controlled by veteran castoffs.

"Watch Ken Count": Pens' money boss Ken Sawyer sitting around for hours trying to make the stupid abacus work. The organ-I would be well-served getting Sawyer in front of the cameras as much as possible to make the case for the modern day Melody Tent he deems necessary and if it takes getting a show to get your attention, so be it.

"Ridin' Roddey": Watching Jim defend whatever's left of the Alamo when he doesn't come up with coin for a new arena should be priceless, but...

"Lemieux/Sawyer vs. Patrick/Roddey Steel Cage Match": Studio Wrestling returns, featuring Pens' brass taking on a couple guys working in the "I Show Up Each Day Without Any Money To Work With" department. Empowered by public support, pugilist Mario drops the gloves while his partner beats Craig Patrick senseless with a calculator. The Broke Guys look beat when Mario suddenly saves the day again and defends the GM, who he knows was only working under orders when he dumped players. Viewers scurry when the threesome leers toward Mr. Jim as the "To Be Continued" graphic hits the screen.

"Terry's Old House": The Noll War over, Terry Bradshaw and his interior decorator go mini-series on what to do with all those walls in his house that have thousands of Noll pictures pasted on them.

"Brandin's Practice Mirror": This hit doesn't show Pitt's Knight practicing his golf swing or jump shot; it's dedicated to him looking in the glass and practicing an art lost on him - smiling. Lighten up, BK.