Revisiting one of the scariest moments in sports broadcasting history
On Oct. 17, 1989, Al Michaels and Tim McCarver began a live broadcast at Candlestick Park, setting the stage for Game 3 of the World Series between the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants.
As McCarver narrated highlights of key plays from the previous game, the feed went dark.
“I tell you what, we’re having an earth ...” can be heard before the broadcast cuts off. A green screen with the wording “World Series” was all viewers could see for the next few minutes.
Following a few commercials, ABC News’ Ted Koppel came on the air.
“Let me try to explain to you what must be obvious to the millions of you who tuned in to watch the World Series tonight,” Koppel said as an aerial view of San Francisco was shown. “Take a look at that live picture. That is from San Francisco. That fire presumably has been caused by an earthquake that knocked both the network broadcast of the World Series off the air and has been causing apparently some considerable damage in the San Francisco Bay Area.”
What happened before Game 3 of the 1989 World Series?
The 6.9 magnitude earthquake, officially called the Loma Prieta Earthquake, hit at 5:04 p.m. local time and lasted for about 20 seconds, according to the California Department of Conservation. The resulting damage was significant.
63 people were killed.
3,757 were injured.
$6.8 billion worth of direct property damage was done.
The damage included collapsed sections of Interstate 880 in Oakland and a section of the Bay Bridge, which was unusable for a month, according to the California Department of Conservation
What did Al Michaels say about the earthquake?
Michaels — a veteran broadcaster who called the 1980 U.S. men’s hockey team’s upset of the Soviet Union with the famous phrase “Do you believe in miracles?” — reflected on the experience on the 25th anniversary during a video interview with “The Post Game” podcast.
“It was certainly one of the most stunning things ever,” Michaels said. “I can’t imagine anything like that happening, and there’s no way to even think about preparing for something like that. ...
“I’ve been involved in so many really great events. And most of them are pretty exciting and lead to a lot of good memories. That one’s not a good memory. There was too much damage done. Too many people lost their lives. So it was different. Let’s put it that way.”
The 1989 World Series did not resume until Oct. 27, with the Athletics winning in four games.
