Cavaliers: Joe Tait Chat Transcript

March 22nd, 2007

Joe Tait Chat Transcript

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Joe Tait is in his 35th season as The Voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers. As the club's radio play-by-play announcer, Tait has become one of the most recognizable and popular members of the Cavaliers and he is synonymous with the team itself.

Paul Walker (Painesville, OH): Being with the Cavaliers for so long, have you ever experienced a time where the city of Cleveland has been this smitten with any of the pro teams in Cleveland?

Joe Tait: Sure, the Browns Kardiac Kids, the Indians within one out of the World Series, and the Miracle of Richfield were all times where the fans in Cleveland were totally smitten.

King James (Cleveland): Joe, sweaters seem to be your trademark...how many sweaters do you own?

Joe Tait: I would guess somewhere between 40 and 50.

Rod (Warrensville, OH): What is your favorite arena to visit while on the road with the Cavs?

Joe Tait: It used to be Madison Square Garden before they moved our broadcast site. I don't know if I have a favorite one anymore. I can't say at the moment that I have one outside of The Q, which has the best broadcast vantage point in the league.

Doug (New York): Hi Joe. My girlfriend and I play a drinking game to your broadcasts. Every time you say "wham," we drink. Anyway, in your memory, what has been the most difficult game to call in your long career and why?

Joe Tait: I would say the most difficult game to call was in the 70-71 season at San Diego. I had an extreme case of laryngitis and just barely got through the ball game.

Mike (North Canton, OH): How many more years do you see yourself as the voice of the Cavs?

Joe Tait: I have no clue. I am going to go as long as I can be effective and then I'll quit.

Quinn (Willoughby): Do you remember in the good ole days, at the beginning of the game, when the teams would come out to intimidate the other? I would like to know how you feel about all the "hugs and kisses" that start pretty much every game in the NBA these days?

Joe Tait: I kind of voice my opinion on that every time they do it. It's just a warm and wonderful moment that I could certainly do without.

Darin (Fairfax, VA): Who will be our most important "role" players in the playoffs and why?

Joe Tait: Last night we had none and if that continues we won't be in the playoffs very long. But I still think the rookies Gibson and Brown will play a role in the team's success this year.

Sheila (Lakewood, OH): Do you have any pets?

Joe Tait: Yes, we have two dogs, a cat and two race horses that are down in Kentucky in training. But the horses aren't really pets...they cost money!

Jordan (St. Louis, MO): Hey Joe, that's the name of my favorite Jimi Hendrix song. Anyway, what kind of job do you think Mike Brown has done this year? Have you noticed significant improvements since last year? Thanks, and, wham with the right hand!

Joe Tait: I think Mike Brown by his own admission is still learning. He has shown improvement since last year. I have every reason to believe he will continue to get better as time goes on.

Maredbor (Kluczbork): Hey Joe, I very like you! I am Polish fan of Cleveland Cavaliers, and I love this team ;-) You're master in your job! Joe I have a question: What I must do to be like you?

Joe Tait: Eat a lot!

Jack (Georgetown): Do you miss Whities after the games?

Joe Tait: Yes....that is where I met my wife and I am absolutely very fond of my days at Whities.

Moto (Parma): Going through all of the Cavs teams you've watched, what would be your best starting lineup from all of the Cavs players you've seen play?

Joe Tait: Mark Price obviously at PG. Lenny Wilkens, LeBron James, Larry Nance, and Brad Daugherty.

Stephen (Akron): Joe, do you think LeBron James has the potential to be greater than Jordan?

Joe Tait: Yes, the potential is there. Whether he achieves that remains to be seen. But yes, the potential is there.

Kevin (Westlake, OH): What's the most exciting part of being a radio announcer?

Joe Tait: I don't know if there is an exciting part, but it is an enjoyable job. I don't think the job lends itself to excitability. If it does you are not doing your job. You have to keep under control. But it is a very enjoyable job.

Thank you fans for joining my chat. Have a good day everyyyybody!