Joe Siddall, Sportsnet Broadcaster


How long have you worked with Sportsnet?

Almost 9 years.

What drew you to want to work there?

I was hired as a radio analyst working with Jerry Howarth, totally happened by chance. I was working with the Tigers, and I saw Jerry when he came to town with the team. We had been friendly with each other, saying hi and everything every now and then. After my son passed away in 2014, Jerry sent an email of condolences. When I replied, I thanked him and said something along the lines of “look forward to seeing you next time you’re in Detroit…or in the broadcast booth”. His reply was “how about right now?”. Many emails and calls later, I got the job working with Jerry for Sportsnet 590.

What is it like being in this environment and this kind of team? What keeps you coming back?

It’s been such a thrill. Four years of radio experience was good prep for TV, I felt like my inside knowledge was good for radio but then to articulate for working on Tv has been an adjustment - a good one though. Being associated with the team has been great as well. Seeing the highs of the 2015-2016 postseason runs, then going through a bit of a rebuild and watching them come back up the last couple of years has been great.

Favourite/most fulfilling part of your job?

Talking about baseball. I’ve always had a passion for the sport. Being able to go from playing (as a catcher) and now work a job in the sport is amazing, not only talking baseball but being in the environment. With my past experience, there’s a lot of things the average fan doesn’t see that you pick up on and can deliver to everyone watching and listening.

Favourite Jays moment?

It’d have to be the Bautista bat-flip (from 2015). It’s such a great moment with everything that happened prior in that inning. When he hit the ball, Jerry did his home run call and then we just sat in silence in the booth. One of the things Jerry taught me about was the importance of silence and letting the audience on radio hear the sounds of the stadium and feel that emotion.

Fun fact about your job that people wouldn’t know?

I iron my shirts and steam my suits everyday after my stylist picks up them up.

Can you talk a bit about what winning the Canadian Screen Award for Best Sports Analyst meant to you?

It was so humbling, I get to do what I love in talking about baseball - analyze it, dive into the game - and share that with the fans. To be contacted that I was nominated for an award and eventually winning, I was shocked and honoured to be considered with all the great analysts in this country.

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