Video: Mike “Doc” Emrick talks about the Old Barn, the Bears and the Caps.

Before the Hershey – Derry Township Historical Society’s dinner “A Night at the Old Barn” I had the chance to sit down with broadcasting legend Mike “Doc” Emrick in a one-on-one interview. Doc was asked to be the keynote speaker for the dinner and very humbly accepted. Earlier in his broadcasting career, Doc worked for the AHL’s Maine Mariners and had broadcast games at the Hersheypark Arena. Later he was hired as the play-by-play announcer for the Philadelphia Flyers. During his time with the Flyers (and later with the New Jersey Devils) Doc and his wife were residents of Hershey. It was during that time that he used to attend games in the Old Barn as his time would allow.

Emrick was very accommodating before, during and after the interview. Before we got started he spent some time talking to my girlfriend who was with me to attend the dinner and to help record the interview. Doc asked her where she was from and upon hearing that she was from New Mexico, he immediately recalled the Albuquerque Chaparrals. I had to look them up. The Chaparrals played in the Southwest Hockey League from 1975-1977. If you ever wondered how much hockey knowledge Doc has in his head, there is a prime example. My girlfriend and I were both impressed with him. She only started watching hockey a little less than a year ago. Doc asked her what she likes about the sport and she started to answer “I played rugby in college…” to which Doc replied, “Well that makes perfect sense.” They both talked about how justice is delivered immediately whether through officiating or dealt by the players themselves.

In the interview I asked him about how he became involved with the dinner and some of his thoughts. He was more than eager to share them. Later in the interview I asked him if he had a chance to see either Dmitry Orlov or Cody Eakin since their call-ups. Unfortunately, he had not. Doc did, however, answer when I asked him about the current state of the Caps. He gave his thoughts on the situation and what he thinks of Bruce Boudreau. When the interview was done, he almost seemed disappointed and stated that if I wanted to talk more that he would stick around after everything was over. Doc is truly a great guy.

The interview is about 10 minutes in length. I did not edit it, so you will see the full, uncut version. I hope you enjoy it and thanks to my girlfriend for operating the camera.

Highlights with a full transcript to come later:

The opening question is how he became involved in the dinner as the keynote speaker.

2:50 –  I ask Doc if there is any chance we could see a return of him as a resident.

4:20 – Doc answers about specific memories that he has of the Old Barn.

5:16 – Hershey mentions in Doc’s NHL broadcast are easy for him.

6:26 – Moving to present day, I ask Doc if he’s had a chance to look at Orlov or Eakin.

7:02 – Doc shares his thoughts on the Capitals and Boudreau.

9:03 – Doc talks about coming to the Giant Center.