SNY POINT BLANK TV: JIGGS McDONALD
“I hope this team is on Long Island forever”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIGGS!
Thanks to the Hall of Fame broadcaster for his time. Comments relevant to this video are invited. More Monday, plus our next “Islanders Interactive” call-in show will be recorded Tuesday at 12:15 pm.
59 Responses to SNY POINT BLANK TV: JIGGS McDONALD
“I hope this team is on Long Island forever”
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Anthony says:
Jiggs was the best. Great job CB! I love these interviews! I know all the fans love them too.
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Blizzard says: I miss Jiggs and Eddie. They where the best. Hearing his voice brings back so many great Islander memories.
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pc says:
Kind of nice to have an announcer who actually PARTICULARLY CARES about the team
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Tommy g says:
I didn’t see this video yet since I’m on an iPhone but just wanted to say that Jiggs is a huge fan of this team. He still shows up to the isles practices. I see him all the time.
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Steve says:
Very nice to hear from an announcer who cares about the team. I hope the Islanders stay on geographical Long Island and that includes Brooklyn and Queens.
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Cold Spring says:
Great memories from our TV golden days. Does anyone have the old John Sterling radio calls from the 1970s?
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Al says:
Although I hope the Islanders grow up and allow you to return for your great daily coverage of their team, I’m enjoying all of these videos. Even if they continue to ban you, I hope you keep the interviews coming. Looking forward to the next call-in show. Will try to get through on Tuesday. Do we start calling at noon?
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Gary9-19-22 says:
Jiggs was the best… I love when Howie takes off and Jiggs fills in for a few games. Puts a smile on your face.
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My first memories of islander games were on the Radio with John Sterling. Every time the isles would score he would shout ISLANDER GOAL,ISLANDER GOAL—it drove my Ranger fan friends crazy!!! Second memory was Jiggs on Ch.9 t.v. Always loved and appreciated him! Ahh–Good Times!
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peter debenedetto says:
I went to a game with a friend during the 1980 Cup Honor Night. I had the pleasure of sitting in the seats next to the Zamboni entrance. Jiggs was standing RIGHT next to me. I turned to tell him that his voice brought me back to 14 years old again, and that it was an honor to speak with him. While the zamboni cut the ice after warmups, he stood there and spoke to me for an extra 10 minutes or so. Class act. He loved this team and the fans that followed them. I also met another announcer that recently said he didn’t particularly care about the team some years ago in a stationary store. Told him I liked his work. He mumbled a thank you, and proceeded to ask where the pencil sharpeners were. I told him I didn’t work there. Hey Charles, while looking for a new building, can you find an announcer that has the 1/10th of class that Jiggs has?? And give the other guy a pencil sharpener and a spring training schedule.
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vrinqueens says:
Miss Jiggs big time, especially after Howie Rose said some unflattering things about the Isles last week during the Thrasher game on an open mic and had to apologize. NY Daily News media writer Bob Raissman rips him a new one for it.
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Tom 27 says:
I wish Jiggs and Eddie were still doing games, reminds me of being a kid and staying up late and watching games. Wonder if Wang would fire them ?
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Tom D. says:
Yes, there was a day when most everything was classy about the Isles, including the broadcasters.
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Sean says:
Well Howie Showed his true colors the other week, wish Jaffe and Jiggs were in the booth. Nassau County can’t afford to lose the Islanders I wish they just big a new building and stop the BS. There is no lighthouse project being built.
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LIT says:
I was at game 7 in Pitt.. Amazing time!
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WM says:
Tim Ryan on WOR-TV, John Sterling on WMCA-570AM, and then Jiggs & 18 during the Cup years on TV while Barry Landers and Jean Potvin on radio. Good ol’ days!
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Al L says:
Although your interviews are wonderful,Chris,it is sad to see the daily reports absent. Recently the official Islanders website added a note declaring themselves as the source for all Islanders news,yet they don’t even provide weekly reports of their prospects. Unless there is a method to their fan detachment madness,this Organization from top to bottom are just plain ‘MAD’!!!!
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Ah,the days of 560 WMCA, Jon Sterling and his sidekick Bob Lawrence!!! BOSSY SHOOTS! GOAL!! ISLANDER GOAL! ISLANDER GOAL! Barry Landers and Jon Potvin!! It seems like yesterday!! Unfortunately during this Hockey version of Nuclear Winter,it happened alooong time ago!!!
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That would be WMCA 570,not 560!
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Islesfaninflorida says:
Awesome, love Jiggs, hes such a amazing announcer, always shows his love for Long Island and the Islanders. His speech at the Bill Torrey night was fantastic. Cant wait for him to do a few more Isles games in the near future.
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BringBackNyles says:
Since we are discussing announcers, Howie Rose did not say some “unflattering things” what he said wa sa slap in the face to any Islander fan that cared about the game. I bet he never said “I don”t paricularly care” any time he did a game of his beloved Rangers or Mets.
How long would Howie have kept his job with any other team? But as long as he carries Wangs water in his annual address to the 17 Islander fans left who believe there will be a Lighthouse, he will be OK.
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always love jiggs and eddie..does anyone know why he stopped broadcasting for the islanders? and is there any hope he would consider coming back?
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Brian G says:
Jiggs is the man, after the Isles game vs. columbus last year..me and my friend talked hockey with Jiggs for over an hour at the marriott…we asked him just about every question we wanted, he answered everyone of them….the funny thing is he asked us a bunch of questions…like as fans do we like the shootout – great experience to talk with a great hockeyman as well as an Islanders Icon.
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Glen says:
What a disgrace it was when Jiggs was replaced by a big dope and a Ranger announcer Howie Rose. Only this moronic organization would bring in a Ranger to announcer Islander’s games. CB does the organization realize that even before the blunder last week all fans despise Howie and would die to have Jiggs back.
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matt says:
Can we add Jiggs and Eddie to the “bring them back” list?
On another note, CB, I really like the vids. Well done. I think you may have a future in TV. If Garth was smart, instead of pulling your credentials, he would have given you Butchie’s job!!
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how about the first year. the isles were on whn 1050 with bill mazer. we have come full circle from a 50,000 watt radio station the first year and then evolved into the greatest hockey franchise ever and now to a college radio station that most people cant get to the greatest laughing stock hockey franchise ever thanks to the clown who runs the circus charles wang.
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TimQ says:
Even though Jiggs and Eddie are always linked, I never liked liked Westfall’s style but always loved the way Jiggs announced the games. He was able to make the game more exciting simply by his vocal style. Nowadays, Doc Emerick has a similar quality.
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I doubt Jiggs ever did not care about the outcome of a game
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NYIFAN says:
Jiggs is the best. When he subs for Howie, you don’t care about the team’s record. He is like Vin Scully…. The sound makes you enjoy the game no matter the score.
Nowadays, too many gasbags out there who like to hear themselves talk.
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Ct 1970s says:
It would be great to have Jiggs McDonald and Billy Jaffe as our announcers.
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beachchica says:
Thanks for everything Jiggs!!!
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Chim says:
Man I loved Jiggs!!! I’ve met him a bunch of times at the coliseum….just a class act. Hearing Jiggs just reminds me of being a freshman in highschool staying up watching the 1993 playoffs it games. Muss ya Jiggs.
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Hoser14 says:
Happy Birthday Jiggs! Thanks for the calling the games through the great times and the not so great times.
FREE CHRIS BOTTA!!!!
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Good memories with Jiggs & Ed!
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Happy Birthday Jiggs!!
CB!! Even hearing his voice over the phone during the interview took me to some flash backs … When he was talking about his most memorable game the first thing that flashed to my mind was the 4OT game in the old Cap Center in Landover MD… ahhhhhh great memories Jiggs inspires.
Thanks for that CB.
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Lorne says:
Always nice to hear from Jiggs.
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Brian from Massapequa says:
Such a pleasure to hear Jiggs talk about past and present Islanders. Thanks Chris.
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Thomas says:
Totally agree with everyone else, I miss Jiggs doing our games and when Howie is out it is a pleasure to hear him.
It’s funny how NOW the remaining Islander fans are JUST coming around the fact that we have a Ranger fan announcing our games..This has been going on for years and I have made the point on this and several other Islander boards..listen to virtually any other local tv/radio sportscast, they are constantly pointing out non-calls against their own team, instead of Howie Rose who points out what the Islanders get away with.
For all the Islanders nickel and diming, why don’t they get rid of Howie Rose and let someone who actually likes the Islanders announce the games…like maybe Chris King? Cheaper and brings more of an Islander flavor to the broadcasts.
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backstop87 says:
(sigh)… I wish I knew what you guys were talking about..but unfortunately I’m too young. Its hard for us younger fans to believe the isles were ever a model franchise.
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Jim Clark says: Nothing against Howie Rose (although he needs to treat all microphones as if they are live) but I’d rather have Jiggs back. Will he be substituting for Rose again this year? What games?
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Tommy g says:
I love these interviews. Chris is there any chance of u getting an interview with Turgeon, Thomas, Hogue, or Vukota? Ideally Turgeon and letting him know how much he meant to the fans here in long island.
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The responses are beyond belief…. New York Islanders fans are the best and I hope you know how much I enjoyed working for “you” over those 15 seasons…or the “glory years” and beyond.
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Shame That this franchise is garbage now. I hate to See the team move. It’s all political garbage also. Wang’s plan was a lot, but hempstead clowns could not meet in the middle with him. I blame both sides. We were once the greatest team now a joke runned by a real estate developer that is holding us hostage without nothing being built. Where are we gonna be after 2015.
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sorry that this is post #2 CB…. please dont cut it..
Hearing Jiggs, and reading Post#39 brings back memories of my youth in the late 70′s and early 80′s.
The saddest part about the Isles is not the losing. That just hurts to the core.
The saddest part is that sports fans that live on Long Island just don’t care anymore.
My father-in-law, brother-in-law, wife and I are HUGE Isles fans. Some years we could afford season tickets, other years we would figure out ways to go see as many games as possible. No matter, we all watched almost every game. We always blead Blue and Orange.
As we started to have childred/grand-children we brought them into the fold. One Christmas we all bought the same cheapo blue Isles jerseys and took a family (15 of us) holiday picture. My then 2 year old son had a foam Isles #1 hand in the pic. We all cared and rooted hard for our team. We even had a signal every time the team scored. Grandpa would ring his sons phone once and hang up. He would then ring my phone once and I would ring Grandpa. No conversation, just a long distance high five.
Well the consistant losing and loser mentality is just wearing out the kids, now ranging on age from 12-19. In todays age of fantasy football, instant gratification, Yankees, Giants and Jets success who can blame them if the Isles became less and less important.
The kids now just don’t care. My son will watch a few minutes with me to hang out with his dad. His quotes, “its unwatchable”, “the team always sucks”, “we never improve”. At 12 he would rather watch any football game or wrestling. At least there is something for him to root for. My nephews all feel the same way.
The Isles ineptitude has turned away 6 young sport freaks and made them not care. My wife, a busy Mom, will poke her head in but she knows the product is inferior. My ftaher-in-law, a man who will record games if he goes out and watches EVERY game, EVERY year, finds himself changing the channel out of disgust. If I want to spend time with my son the Isles are not the #1 option for my dollar, they are closer to #8. I’m sure my story can be repeated in tens of thousands of homes accross Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Hearing Jiggs reminds me how the Isles were just as relevant to us kids as any other sports team and Jiggs was the “Voice” of the team. When the best news for kids is that the old uniforms are back its a sad state of affairs.
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UIF says:
Thanks for the insight Jiggs – hope we hear you filling in for Howie again soon.
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Derek A says:
Thanks Chris for these interviews, keeps a fan positive! Great interview, loved Jiggs.
FREE CHRIS BOTTA
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ClarkGillies says:
Unlike the current Islanders brass Jiggs is a class act.
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POTVINS CUPS says:
“HE SHOOTS, HE SCCCCOOOOOOORRRREEESS!!!”…Thanks for the memories Jiggs, you will forever be the “Voice of the Islanders” in my book. Happy Birthday!
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dose says:
a fantastic blend of great broadcasting voice and style, knowledge, passion and class, all with a sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye. though i wasn’t even in new york to see many of those great moments as they happened, i treasure the richness jiggs and his partner #18 brought to my bond with this team. jiggers was and is the best.
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Travelchic59 says:
Great to hear that glorious voice again. Thanks, CB. Brightened my day.
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JD says:
Happy Birthday Jiggs. CB, these interviews are a great listen. Thanks.
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Happy Birthday Jiggs!!! If your life consists of 1 year for every great memory you brought us—-then my friend, you will live forever!
I always felt uncomfortable about Howie as the broadcaster, he gets way to giddy when the OTHER team scores. Finally, we see his true colors, and they are not orange & blue. If this team would hire the many passionate people that want to see it thrive, they would be winning, after all, we all go the extra mile for the things we love. Imagine how the players feel. An owner who wants to reinvent the game they grew up with…A G.M. who does nothing to help their development…Playing in a town where the officials could care less if they stay or go…Not having the attention or publicity when they are doing well…Getting rid of 1) a very good scout, a very well respected player developer, an awesome up and coming reputable announcer, a website that truly keeps us connected to the team we love.
I am a certified therapist, if Garth or Wang ever want to talk, but of course I will never be hired, I love this team to much! -
NYIFANIN2010 says:
Can we get him to do a few games over the next couple of months?
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beatlebailey says:
At least the current regime can never take the memories away from us. RIP Islanders!
Thanks for everything Jiggs!
FREE CB!
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Brett says:
Jiggs was great, but let’s leave Howie alone. Many of us feel the same way and voice it on here daily. We only know what he said because of a technical glitch. How many of us complain at work when it’s not going well? The team has much larger issues.
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Jzimm says:
1989, 1991, 1992, and 1995 are the only years that the Islanders didn’t make the playoffs in Jiggs’ tenure as Islanders’ broadcaster. Coincidence? I’m not really sure, but things certainly turned for the worse starting in or about ’95.
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Tim F. says:
No disrespect to Howie Rose (who I think does a very professional job, despite last week’s slip-up), but hearing Jiggs McDonald call a hockey game is music to my ears. I’m 14 all over again, and the Isles are marching toward the Cup. Hearing him fill in for Howie last season, it’s clear that Jiggs hasn’t lost a step. He’s still the best hockey braodcaster ever. His place in the HOF is much deserved.
Even on the phone, his voice is golden.