By By Chandler Myers
Last Wednesday, I was presented with a great opportunity to speak to one of the most well-known broadcasters in the country, who also happens to the voice of the Crimson Tide.
Eli Gold has just finished a book titled, “From Peanuts to the Pressbox,” which is the story of how he came from selling peanuts in Madison Square Garden to narrating Crimson Tide football games through the airwaves to millions of people.
I was able speak to him and ask him some questions after his book promoter sent out an e-mail for a copy of his book as well as to set up an interview with him. I jumped at the chance to speak to him. To me the man is a legend because as far back as Crimson Tide football goes in my memory, his voice is the one that sits in my brain.
Gold has been calling broadcasts for the Crimson Tide since 1988 when he called basketball games for a season before also getting the job as the school’s football announcer in 1989.
I was associated with his voice at a young age when my dad and I would listen to Alabama games on the radio, and there is something about his voice when he is calling games that just pulls you into the broadcast even more.
His excitement when a huge play happens or his disappointment when something goes wrong makes you feel like you are there.
It is hard to believe a voice can bring you so much joy or pain, but when listening to his voice one of the two emotions is sure to hit and hit hard.
One example I can remember is in the 1994 SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Florida that the Gators won 24-23.
My parents and I were in our vehicle traveling back from a trip to the mall and the game was on the radio.
Florida was leading 24-23 late in the fourth quarter after quarterback Danny Wuerffel hit Chris Doering with a two-yard touchdown pass.
Alabama was driving down the field and Eli was intense as he called each play. My heart was pounding as it seemed like the Crimson Tide might be able to get down the field and score to win.
The disappointment and shock hit me when Eli called the play as Jay Barker dropped back and threw a pass that was intercepted by Gator defensive back Judd Davis.
Just the sound of Gold’s voice put me in a state of sadness like I had been there to see the final play.
The way he calls a game is what makes him so great and one of the greatest broadcasters around.
Over the next couple of weeks, I will read his book and once I’m finished I will be sure to let everyone know how it was.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Eli got to the point he has in his career.
Chandler Myers is sports editor of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123 or by e-mail at sports@atmoreadvance.com