I used to listen to him in, I think, the late 70's. He was a radio announcer for the Islanders. I also seem to remember he had a radio based talk show around that time and he would says just the nastiest things to callers and berate them constantly. I had to listen all the time...eventually, when he became more popular and a national celebrity I was surprised that his past antics on radio never caught up with him. I'm guessing it was all an act to draw listeners to his radio show. RIP
I miss George--total Sunday night ritual growing up. RIP. But no one has mentioned what has happened to "The Machine"?? It had reel-to-reel magnetic tape, an oscilloscope, and lots & lots of big square multi-colored buttons! The Machine could store a lot of clips, and George could dial them in so easily that way. George has moved on to greener pastures, but hopefully The Machine isn't rotting on some back lot at NBC/Universal. I miss The Machine.
@jendole That machine is a "Quadruplex" videotape recorder, an RCA TR-70C.
This machine looks a little different than most TR-70's that were used in TV studios' VTR rooms, all other TR-70's didn't have the Sports Machine setup.Those Quad machines were replaced with smaller helical-scan VTR's and now by High Definition VTR's and digital storage media. You might want to search "RCAQuadruplex" for some TR-70 videos that explain this machine a little more.
I loved watching the 'George Michael Sports Machine' way back in the mid-80s when it first took off. It was the one stop that you made before the end of the weekend on Sunday nights that would recap the weekend sports with highlights (and lowlights) from the entire week. No fluff, no filler and NO nonsense yapping and jabbing by overpaid fossils in suits sitting behind a table... just sports coverage by 'one man' who was the best. Truly, a sad day this Christmas Eve, 2009. RIP GM.
just found out about this. I can't believe it. Took me by surprise, didn't know he was fighting cancer. My he rest in peace. I remember him and his syndicated show "the sports machine" . I watched in growing up in VA. It was great, he was great. He will truly be missed
Just read his obituary. I grew up listening to him in the 1960's in Philadelphia where he was a disc jockey on Boss Radio, WFIL. Great voice who will be missed.
Thanks for posting. I just looked this up to see the date and after finding it I see it was already posted! Oh well, I confirm 8-26-1990 was the 3rd straight shutout of the Blue Jays by Boston.
I remember when I would have to watch this on Sunday night's to see any highlights of the games before we had any cable TV!!
I remember that. I've been trying to get hold of it for years. Wasn't it on the plays of the year? Something happened and he started laughing, and kept laughing through the entire segment. When he came back from commercial, he apologized for cracking up. Wish I could get a copy of that!
Before sports center there was this show, plus he respected pro wrestling. how u not like this show
77danigga 2 months ago
I used to listen to him in, I think, the late 70's. He was a radio announcer for the Islanders. I also seem to remember he had a radio based talk show around that time and he would says just the nastiest things to callers and berate them constantly. I had to listen all the time...eventually, when he became more popular and a national celebrity I was surprised that his past antics on radio never caught up with him. I'm guessing it was all an act to draw listeners to his radio show. RIP
gtc1961 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Kick-Ass flip @ 00:24 lol :P
StrateEdgeBeast21 1 year ago
This was my favorite sports show of all-time
PJHunterTJ 2 years ago 2
Yes, I was surprised and kinda sad to hear about Michael. It was great watching that show and him. I liked that music late at night too. :]
ridewave444 2 years ago
RIP George Michael I'LL miss you
KILLALL23 2 years ago
I miss George--total Sunday night ritual growing up. RIP. But no one has mentioned what has happened to "The Machine"?? It had reel-to-reel magnetic tape, an oscilloscope, and lots & lots of big square multi-colored buttons! The Machine could store a lot of clips, and George could dial them in so easily that way. George has moved on to greener pastures, but hopefully The Machine isn't rotting on some back lot at NBC/Universal. I miss The Machine.
jendole 2 years ago
@jendole That machine is a "Quadruplex" videotape recorder, an RCA TR-70C.
This machine looks a little different than most TR-70's that were used in TV studios' VTR rooms, all other TR-70's didn't have the Sports Machine setup.Those Quad machines were replaced with smaller helical-scan VTR's and now by High Definition VTR's and digital storage media. You might want to search "RCAQuadruplex" for some TR-70 videos that explain this machine a little more.
PlaneAndTVtechfan 1 year ago
I used to watch this Sunday nights on Channel 68 when I was a teen. He covered ALL sports. LOVE that clip of Hulk Hogan slamming Mister Perfect!
RIP George, and thank you.
SellawEvets 2 years ago
Growing up without cable, I would stay up late to watch the Sports Machine. Good memories. RIP.
tomb20061 2 years ago 2
I loved watching the 'George Michael Sports Machine' way back in the mid-80s when it first took off. It was the one stop that you made before the end of the weekend on Sunday nights that would recap the weekend sports with highlights (and lowlights) from the entire week. No fluff, no filler and NO nonsense yapping and jabbing by overpaid fossils in suits sitting behind a table... just sports coverage by 'one man' who was the best. Truly, a sad day this Christmas Eve, 2009. RIP GM.
jupitr2 2 years ago 2
Good recovery in that clip, as you'd expect of a pro.
hardcorehouse 2 years ago
used to say up as a teenager and watch this. it came on after the 11 o clock news. best sports show evar
LTDANMAN44 2 years ago 2
RIP GM.
2FLYLIVE 2 years ago
RIP
fearthehawksndcavs24 2 years ago
just found out about this. I can't believe it. Took me by surprise, didn't know he was fighting cancer. My he rest in peace. I remember him and his syndicated show "the sports machine" . I watched in growing up in VA. It was great, he was great. He will truly be missed
specialk121212 2 years ago
R.I.P. You're a legend.
UntilTheDeathOfMe 2 years ago
Just read his obituary. I grew up listening to him in the 1960's in Philadelphia where he was a disc jockey on Boss Radio, WFIL. Great voice who will be missed.
oybay 2 years ago
the best
pawtdtmd 2 years ago
The Blue Jays old uniforms were awesome. They never should've changed them.
thunderstruck665 2 years ago
You are absolutely right. New current ones are probably the worst in baseball...
Champwsox05 2 years ago
Thanks for posting. I just looked this up to see the date and after finding it I see it was already posted! Oh well, I confirm 8-26-1990 was the 3rd straight shutout of the Blue Jays by Boston.
I remember when I would have to watch this on Sunday night's to see any highlights of the games before we had any cable TV!!
confed14 2 years ago 2
Hi Confed14,
Can you remember when George Michaels lost it on the Sports Machine?
He couldn't stop laughing at a little league playing running to first base;
he didn't get there without falling.
I remembered GM made it more funnier when he couldn't control himself throughout the entire High-Lights
segment. Do you know how to get to this footage?
menjahj 2 years ago
I remember that. I've been trying to get hold of it for years. Wasn't it on the plays of the year? Something happened and he started laughing, and kept laughing through the entire segment. When he came back from commercial, he apologized for cracking up. Wish I could get a copy of that!
cdent4 2 years ago
Too bad they didn't stop tape and start again after that glitch, because the Sports Machine was a live-to-tape show.
johnnyafairbanks 3 years ago
Hi johnnyafairbanks,
Hi ask confed14 the same question...
Can you remember when George Michaels lost it on the Sports Machine?
He couldn't stop laughing at a little league playing running to first base;
he didn't get there without falling.
I remembered GM made it more funnier when he couldn't control himself throughout the entire High-Lights
segment. Do you know how to get to this footage?
menjahj 2 years ago
august 26 1990
knicksfan89 3 years ago